VOLVO
ECM-921D - Electronic throttle unit, potentiometer 1. Signal too low
System
Engine Control Module (ECM)
Volvo models this fault code applies to
Applies to the following models:
9 modelsC30 (2007–2013), C70 (2006–2013), S40 (2004–2013), S60 (2001–2009), S80 (1999–2006), V50 (2004–2013), V70 (2000–2008), V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007), XC90 (2003–)
Show models by year and engine (23)
- Volvo C30 (2007–2013)2007Engine B5254T3 only
- Volvo C30 (2007–2013)2008–2013Engine B5254T7 only
- Volvo C70 (2006–2013)2006–2007Engine B5254T3 only
- Volvo C70 (2006–2013)2008–2013Engine B5254T7 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2005–2007Engine B5254T3 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2008Engine B5254T3, B5254T7 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2009–2012Engine B5254T7 only
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2005–2006Engine B5204T5, B5244T4, B5244T5, B5254T2, B5254T4 only
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2007Engine B5204T5, B5244T5, B5254T2, B5254T4 only
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2008–2009Engine B5204T5, B5244T5, B5254T2 only
- Volvo S80 (1999–2006)2005–2006Engine B5204T5, B5244T4, B5254T2, B6294S2, B6294T only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2005–2007Engine B5254T3 only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2008–2012Engine B5254T7 only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2005Engine B5204T5, B5244T4, B5244T5, B5254T2, B5254T4 only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2006–2007Engine B5204T5, B5244T5, B5254T2, B5254T4 only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2008Engine B5254T2 only
- Volvo V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007)2005All engines except: D5244T
- Volvo V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007)2006Engine B5244T4, B5254T2 only
- Volvo V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007)2007Engine B5254T2 only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2005–2006Engine B5254T2, B6294T only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2007–2012Engine B5254T2 only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2013–2014Engine B5254T9 only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2015
What does this fault code mean?
The engine control module (ECM) monitors the signal from potentiometer 1, the first throttle position sensor in the throttle unit. When the signal is too low, the code is set. The cause can be poor contact, a signal cable short-circuited to ground, or a supply to the potentiometers that is open or shorted to ground.
Possible causes
- Contact resistance or oxidation between the ECM and the throttle unit
- Signal cable short-circuited to ground
- Open circuit or short-circuit to ground in the supply to potentiometers 1 and 2
- Damaged throttle unit
What you can do
- 1Check the connectors in the throttle unit and the engine control module for contact resistance and oxidation
- 2Use a multimeter to check that the signal cable is not short-circuited to ground
- 3Use a multimeter to check that the supply to the potentiometers has no open circuit and is not short-circuited to ground
- 4If the fault remains after these checks, the throttle unit may need replacing by a workshop, followed by an adaptation
Symptoms you may notice1
- The throttle feels sluggish when the accelerator is pressed
What the fault can affect2
- Potentiometer 2 is used for the throttle angle
- If potentiometers 1 and 2 both report faults together, the throttle motor loses its supply
General guidance for car owners. Diagnosis on the car can point to a different cause.