1998 S70 T5 with automatic climate control. When the climate control gets the cabin to the set temperature, a rhythmic creaking noise can be heard inside the dash behind the center vents. If I set the climate control significantly warmer or colder, the noise goes away. My best guess is that the noisy part is trying to maintain temp rather than heat or cool the cabin. I took the glove box out and found the source of the noise. As near as I can tell, it is Volvo part number 9132629. I've seen it called many names on the internet, but it's obviously a blend motor that helps regulate cabin temperature by dicking with the vents. Here is the part that is making the noise.

So I've got three questions:

1. Is this part 9132629?
2. Is there a trick to getting it out of there without taking more of the dash down?
2. Is it more likely that the motor is bad or that the vent baffle is jacked up?

I do not see an easy way to get into the ductwork and see if the mechanical parts are obstructed or need clean/lube.

Thanks in advance.

 

Never had that problem, so my bet guess is that the motor is going bad, becasue if it was the vent baffle it would still make noise when you set the temperature warmer or cooler. Try not using the auto function and just keep the temperature set manually and see what happens.