Fan Motor for the Air Vent Is Really Loud

geokilla · Post by **geokilla** » 11 Jul 2010, 17:37

Lately, the motor that generates airflow through the air vents is getting louder. It doesn't happen each and every time the motor is running, but it's happening a lot more frequently lately and its a bit worrying. It disappears after a minute or two, but I think something's breaking. Anyone encountered such a problem?

Also, using the AC today my mom and I saw white smoke (water vapour?) coming from the air vents. This is the first time seeing it. And no, the air coming from the vents wasn't cold, which makes it more weird.

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 11 Jul 2010, 17:44

My friends car vents vapors too. We decided it must be a ghost or something. The blower problem is common. The bearings on the motor are starting to dry out after 14+ years. Here is Lee's write up on how to remove the blower -> https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=19322

Read a couple posts there to see how to oil the bearings.

geokilla · Post by **geokilla** » 11 Jul 2010, 18:06

Oh crap... Just the first post scared me, as does most DIY I found here. Will thoroughly go over the thread and see what I can do!

Thanks!

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 11 Jul 2010, 18:11

The loud noise is probably your blower motor going out. Mine does it very intermittently so I'm just keeping it until it totally craps out. You buy an aftermarket one from IPD that is cheaper than a new OEM and seemingly works just as well for less. The replacement is easy and is documented here and on other websites like volvospeed.com.

Was the white vapor while the heat was on at all? Does it smell sweet? If so, then your heater core is taking a dump. That's also a rather easy DIY fix.

Also, when was the last time your cabin air filter was replaced?

Post by **vjaneczko** » 12 Jul 2010, 10:37

If you let the motor go too long, it'll burn itself out. It will most likely cause the resistor (for MCC's) or the power stage (for ECC's) to burn out as well. I picked up a new fan (motor, cage and blade) for 65-ish bucks off of eBay and it works well. Unfortunately, I also burned out the power stage so that was another 120 bucks from FCP. Worst part of the story – I lost it in the middle of a cold February in Chicago!

If you take the fan out and lube it up, that will only work a few months – at least, that’s what I got out of it. When you’re lubing it, take the time to order a new one.

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 12 Jul 2010, 16:16

I regreased my bearings back in December and the fan is still working just fine. Also, don't be scared of tearing into your Volvo. You've got a great write up there as well as everyone on this forum to help you through it. Like I said, I did it and it really wasn't bad; and I did it in the middle of December

Allen in Hemet · Post by **Allen in Hemet** » 12 Jul 2010, 20:33

I don't know about the fan motor going out on your car, I haven't experienced that on my 2000 V70XC. But as far as the white vapor coming out, I have seen that i a quite a few different cars. I believe you guys up in the NorthEast are experiencing a heat wave, and it's probably very humid outside as well. I have seen that white when I first start my A/C when I station in Orlando, FL, in my previously owned '85 Buick SkyHawk T Type, In my Parents '73 Dodge Coronet growing up in Western Washington state, and so on. Basicly, when you first start the A/C, the evap get's cold, when that warm moist air hits it it condenses into a "cloud" the sameway as when first opened your house freezer on warm(hot) & humid day, and watch the fog bank roll out of the freezer. As long as you don'r have any coolant or freon leaks, the white vapor is normal. R/ Allen

geokilla · Post by **geokilla** » 17 Jul 2010, 10:09

Allen in Hemet wrote:I don't know about the fan motor going out on your car, I haven't experienced that on my 2000 V70XC. But as far as the white vapor coming out, I have seen that i a quite a few different cars. I believe you guys up in the NorthEast are experiencing a heat wave, and it's probably very humid outside as well. I have seen that white when I first start my A/C when I station in Orlando, FL, in my previously owned '85 Buick SkyHawk T Type, In my Parents '73 Dodge Coronet growing up in Western Washington state, and so on. Basicly, when you first start the A/C, the evap get's cold, when that warm moist air hits it it condenses into a "cloud" the sameway as when first opened your house freezer on warm(hot) & humid day, and watch the fog bank roll out of the freezer. As long as you don'r have any coolant or freon leaks, the white vapor is normal. R/ Allen

The car was running for at least an hour with the AC on the whole time, so that's why it looked weird. However thanks for hte tip.

I'll look into regreasing the bearing and see if I can DIY

Thanks!

geokilla · Post by **geokilla** » 29 Jul 2010, 07:15

Hi guys. I'm currently looking at an aftermarket blower just in case oiling it doesn't work, and is there a difference between the aftermarket blowers from FCP and IPD? The price difference between the two are huge!

Post by **JRL** » 29 Jul 2010, 08:13

I would not go with the cheapest you can buy (you usually get what you pay for) but you can buy a middle of the road blower (pricewise) with no ill effects