Is your Volvo’s climate control system not blowing as strong as it used to? Are you hearing strange noises from your vents? It might be time to replace your blower motor. For Volvo S80 (2007+), V70/XC70 (2008+), this job can seem daunting, but with the right tools and guidance, it’s a manageable DIY task. This guide will walk you through the process, emphasizing the necessity of a Car Fan Removal Tool for a smooth and successful replacement.
Replacing the blower motor yourself can save you significant money compared to dealership or mechanic costs. While it might seem complex, breaking it down into steps makes it achievable for the average car enthusiast. The key to this job, and what can turn a frustrating ordeal into a quick fix, is having the correct car fan removal tool, specifically Volvo special tool 9997284. Let’s dive into the steps.
Tools You’ll Need for Volvo Blower Motor Replacement
Before starting, gather all the necessary tools. Having everything at hand will make the process more efficient and less stressful. Besides common tools, remember the crucial car fan removal tool:
- Volvo Special Tool 9997284 (Car Fan Removal Tool): This is not optional. It’s essential for removing the blower motor without damaging surrounding components.
- T20 Torx driver
- 8mm and 10mm nut drivers
- Ratchet set with 8-13mm sockets
- Small diagonal cutters
- Small needle-nose pliers
- Head-mounted light: Essential for visibility in the footwell area.
- Flexibility: Working in the passenger footwell requires some contortion. Consider removing the passenger seat for more room if needed.
- Optional Tools:
- Weatherstrip clip removal tool: For trim clips.
- Trouble light: Extra light source.
- Mirror: To see hard-to-reach areas.
- DiCE and VIDA: For advanced diagnostics and SRS reset (if needed).
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Volvo Blower Motor
Follow these steps carefully to replace your Volvo blower motor. Remember to prioritize safety and take your time.
Step 1: Preparation
Park your Volvo in a well-lit and accessible area, ensuring you have easy access to the passenger side. Turn on your car and set the AC to recirculate mode. This is important for a later step involving part removal.
Step 2: Seat and Door Access
Move the passenger seat all the way back to maximize your working space. Unlock all doors for easier access and safety.
Step 3: Disconnect Battery
Disconnect the negative battery cable. Wait at least 3 minutes before proceeding to prevent any electrical issues, especially with the airbag system.
Step 4: Steering Wheel Adjustment
Lower the steering wheel as far out and down as possible. This provides more clearance for removing the instrument cluster trim.
Step 5: Instrument Trim Panel Removal
Pull the black instrument trim panel towards you to detach it. This panel is usually held by clips and should come off with firm but gentle pressure.
Step 6: Steering Column Cover Removal
Use a spudger or bone tool to carefully remove the top steering column cover. Start from a corner and work your way across to release the clips without damaging the plastic.
Step 7: Instrument Cluster Screws
Remove the four T20 Torx screws that secure the instrument cluster in place. These are usually located around the perimeter of the cluster.
Step 8: Instrument Cluster Prying
Tip the instrument cluster towards you. Use a bone tool to gently pry the top edge if it’s stuck. Be careful not to scratch the dashboard.
Step 9: Instrument Cluster Disconnection
Carefully remove the instrument cluster. Unplug the electrical connector, typically located on the left side, and set the cluster aside in a safe place.
Step 10: Blower Motor Connector Disconnection
Using a flashlight to improve visibility, locate the blower motor in the passenger footwell. Reach in blindly and disconnect the electrical connector by squeezing the tabs on the top and bottom of the connector.
Step 11: Door Threshold Trim Removal
Remove the right door opening threshold trim by pulling it straight up. It pivots towards the rear of the car, so work from front to back when removing it.
Step 12: Front Door Opening Trim Removal
Remove the front door opening trim. Pull upwards at the bottom, then towards you from the vertical part. Finally, slide the part off the catch at the top.
Step 13: Dashboard Side Trim Removal
Use a bone tool or spudger to remove the dashboard side trim panel. Gently pry it off, working around the edges to release the clips.
Step 14: Tunnel Console Trim Removal
Remove the tunnel console trim by prying it up nearest the seat and working towards the front of the car. This trim panel is also held in place by clips.
Step 15: Soundproofing Removal
Remove the soundproofing panel, which is held by two T20 Torx screws. This panel is located in the passenger footwell and needs to be removed to access the glove box fasteners.
Step 16: Glove Box Fasteners Removal
Remove the glove box fasteners. This involves a combination of 8mm bolts and T20 Torx screws. You’ll find fasteners inside the glove box, underneath the door, and in the general glove box area.
Step 17: Glove Box Light Connector
Disconnect the glove box light electrical connection at the rear of the glove box. This is usually a green connector.
