ECC removal - tricks?

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 21 Nov 2025, 13:06

I have a '98 V70 T5 that has had the electronic climate control unit not work / not light up / not turn on when it is colder than 32 degrees F. After the car idles for 10-15 minutes it may turn on, but in most cases I have to drive the car a few miles and then sometimes hit a bump on the road, and it turns on. Just the other day, I drove the car almost 8 miles and it still did not turn on. The car sat for about an hour, and when I started the car, the blower motor was still not working, and there were no lights on on the ECC. But, after the car idled again for about 5 minutes, the unit turned on and heat was blowing out.
About a month or so ago, I changed the blower motor, not much has changed. When it is below freezing, the unit will not turn on when the car is started. After the car has warmed up and I let it idle for 10 minutes or so, the unit will turn on and blow hot air, but sometimes after driving the car at least 5 miles it might turn on even after letting it idle.
Since the blower motor works when the ECC turns on, I don't think the blower motor is the problem. And since the blower motor works at all speeds, and it shuts off when I turn the car off, I don't think the resistor is the problem, but I could be wrong. Since winter is approaching quickly, I thought of replacing the ECC but am having trouble removing it from the dash. I did remove the radio and the hazard light switch but still can't figure out how to remove the unit. Are there any tricks to doing this - a hidden screw, maybe?
Appreciate your help!

Post by **abscate** » 21 Nov 2025, 15:01

The ECC control unit just bumps out towards the rear of the car. Watch your hands under dash - there are some sharp things there.

I might have a spare 1998 unit - a 1999 wont work by the way.

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 21 Nov 2025, 15:27

Thanks, Abscate!
I have tried removing the unit from underneath where the radio was but nothing seems to move. I'll keep trying. I have a unit from my '98 V70 M5 that I am (trying to remove and) thinking of swapping into the '98 V70T5. I'll keep you posted! Hope all is well by you!
Best regards....

Post by **scot850** » 21 Nov 2025, 23:50

Can I confirm that as it is a base unit it definitely has an ECC unit and not an MCC? MCC unit uses cables to operate the air flow flaps behind the dash, not solenoids.

Can you confirm which unit you have as removal is different depending which unit you have.

Neil.

Post by **wizechatmgr** » 24 Nov 2025, 23:03

5rivers wrote: ↑21 Nov 2025, 15:27 Thanks, Abscate!
I have tried removing the unit from underneath where the radio was but nothing seems to move. I'll keep trying. I have a unit from my '98 V70 M5 that I am (trying to remove and) thinking of swapping into the '98 V70T5. I'll keep you posted! Hope all is well by you!
Best regards....

If you want to meet up somewhere I can bump it out for you - I'm in the Albany area. Basically take the radio out then push from the back with he-man strength and give it a bump. Sometimes it will take some flesh as you do this to show it's dislike of giving up modules.

Post by **abscate** » 25 Nov 2025, 04:51

Quick reference

MCC blue red dots on dial for temp

ECC numbers on dial and a AUT setting on the control for distribution

Post by **scot850** » 25 Nov 2025, 08:10

I was thinking we had not seen confirmation of which unit is fitted. Removal is very different if it is MCC.

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 27 Nov 2025, 04:19

She knows her stuff, I’m sure she has an ECC. It just needs that good bang backwards to get it out. I wear gloves for that job, the metal there is unforgiving.

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 12 Dec 2025, 11:06

I finally was able to remove the electronic climate control module from the parts car and then from the daily driver. There was a bulb that had come loose and was roaming about inside the unit from the daily driver. After I installed the module from the parts car, and connected the wiring, the blower motor came on and once the car warmed up was blowing warm and then hot air! I was a happy camper. Driving the car that night I realized the unit from the parts car had no lights! Have to locate some working bulbs and install those!

I did have to use a razor blade to separate the felt around the front inside of the unit from the plastic of the dash. That is what was keeping it from sliding out - still had to give it a good he-man push from behind! Did the same to get the unit out of the daily driver. The felt seemed to have acted like a glue.

Post by **abscate** » 12 Dec 2025, 18:42

Jeesh. December in the North country with no heat. She is small but made of iron.