I am looking at purchasing a 1997 850 GLT Volvo. When I got to the lot, it was already running and the heat was set to high on a high fan speed. When I took it out for a test drive, I reduced the heat and the fan speed only to find that the blower motor was making a lot of noise. After searching this forum, it appears that this Volvo isn't alone and that the problem may be as simple as lubricating the motor. Is that a fair statement?

What is more disconcerting is the heat. I wasn't able to find an answer on this one. On high heat, why would one of the center vents be blowing cold air? All of the other vents are blowing hot air. It doesn't make sense to me. Any ideas out there?

The Volvo is fairly inexpensive, but I'd like to know what I'm getting into as far as the heat goes. Thanks!!

 

Welcome to the forum, I hope you find it helpful & enjoyable.

The blower motor/cage unit on 850 is known to make noise; some people have successfully lubed the motor while others, including myself, ended up replacing the blower unit. A new unit costs approx $140 (Behr, German) with cage, or approx $100 for motor only. Check the following 2 vendors (I used FCP Groton):

http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo850cooling.htm

http://www.eeuroparts.com/productdet...&code=5451
http://www.eeuroparts.com/productdet...&code=7836

Your centre vents are most likely set at "Direct Outside Air" mode. There is nothing wrong with the heating system; simply play with the 2 tabs right next to the vents, or refer to the owner's manual.

Good luck & Happy Holidays,


JPN

 

Excellent! I absolutely loved the Volvo, so this is reassuring.

 

I just went through this repair on my 850; buy the motor with the cage, don't buy just the motor alone. putting the new motor in the old case requires you to break the case in order to get the prongs to make a secure connection.. totally not good.

It was an easy fix.

 

Yep, JPN nailed it. Itoo am in the process ofputting a new blower unit in my sons 850. BUt to save money, he found a good unit out of a wrecked car.THe whole blower/motor unit was only$35. A great deal.....if it doesn't make noise

Glenn