I've searched the forums and have found some general answers that may or may not apply to my situation, but I need some direct input.

I have a 1997 850 GLT with ECC. Everything works on it: AC, blower speed, vents, up/down/front blowing directions. The only thing that's wrong is that the driver's side constantly kicks out hot air, regardless if the AC is on or not. The passenger side is totally fine. It's just the driver's side that appears to be giving me hell.

I ordered a replacement ECC unit off of eBay, naively thinking that the unit itself may be the culprit. I did this because the driver's dial had broken and would turn 1/4 of the way beyond it's up and down limits. When I took the dial off, I saw the broken plastic inside of it, figured that I had messed up the internal mechanics when it broke, and decided to get a replacement unit. Now I'm not so sure.

From what I've read, the majority of the advice leans towards the motors or stuck flaps. I haven't gotten into the dash yet to check those (is it easy enough to do or should I get a Chilton's manual), but I wanted to get some idea from the forum as to whether or not they think that the ECC unit itself is bad or if it's more of a mechanical problem inside of the dash.

Any advice or comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

-----Scott

 

On the center of the dash where the air vents are, there is a roll switch with an arrow on it. If this is open, it direct air from outside and no from the A/C unit. Roll the switch closed.

 

Already did that. It was one of the first things I checked, but it didn't matter where the dial was set, the air was still hot.

 

Fyr.


Jpn

 

JPN

Where do you pull these cut sheets from; the Factory Service Manual??

I need to get me one of those

 

Thanks for the info, JPN. I just picked up a Chilton's Manual today and this will give me a good starting off point.

Just typed out a long explanation, but the Quick Reply wiped it out when I clicked on JPN's image, so here's the short of it: I got the 'new' ECC from eBay today. Tested it out, but no luck: same problem. Obviously, it's not the ECC unit.

Anyone have any recommendations on what to do now? How do I determine what the problem is? How do I get to the damper motor for the driver's side? Do I really have to take apart all of the stuff that JPN's image stated? How do I tell if it's the motor or the shaft, and exactly WHERE would I get a motor, if that is actually what's wrong, since eBay is absolutely no help? Please don't tell me that I have to tear about the whole dash!

 

http://www.savefile.com/files/2001813

...Lee

 

For starters the Chiltons is a good doorstop. Buy a Haynes manual. Most of the auto parts stores will need to special order it but I think mine only took a couple of days to come in from Advance Auto Parts.

The damper motor for the driver's side is on the side of the main climate unit, driver's side. Pull the carpet back and there is also a plastic support piece that is held in place with a single bolt as I recall. The motor is mounted on the side of the climate unit. Check the motor assembly for broken teeth on the gear and the shaft itself on the damper. The shaft tends to split and no longer respond. I fixed mine by using epoxy and wrapping it with small gauge copper wire - kinda like the joint on a fishing rod.

...Lee

 

I got mine very close from you:

http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/volvo_wo...techdocs.shtml

However, I would go with the link provided by Ozark Lee, because other places pack them all in one file.

Sorry for delayed reply BTW, I've been feeling down lately as I've been getting back-stabbed by the local co-workers & managers alike.

QUOTE FROM THE MANUAL:

DAMPER MOTOR
Removal & Installation
Turn ignition off. Remove soundproofing from center console.
Remove glove compartment. Disconnect connector from damper motor
(located on A/C control unit). Hold catches in on both sides of damper
motor and pull motor straight out. See Fig. 19. To install, reverse
removal procedure.

Fig 19 is the one I provided earlier.

My eyes are shutting down since it is late at night here in Japan. Will try to come back tomorrow. In the meantime, other experts should be able to walk you through further.


JPN

 

Thanks for the help, JPN. Get some rest.

For the others, my problem is on the driver's side, not the passenger side, and it appears that the instructions to which JPN alludes (I read through them via the link) may not apply to me.

Ozark Lee - are you telling me that I can access the driver's damper motor without tearing apart the entire dash? If I'm reading your post correctly, it would appear that you're telling me to look under the dash, with the carpeting pulled back. Is that correct? I can follow the info on the cracked spindle and how to fix it, because that's what I've read with the other "Help! My heater/AC is on the fritz!" posts. I just need to make sure that I'm hearing you correctly.

I downloaded the manual, so I'll take a look at it tonight and see what I can gather from it. If there's anyone who may have other ideas or suggestions, fire away.

Thanks-----Scott