1998 C70 2.3L Climate Unit Blower Petered Out

epukerob · Post by **epukerob** » 25 Aug 2015, 07:57

Ok, yes, this is a fairly popular topic and I have searched through the archives on this site. The ECC unit has exhibited the 'blinking light' syndrome upon startup for some time now, and the system has always restored proper operation. Recently, the blower unit has been reluctant to start operating, and especially after the car has operated and sat "hot" for awhile. Then, the blower seemed to run at progressively slower speeds, and now not at all. So, it just "petered out" (no stranger to this at my age). Other - I've been running the A/C frequently these days, and under fairly humid conditions, so there is considerable condensate drain from under the car. The blower itself was not indicating any sort of noise or bearing complaint. Any thoughts or tips on troubleshooting are invited!

Post by **scot850** » 25 Aug 2015, 11:28

Has the blower motor been replaced ever on this car? When the bearings in the motors start to fail, they can bind up the motor and only with movement or braking does it start to work again. Take the undertray off on the passenger side of the dashboard and when the motor is reluctant to work or slow, reach up under the RH end of the dash and give a thump on the bottom of the fan housing to see if it improves the speed. If it does, then it is a sure thing the motor needs replaced. If it doesn't this is not a sure fire test. Removing the fan and lubing the bearings may give a temporary relief to operation but again points to the fan is on its way out.

I also mention regularly, to remove the cabin temp sensor and clean it out carefully. They get clogged up with crap from the air and can sense correctly.

To remove it you need to remove the radio (make sure you have the code first), pop out the ECC unit (wear gloves, push up from underneath at the back of it and push forward), and then you can access the sensor to the left of the ECC unit. It sits behind the (non-removable) small grille to the left of the ECC unit. There are 2 push down clips that hold it in place. Looking from the front, on is at about 4 o'clock and the other at 10 o'clock. Took be ages the first time to get it out, but now I can usually get it out in about 2 minutes all in starting at the radio removal. Be careful when you remove the temp sensor, as it has a rubber cap that often gets stuck behind the dash. It is easy to let it drop and you then have to dismantle some of the dash to access and retrieve. I also had one where there was so much hair trapped in it that when the cap did not come out is pulled the sensor out. Careful cleaning of the unit with IPA (90%) and cotton buds should get it good again. These can fail, and I had this and it caused the fan to run slow. Try the fan on manual and if it runs ok, the sensor unit is failing/clogged.

Neil.

epukerob · Post by **epukerob** » 25 Aug 2015, 14:38

Hello Neil - Many thanks for these tips! I figgr'd I was in for a blower removal and inspection in any event and, no, to my knowledge the blower has never been replaced. So, yup, it is old! There is also a "resistor" module but I am uncertain regarding its exact function; could this instead be a PWM unit that controls speed of the DC motor??

Jepc · Post by **Jepc** » 08 Jul 2018, 05:26

Hi. Did you ever fix this issue? I have exactly the same problem. Cheers.