The blower on my wife's '99 V70 is intermittent. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I've searched and found some info on older 850s and the automatic AC systems, but I'm not sure they are the same as mine.

I don't drive the car much, but I think it either works correctly or doesn't work at all. When it works, the blower runs quietly.

When I switch to the 0 position, the AC goes off. When I turn it up to 1-2-3-4, the AC comes on, but not the fan, except sometimes. This seems like the switch is working even when the fan is not.

I have tried to spray contact cleaner into the fan speed switch, but I don't know if the spray actually gets through the dash cowl to the switch.

My wife wants to take it to the dealer and say "Fix it!" while I go apply for a third mortgage?

What next? Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

I think I notice that the fan seems to speed up when braking to slow for a light. Does this indicate a resistor problem?

You have a Manual Climate Control and you need to check the 2 fuses, the power stage/resistor, and the blower for correct operation.

Pressing on the brakes and having the fan increase speed could indicate a bearing/brush problem with the fan motor. You could turn on the fan, lift the cowl in the engine compartment and pull out the dirty filter (replace with new), and reach down and give the blower a nudge with your fingers. If it starts to run, replace the blower. If not, the power stage is probably your problem ($85 at FCPGroton).

Klaus
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Proud owner of a 220S. If I had more room, I would have more Volvos.

I opened the cowl and gave the fan a nudge and it started turning. So, it's the blower motor right? I found several on line from $60 for an after market modle at Race Pages to $189 for an OEM at MyVolvoOnline. Recommendations?

I also removed the glove box and the kick panel so I ready to R&R the blower as soon as get one. (Isn't there supposed to be an air bag in there somewhere? I didn't see one.)

Thnaks again. David

The air bag is in the dash, you are safe.

You have several options, fan motor only or complete assembly, do not remove the staples from the fan cage. The OEM is quieter but expensive. If you go OEM, call Daril Waltrip Volvo in Tennessee for a great dealer price, mention the Brickboard and get an extra 10% off?

The electrical connections at the fan housing are fairly easy to get off, except the one at 11:00 o'clock. IIRC, slide up and lift off?

Klaus
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Proud owner of a 220S. If I had more room, I would have more Volvos.

This YouTube video will show you how to get at the blower motor and the power stage a.k.a. resistor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frZl49p2quk

I did it, and it is not difficult. Hardest part is working with the 3 nuts for the knee bolster, as they are recessed in the bolster. The studs are part of the frame and not replaceable, so great care must be taken to ensure that you do not crossthread the nuts or otherwise damage the threads on the studs.

If you attempt this process, you will quickly see what I am saying.

Good luck.

David,

I have the 98 S70 GLT so my system may be slightly different. My fan switch goes from AUT (automatic based on temp) then 0 for off, then no numbers just continuously variable.

Had similar symptoms this summer - intermittent fan. The AC light would be green & I could tell it had power but fan would be slow or die. Mine was the fan motor itself. Can be replaced but a bit of a pain. The other possible thing is a circuit attached to a large heat sink that is installed into the duct. (this may be the power stage noted in other posting). Both this circuit & the fan are behind the glove box. You have to remove the box and the metal panel behind/below it for access.

I know I followed some posts on brickboard that showed how to bypass this circuit (has the fan resistor for variable speed) and test the fan directly. The circuit can be repaired by replacing a resistor which is cheap but easy only if you are electrically inclined.

Search on Heater fan or AC fan and you should find the posts. Replacing either is not too bad, much easier than on a 240 which fortunately I never had to do!

Mike
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1988 245, 245K mi, 5 speed

Power stage for the blower might be the culprit. About $100 part. Easy DIY job . Just remove glove box and it can be seen.