ECC issues, out of options, anyone nearby got a code reader?

Susans_Volvo · Post by **Susans_Volvo** » 07 Sep 2011, 16:53

2000 V70 XC with ECC issues.

If the slider is moved from the "0" position (either way, doesn't matter) the system will function for 3-5 seconds with what feels like good airflow. Then the blinking blinkity-blank-blank lights come on and airflow stops.

Thanks to a lot of info from this sites' repair database and some questions posted on this board, I learned about the ECC system on this car and some steps that can be done at home. I did the ones that seemed like good maintenance even if not the root cause of my issues. I've done the following:

o Changed the Cabin Air Filter (and while I was at it got out lots of dead leaves and other crud from that area)
o Cleaned the Cabin Temperature Sensor (not just compressed air, that didn't work; removed the critter, got out a lot of packed in lint, and verified that the fan at the back of the sensor seems to spin freely)
o Removed the Blower Fan, cleaned and lubed it, verified that it spins freely, put it back in
o While the blower fan was out, checked the stuff around it, found the Recirc control arm had been detached, and reattached it; made sure there were no other loose connections, suspect dirty areas, etc
o Removed the ECC unit, took it inside, waited a while, opened it up to look for any obvious signs of damage to the circuit boards or components -- all looked OK

But despite all of that the system STILL doesn't work. I did find that if I leave the slider at "0" when I start the car, many of the other ECC controls seem to work - for instance if I leave it on outside air and get the car going over 30 I can feel outside air coming through the vents, but then I can push the recirc button and the outside air stops; and, if I turn the temp controls all the way up to hot I get small drifts of hot air coming from the vents.

I think I'm out of easy/cheap options at this point; there seem to be a lot of things that could be wrong, but they all cost $$. Before I throw $$ at it, I'd like to know what the system thinks is wrong, but I can't do that with an ODBII reader, I need volvo-specific equipment.

Have I missed anything?

Is there anyone in the Greater Boston area who has the right equipment to get the ECC codes for me? I can swap a batch of homemade cookies, or a reasonable fee.

I really don't want to go to the dealer....they charged me around $600 for a remote and three keys back when I first got this car in May 2010, and I hear that they will want $100 to $200 to read the codes even if they don't do anything else. What a ripoff!

--Susan

Susans_Volvo · Post by **Susans_Volvo** » 08 Sep 2011, 17:11

Help? Anyone? Will drive pretty much anywhere within 1 hour of Boston.

My cookies are really really good and you can choose what kind...

Or if you've spent the $$$ for something that can read ecc codes, here's a chance to earn some cash back on it.

You guys have infected me with the fix-it-myself bug! I just need the codes to figure out what to try next.

Post by **MyVolvoPartsOnline** » 08 Sep 2011, 17:36

Nice job on the work you have done so far. The only part that you have not played with is the blower motor resistor. It mounts right next to the blower motor and caused me a headache not long ago. It will make the lights go blinkety blink and then the whole thing stops blowing. I first changed my blower motor thinking that was the problem, it wasn't. After a new one was installed I had a interior fan working like normal again. Its not much money, we sell it for $105.34 but you could find a used one out there im sure. Good luck!

Post by **JRL** » 08 Sep 2011, 18:20

You MUST go to a dealer, a normal code reader will not read ECC errors
It's usually one of three things
You need either a new cabin sensor, new blower motor, or a resistor pack
Just because it blows for 3 seconds does not mean it's working properly
Very doubful it needs a new control panel

SUPERBRIK · Post by **SUPERBRIK** » 08 Sep 2011, 18:54

hey... have you tried to remove the blower motor and clean out the brushes and contacts of the fan motor... take out the black bar/can under the glove compartment (13 mm boltz i thinks) then remove the fan housing with the torx (25 i thinkz) and get the electrical spray cleaner... worked on mine, then I cut in and spliced the connectors to the motor... the obdII will not show the stuff you need for the flashing lites...

SUPERBRIK · Post by **SUPERBRIK** » 08 Sep 2011, 18:57

BTW... funny you should ask about the fan.. I think the brushes of the fan might be junked up like mine and I will be doing that this weekend.

Susans_Volvo · Post by **Susans_Volvo** » 08 Sep 2011, 20:01

MyVolvoPartsOnline wrote:Nice job on the work you have done so far. The only part that you have not played with is the blower motor resistor. It mounts right next to the blower motor and caused me a headache not long ago. It will make the lights go blinkety blink and then the whole thing stops blowing. I first changed my blower motor thinking that was the problem, it wasn't. After a new one was installed I had a interior fan working like normal again. Its not much money, we sell it for $105.34 but you could find a used one out there im sure. Good luck!

I'm not sure if it's the blower motor resistor or maybe the cabin sensor (since I did have to get so much gunk out of the sensor). I'd hate to just buy one of them new and have it turn out to be the other one that's busted!

Depending on what my S.O. needs on his car projects this weekend, we might go to a "pick and pull" yard for his stuff, maybe I can grab these items for my Volvo there. Now I know how to get them out.

Then once I have an idea which part it was I can order a new one as a permanent replacement.

I'd still rather find someone around here (Greater Boston) to just read the ECC codes for me -- the cookies or cash offer is still open!

--Susan

Susans_Volvo · Post by **Susans_Volvo** » 08 Sep 2011, 20:04

SUPERBRIK wrote:hey... have you tried to remove the blower motor and clean out the brushes and contacts of the fan motor... take out the black bar/can under the glove compartment (13 mm boltz i thinks) then remove the fan housing with the torx (25 i thinkz) and get the electrical spray cleaner... worked on mine, then I cut in and spliced the connectors to the motor... the obdII will not show the stuff you need for the flashing lites...

Yup, I did the fan remove/clean/lube -- bullet item 3 of my post on what I'd tried so far. And I updated the forum item on how to pull the blower, because on my car its a bit different, see: https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=19322

Susans_Volvo · Post by **Susans_Volvo** » 08 Sep 2011, 20:10

JRL wrote:You MUST go to a dealer, a normal code reader will not read ECC errors
It's usually one of three things
You need either a new cabin sensor, new blower motor, or a resistor pack
Just because it blows for 3 seconds does not mean it's working properly
Very doubful it needs a new control panel

I was hoping someone in this area had spent the $$$ to buy a volvo-specific diagnostic setup that can read ECC's. (I gather there's one from volvo and maybe one aftermarket? But both are not cheap). Or maybe can suggest an independent who will read codes at a reasonable price. I know the ODBII isn't going to help me with this. Should've been more specific in my post title, I guess. At what I've been told a dealer will charge just for reading the codes, I could just buy parts and keep swapping them out myself! Crazy.

Thanks for confirming my thoughts on the three parts to try; if I keep trying things blind, I think resistor pack first, then cabin sensor, then blower motor.

washdup · Post by **washdup** » 09 Sep 2011, 07:54

I have a used resistor unit I bought while I was going through what you are now going through. You can have it for $10 shipped, but it will take a few days to arrive from CA. The difference is, I replaced my blower and I don't think it was bad. Turned out to be the sensor was dirty!