VOLVO
ECM-9270 - Throttle unit. Faulty signal
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?
Although the code is titled faulty signal, it means the throttle angle does not match the angle the engine control module (ECM) is requesting. With the engine running, the ECM compares the desired throttle angle with the actual one and stores the code if they do not agree. The fault can therefore only be checked with the engine running.
Possible causes
- The throttle is sticking or blocked by oil film, dust or similar
- Contact resistance or oxidation in the connectors between the ECM and the throttle unit
- Open circuit or short circuit in the wiring to the throttle motor
- Short circuit between the wires to the throttle motor
- A damaged throttle unit
What you can do
- 1Read the fault codes and deal first with any that relate to the throttle unit, throttle position sensor or ECM
- 2Check that nothing is blocking the throttle and that it is not sticking. Clean as needed
- 3Check the connectors at the throttle unit and the ECM: are they secure, and free from corrosion
- 4Use a multimeter to check that the throttle motor wiring has no open circuit, no contact with ground or supply voltage, and no short to each other
- 5If you have a diagnostic tool: compare the desired and actual throttle angle in live data with the engine running, and see where they split as the pedal moves
- 6If the code returns, this points to a damaged throttle unit that needs replacing. It must then be adapted, which a workshop with diagnostic equipment does
Symptoms you may notice2
- Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on
- Reduced engine performance
What the fault can affect1
- The ECM cuts the supply to the throttle motor, and the throttle goes to its spring-loaded position
General guidance for car owners. Diagnosis on the car can point to a different cause.