Volvo Repair: ETS Faults, v70 t5, volvo dealer

Question
HI, I have a 1999 V70 T5 which has come up with an ETS and general engine fault light. I have taken it to my local Volvo dealer for a diagnostic download and they confirmed the ETS fault as being a common fault on this model.They reset the ETS and cleared the memory, but advised me the fault may return.Two days later the fault did return and the car is back to running rough. I understand that the cost of replacing the ETS unit is very expensive and I am wondering if it is possible to replace it myself, or if it needs to be programmed when a new unit is fitted. Iwould be very grateful if you could give me any advice on curing this fault.
Thank you
Stuart Goodwin

Answer
Well the ETS just stands for the Electronic Throttle System.  There are lots of components involved with that system, you would never have to replace the whole thing.  Since the car is running rough I susppect that the electronic throttle body is what is at fault.  Get the dealer to give you a more specific explanation for the failure because the warranty for the throttle bodies has been extended to 10 years 200,000 miles because it was too common of a failure.  So this will most likely be a no cost repair.  If it turns out to be something else I would still let the dealer do the repair because any module being replaced would have to be programmed, and replacing most of the components in that system yourself can be difficult.  The only one I would say that you could really do yourself is the brake pedal position sensor.  If that is what they find to be the fault please come back and I will give more detailed instructions for the replacement procedure for you.

James