replace blower motor - double checking before I act

WV_driver · Post by **WV_driver** » 02 Jul 2010, 16:42

2000 V70XC w/ automatic climate control. My blower motor works intermittently--either works or doesn't each time I start the car, never starts or stops working while I'm driving. I'm ready and able to replace it, but just want to double-check with you who have been there before I act. I need the motor, right? Thing Two: At autpartswarehouse.com I find motors for about 75, 175, and 185 dollars (no-name, Scan-Tech, and Behr brands). Is there any reason not to get the inexpensive one? Also, there's a 115 dollar (yikes!) blower motor resistor listed. What's the deal with that? I just got the car, and need to economize as much as possible as I make my first pass, which includes suspension work, timing belt, and other pricey must-haves. Thanks so much!

cmblackburn · Post by **cmblackburn** » 02 Jul 2010, 19:52

Hold on, before you do anything...when it DOESNT work, does your climate control unit light up? Often the ignition switch can cause weird things like this to happen, and since it still works sometimes, that is what I'd suspect over a bad motor. Unless it's just stuck. Jiggle the key once you start the car and see if you can get it (the blower) to start up.

WV_driver · Post by **WV_driver** » 02 Jul 2010, 21:06

Thanks. The climate panel does light up, but of course when I tried just now the blower worked every time. I'll keep at it. A possible bad ignition switch frightens me, since the spare key cost 200-plus dollars. How about lubricating the motor, or cleaning contacts?

Post by **jblackburn** » 02 Jul 2010, 22:02

Not at all, the problem is usually the electrical portion of the switch. It's about $60 I think, and about a 10-15 minute fix, very simple.

Mine used to act up when it was sitting in the sun for a couple hours. See if you can get it to act up again before you go throwing parts at it

Post by **JRL** » 02 Jul 2010, 22:25

Both of you whoa
To the OP, you need to have the internal fault codes read at the VOLVO dealer.
Their tool can pin point the problem and in the long run can save you money
Fix what's broken don't stab in the dark
It can be the interior climate SENSOR
It can be the blower motor
It can be the resistor
Have the codes read before you start removing things
(Blower motor and resistor should always be replaced at the same time and NEVER, NEVER buy a Scan tech product)
Behr is good.