Hello All,

I have a 1996 850 GLT wagon with a 5 speed with 340,000 miles which I purchased new. Recently the dampner motors in the dashboard that direct the hot air to the floor stopped working (both the driver and passenger side). My independent mechanic was able to confirm the dampner motors had not failed, but instead it was the ECC Control Module itself (the unit that fits in directly above the radio and has two temperature dials - left & right and center dial that controls the direction of the hot/cold air). My car has the dual climate control feature.

I called my local Volvo dealer and was told this part is no longer available. The part # is 9142629 and when it was available it retailed for $870.00.

I called Erie Vo-Vo and the representative I spoke to said they haven't had a unit like that to sell used in 8 years. I also called Southern Vo-Vo in TN, and the clerk there said basically the same thing: not available.

Can anyone suggestion where I could find a used ECC Control Module? Thanks to all who reply.

Hugh

http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/1994/volvo/850/climate_control/a-fs-c_control_unit.html

I found this while looking for a new blower fan resistor.......it's new.....

dg,

Thank you for this lead. I'm still looking for an ECC unit.

Hugh

There are a few pick&pulls in CT. You could grab a module, plug it into your car in the parking lot and see if it works before you buy it. Try to set the dials just like the ones in your car are set before plugging in the 'new' one.

Flashing yellow lights are not something you want to buy.

Klaus,

Thank you for your replies.

Hugh

Hello All,

I was able to confirm the ECC unit and not the dampner motors were the culprit. I have an identical 1996 850 GLT wagon (also a 5 speed) with a dual climate control ECC unit that works perfectly. I switched it over to the other 850 GLT wagon that was experiencing the problem with heat being directed to the floor. Once installed, the dampner motors/flats worked perfectly.

Now I have to look for a used ECC unit. I know this will be a challenge. The potential units will all be over 10 years old, and who knows if they will work any better than the unit I have. I can only cross my fingers and hope for the best. I guess this is one of the challenges of owning an 18 year old Volvo. Though I confess, I still like all my Volvos and enjoy driving them everyday. Especially the manual transmission Volvo wagon.

Hugh

My son has a pick and pull near him in Syracuse NY that has some 1990s Brick carcasses. I will have him check and respond
--
The Family Fleet '90 745 16v; '90 745 GLE; 96 855T; 99 XC, collectively approaching 900,000mi and going strong.

Sherman,

Thank you. I haven't had a chance to contact this salvage yard.

Hugh

I'm still trying to figure out why the ECC unit is dead. Usually that happens when the two temperature dials no longer work. Have you tried to wire up your own code reader, so you can read the codes?

Quite simple architecture really: 3 lengths of thin, insulated wire, about 18 gauge and a foot long. 3 large paper clips. and a small light bulb, preferably an LED, but I used a 12V tester lamp (used to test current on 12V systems.
Attach the light to the end of two of the wires. Straighten out the paper clips and attach to the ends of each wire (to make a good probe).
Insert the 2 probes that have the light bulb in to socket #16 (12V) and socket #6 (ECC). Insert the third wire into socket #5 (ground).
Turn the key to position II, tap the ground wire to the top of the other wires. The light will shine brightly, but only do it for less than 1 second. Wait for the answer: 3 numbers will flash, blink the light. With a pencil, write down the 3 numbers. Tap the ground wire again to get the next series of numbers, and continue until the first number flashes again. Turn the key off and remove the probes.
Now, look up the error codes.

The vent damper motors never fail, but they do go out of position when a vent breaks. And that is what causes the errors.

Ebay works:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Volvo-850-Auto-Climate-Heater-Control-93-97-/151213970547?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item23350e1473&vxp=mtr#ht_44wt_900

I used to have one but my garage is soooo cold, I don't want to look.

Let me know if you can't locate one. I have one in my garage too, and I think I know where it is ...

Bernie

Klaus,

Thank you. I'll follow up on E-bay. Of course, most of the potential donor units will be about 18 years old. Who knows if they will work any better than the unit I have. Of course, I really don't have much of a choice and can only hope for the best.

Hugh

There's 2 Volvo wrecking yards in Sacramento, CA that you can call. One of them is Sweden Auto Warehouse. It's worth a call. I've done business with them on several occasions and they're very good. 916 387 6892.

S Branscom,

Thank you for the name and telephone #. I'll give them a call.

Hugh