Step 18: Glove Box Light Removal (Optional)
Depending on your Volvo model year, you might need to remove the glove box light itself by prying it downwards and disconnecting the leads.
Step 19: Glove Box Removal
Pull the glove box out. If you encounter resistance, stop and check underneath for an electrical harness zip-tied to the right corner of the glove box. If present, cut the zip tie blindly. Continue pulling out the glove box until you find a grey electrical connector (valet lock). Unplug it and deroute the wire by pulling forward on the female socket to disengage it from its mounting point.
Step 20: Duct Removal
Remove the duct located behind the glove box. It may be held by clips or pressure fittings.
Step 21: CEM Connector Removal
Pull back the carpet towards the passenger seat to access the CEM (Central Electronic Module). Locate the CEM and remove the five connectors. The three mass connectors are removed by pressing down on the center of the latch and rotating the lever away from the connector. The other two connectors can be removed by pushing the latch and pulling the connector body out.
Step 22: CEM Rotation
Push up on the rightmost latch on top of the CEM and rotate the CEM towards you to approximately a 45-degree angle. This provides better access to the blower motor area.
Step 23: CEM Removal
Remove the CEM and set it aside in a safe, static-free location.
Step 23A: iPod Module Removal (If Equipped)
If your Volvo has an iPod accessory module, locate and remove it. Unplug the two connectors. Caution: If there is a connection with orange cables, these are fiber optic cables. Do not bend them tighter than a 2.5-inch radius.
Step 24 & 25: CEM Bracket and Cable Clip Removal
Using a weatherstrip removal tool or similar, remove all round cable clips from the CEM bracket. Demate the white/gray connector at the top using the lever and slip it off its bracket. Demate the two power cable connectors on top of the bracket. Remove them by squeezing the tabs. Finally, remove the CEM bracket itself, which is secured by three 13mm nuts.
Step 26: Air Quality Sensor and Recirculation Damper Motor Cable
Look upwards towards the top of the dash. If your Volvo is equipped with an Air Quality Sensor, unplug it, rotate it anticlockwise, and remove. Then, unplug and deroute the 3-wire recirculation damper motor cable.
Step 27: Recirculation Damper Unit Removal
Remove the three T20 Torx screws holding the recirculation damper unit. The screw nearest to you is the hardest to see, so try to remove it first by feel. The other two are closer but behind the unit. Remove the damper unit by twisting it slightly anticlockwise while gently coaxing it out. Use a trouble light and mirror if needed for better visibility.
Step 28: Car Fan Removal Tool – Alignment Pin Mounting
This is where the car fan removal tool becomes essential. Mount the inner part of tool 7284 (alignment pin) onto the fan hub and tighten the thumbscrew.
Step 29: Car Fan Removal Tool – Main Tool Mounting
Holding tool 7284 straight up and down, place the main part of the car fan removal tool over the alignment pin and seat it fully into the fan. Tighten the thumbscrew.
Step 30: Blower Motor Removal with Car Fan Removal Tool
Have an assistant push down on the locking tab while you push in and turn the car fan removal tool 15-degrees anticlockwise. Alternatively, using needle-nose pliers, break the mounting tab on the fan by pulling up on it (this is the method used in the original guide). The blower motor should now be released.
Step 31: Tool Mounting on New Blower Motor
Remove the car fan removal tool from the old fan. Mount the tool onto the new blower motor, repeating steps 28 and 29.
Step 32: New Blower Motor Installation
Replace the blower motor. Hold it at approximately 15-degrees anticlockwise from straight up and down, then turn it clockwise so the tool is straight up and down. Attempt to pull the blower straight away from the mounting point to ensure all four locking lugs have engaged properly.
Step 33: Tool Removal
Remove the car fan removal tool from the new blower motor by undoing the outer thumbscrew, then the inner thumbscrew.
Reassembly and Final Steps
Assembly is the reverse of disassembly, but keep these points in mind:
- The three T20 screws on the recirc damper are non-magnetic. Use tape or a gripping screwdriver to help replace them.
- When reconnecting power, connect the negative battery cable, insert the key, and press and hold the start/stop button until all lights illuminate (key in position II). Do not be inside the car during this step in case of accidental airbag deployment. Only enter the car after the SRS light has turned off (about 30 seconds) or stays on for more than 5 minutes (indicating a fault). A flashing CEL is normal at this stage.
- If you have DiCE and VIDA, finalize the job by running the CEM procedure “Checking communication and control module” under Vehicle Communication -> CEM to ensure everything is working correctly and clear any potential error codes.
By following these steps and utilizing the essential car fan removal tool, you can successfully replace your Volvo S80, V70, or XC70 blower motor and restore your car’s climate control system to its optimal performance. Remember, patience and the right tools are key to DIY car repairs.
