So Fix it

The P1603 diagnostic code on a 2000 Volvo V70 represents a problem with the vehicles electronic throttle module (ETM). When the accelerator pedal is used, it signals the engine control unit, which activates the ETM. Repairing this problem will preserve your engine speed control.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P1603 diagnostic code on a 2000 Volvo V70 automobile include stalling and erratic revving. The engine warning light will also illuminate.

Identification

After 1999, Volvo V70 models had physical contact between two parts that control the throttle. This particular setup was produced until 2002. Theore, Volvo V70s manufactured from 1999 to 2002 suffered from wear, damage and failure of the two throttle parts that were in contact with each other. Approximately 500,000 Volvo gasoline cars were negatively affected by this design.

Solution

A Volvo Master Technician recommends a 155 software upgrade for this type of problem, and an ETM repair job takes between 2.5 to 3 hours. The dealer will replace the ETM under the vehicles 10-year, 200,000-mile extended warranty.

Chryslers manufactured before 1996 come equipped with an on-board diagnostics I computer (OBD I) that retrieves and stores all trouble codes sent to it from various sensors positioned throughout the car. Chryslers manufactured from 1996 on have the second generation OBD II computer. When these sensors detect a malfunction anywhere in the vehicle, they send trouble codes to the computer, and the computer illuminates the warning or service lights on the instrument panel. You can scan these codes using a small, handheld computerized device called an OBD I or II code scanner.

Instructions

1

Look for the port on the drivers side dashboard under the steering column. You will recognize it because its the same size and shape as the connective end of the code scanner.

2

Plug the code scanner into the port. Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "II" position, taking care not to start the engine.

3

Wait for the code scanner to turn on. Select the "Read Codes" command or something similar. Wait for the code scanner to display the codes. Write down the codes it displays on a piece of paper.

4

Look up the meaning of the codes in the code scanners manual. Unplug the scanner and have the car serviced or repaired.

Unlike most other auto manufacturers, Lexus tends to paint the exterior and trim of their cars separate colors. Aesthetically unique, this adds to the overall appeal of the Lexus brand. The color scheme can get complicated, however, when paint touch ups become necessary due to damage, aging, or the normal wear and tear that cars receive. To ease confusion, Lexus, under the Toyota brand, assigns specific codes for both the exterior and trim to ensure that consumers are able to repaint their cars in the correct color.

Instructions

1

Locate the ID tag of your Lexus. This is on the drivers side door jamb and the label at the top of the tag will read "MFD. BY: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION." The tag will either be white or black and easily identifiable, as it is the most prominent piece on the door jamb.

2

Identify the trim code on the tag. On the lower left-hand corner of the tag, you will see written "C/TR:." Following this will be one three-number-and-digit sequence and one four-digit-and-number sequence, separated by a dash. The second sequence is the paint code for the trim on your Lexus. For example, if you see 8J5/LA20, the exterior code is 8J5 and the trim code is LA20.

3

Mark down the trim code. If you need touch-ups or re-painting, you will need to match this code with the paint at the manufacturer or car dealership to ensure that the new paint matches the original.

4

Access the Toyota Reference database online for more specific information on your trim code and paint colors. Lexus changes the codes every year and on this site you will find more detailed information on what these codes are and to which colors they correspond.