2007-2011 S80/V70/XC70: blower motor replacement

DoubleD · Post by **DoubleD** » 30 Sep 2020, 07:00

Hi, can you confirm why the instrument cluster has to come out if the blower is behind the passenger glovebox compartment?

LTP · Post by **LTP** » 30 Sep 2020, 09:38

The blower isn't behind the glovebox - it's pretty-well dead centre behind the dashboard. You need to take out the instrument cluster to access the plastic clip that stops you from rotating the blower motor out of engagement from the HVAC unit. You also access the main electrical connector to the blower motor through the cluster aperture.

DoubleD · Post by **DoubleD** » 01 Oct 2020, 07:34

Thanks

browntown · Post by **browntown** » 28 Sep 2021, 20:41

I'm currently attempting this on my 2012 S60. From what I've found, this guide is very similar to what I'm working through. The one thing I'm struggling with...accessing the blower motor through the instrument panel.

I can't seem to understand how to remove the air duct that is located behind the instrument panel. It almost feels like it's connected somehow to the dashboard at the back.

I'm referring to the yellow colored tube in the diagram below:

: Screen Shot 2021-09-28 at 10.36.37 PM.png (209.38 KiB) Viewed 2698 times

There are notches on the base which implies you should be able to take it on and off...but the back feels like it's wedge between something and the dashboard.

: Screen Shot 2021-09-28 at 10.40.26 PM.png (322.91 KiB) Viewed 2698 times

Anyone have any tips?

LTP · Post by **LTP** » 29 Sep 2021, 03:58

Memory is fading a bit as it's been many months since I did this job (and have since changed the car so couldn't check even if I wanted to) but I seem to remember my ducts having some double-sided tape holding it up - but I could be wrong and confusing it with the sound deadening. I do remember that the duct was a bit of a faff getting it out and back in at both ends where it engages into the vent and the air distribution system as I think it was designed to be fitted with the air vent last to lock the ducts into place.

Oldschoolkid · Post by **Oldschoolkid** » 30 Oct 2021, 15:09

Matthew,Many thank you's for the clear, descriptive, and easy to follow instructions for replacing the Hvac blower motor on my 2009 Volvo XC-70.
I have done my own maintenance and all repairs on my vehicles,for over 60 years, and have never been stumped,but this job is one the hardest for me.
Without your guidance, I would not have been able to start even.
Even with the motor removal tool, I found that the motor was stuck and would not turn the 15degrees . It was cold here ( about 9C ) in an unheated shop and I suspect that the plastic housing shrunk and made the motor stick. It took me an hour of wrestling and tapping, until finally it came loose.
The original dimensioned Volvo installation/removal tool worked for the removal, but I had to machine out the pilot and drilled and tapped it for the set screw to be able to center the aftermarket blower hub when installing. The after market hub has a nut on the shaft, and you can't lock onto the shaft itself, only the hub ot the impeller. Afterward, I machined a bushing to return the pilot to the original factory shaft diameter for use with an original motor.
This is a caution for anyone else who buys a Volvo tool and an aftermarket blower.
Please check the mounting of the impeller on the new motor. If it is a press fit on the shaft, the volvo tool will work to remove the blower. If the impeller is secured by a nut, the volvo tool will not work to install it, and this will leave your car in the shop until you buy an original volvo blower motor, or you machine the inside of the pilot to accept the larger hub, and make a bushing to return the tool to its original size.
Many words to explain my experience and frustration.
Bottom line: the blower works like a charm, ( and there are no codes and none of the air bags went off!

Offtrail · Post by **Offtrail** » 04 Dec 2021, 15:12

Gents - Incredible guide. I just finished my 2007 S80 after procrastinating for 2 months because I thought this was going to be so hard. Following the steps, with a few of the later recommendations, it was not difficult.

The 3 screws in the housing are a challenge to find, but easy once they are located - if someone could post a picture of the housing after it has been removed, with the 3 screws set back in it, I think that would help others in the future. I spent about 10 minutes feeling around before I got the last one, because I had no idea where to start 'feeling'. If I'd had a picture of the housing it would have been 30 seconds. Also, the recommendation to have them part way threaded into the housing when you put it back in place made reassembly a piece of cake. Thanks!!

If anyone wants to buy the blower removal tool from me, I'd be happy to sell it for $20 plus shipping. Brand new, used once. Email me at [email protected].

jodywasson · Post by **jodywasson** » 06 Jun 2023, 21:09

Hi all — I’m gonna have to replace the blower motor and resistor. From what I’ve been led to believe the resistor fried and now my blower only blows one speed (medium) no matter what’s going on with the control nob. But I don’t see mention of the resistor anywhere here. Is it connected to the blower motor? Is it a two-in-one sort of thing? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!!

jodywasson · Post by **jodywasson** » 11 Jun 2023, 20:31

I’m wondering about replacing the resistor and blower. I too have been told my resistor fried and I also have a blower that only blows a medium speed. I’ve been led to believe it’s better to replace both the blower and resistor at the same time. Is there a way to determine if that really needs to happen or can I get by with only replacing the resistor? Mine is a 2007 S80.
Many thanks!!!

Post by **pgill** » 11 Jun 2023, 21:09

Take a look at this video

Good luck

Paul

2007-2011 S80/V70/XC70: blower motor replacement

Re: 2007-2011 S80/V70/XC70: blower motor replacement