2005 XC90 2.5T Radiator Fan Removal

THolland · Post by **THolland** » 08 Feb 2020, 12:06

Hi All,

I need to replace the AC compressor on my 2005 XC90 2.5T. Based on some YouTube videos I have seen I am feeling that I can do this w/o removing the PS pump, alternator by removing the 4 AC compressor bolts (and AC lines from comp, that no longer has refrigerant in it) and sliding the assy back toward the airbox and pulling out from that angle. The problem is the radiator fan. I would like to be able to remove it to get the needed room, but only video I saw had the entire radiator needing to be dropped in order to get the fan off. I can see the 2 mounting bolts at the top of the fan assy holding it on, but am not certain I can get it off by simply removing those bolts and the other wiring and coolant overflow hoses from the assy. Is there a documented procedure to remove the rad fan assy w/o dropping the rad?

Thanks!

Post by **oragex** » 09 Feb 2020, 03:27

Do you know what is wrong with the compressor ? Some issues are rather related to the clutch. For the fan assy, it's very easy but you need to go slowly and check the harnesses nearby and also the upper transmission cooling line to the radiator (one with green clip, may need to slightly rotate it). Just cut all zip ties for harness, see if it's not hooked on the fan on the left side as well, toss them, unhook and toss gently the cooling hose, undo two upper bolts (don't overtighten when replacing), at the bottom the fan simply slides into two plastic brackets - just lift it up gently while making place. The worst is going to be the connector to the fan, if it's the top big one, it's secured with two hidden side clips, the top taps won't release it so use a tiny screw driver to push outwards each of the bottom clips at same time then pull - easy with a helper. No need to touch the steering pump or alternator (just the lower bolts), move the compressor to the right by sliding it at the bottom of the rad fins, then comes out on the airbox filter side. May need to undo the hard line at the pump (will leak a little) or the dipstick (top bolt then twist and pull upwards), but not sure

Post by **SuperHerman** » 09 Feb 2020, 20:12

Regarding removal of the fan and shroud - What oragex says plus, as I recall and he mentions, the fan shroud has a protrusion that likes to hit the hose when pulling it up and out. Trick is to angle it front and back, sort of a twist and dip, so it clears (not forced - just positioning). After doing it once, it is takes five minutes.

Post by **oragex** » 10 Feb 2020, 06:39

As above, need to watch the cooling pipe from the transmission, early models also had the wiring loom hooked at the bottom of the fan assy. At some point Volvo went with a tricky larger connector the the fan assy

A fresh video with alternator and cooling fan removal tips

.

THolland · Post by **THolland** » 10 Feb 2020, 15:53

Thanks guys, really appreciate the tips! The pump came today, so I will start shipping away at it tomorrow and get back with any updates or (hopefully not!) questions or issues that come up!

Hi Guys, quick update. Tackled the job tonight, followed your tips and will say it went almost exactly as you both predicted. The fan harness must have been the new style as it was very ear=sy to remove - came right out using top snaps. Removal of the top screws was a bitch, aut am thinking that re-installation might be even worse..?! The one thing I found I needed to do was pull the lower transmission line. When I did it gave just enough clearance to rock the fan to that side and then gain the clearance on the left - and it came right out. I will say I stopped after that victory as I convinced myself to get a proper T60 serpentine belt removal tool. The clearance on the XC90 is horrible and I think this is a good investment for future. So, compressor removal will hold for a copke of days, reports back later - but big thanks for your help!

THolland · Post by **THolland** » 18 Feb 2020, 16:12

Finished the job last night, everything came out very easily, back in was a breeze all buttoned up and re-charged this PM. The next bummer is I got it back from station and the hood latch will not release the hood!? It seems like the left latch is not latched (staring at the front of the car), can move the hood up on that side which is why I am saying it is not latched. No matter what I do I can't seem to get the hood to release? Do not want to break the latch so need some help, but will look thru the list to see if any suggestions out there. Hoping I did not screw anything up with the radiator fan, but took care to make sure the cable was clear when I reassembled?

Post by **abscate** » 19 Feb 2020, 05:06

I’ve never quite understood this but the fanscrews seem to be incredible candidates for rust. I’ve spent some nasty hours with vice grips removing those rusty bolts

I always replace them with stainless bolts from Lowe’s. Top two come out,bottom two just need to be slackened three turns.

Post by **oragex** » 19 Feb 2020, 11:24

I did a video on these latches. In a few words, it's not fun when the hood gets stuck. Either the cable snaps at the release handle (better not force on it), either worse one of the latches doesn't release. You may try pushing gently on the non releasing hatch, but not much chances. I recommend to people not slamming the hood from high - same for doors and trunk lid. See my channel for the vid, but again, it's not an easy task