As always, thanks very much for the help!!!

On our 1997 base-trim 850, the heater with the 0-1-2-3-4 settings (not the dual-zone) has stopped working.

At first (as far as when things got worse) only the "4" setting worked, and it made a loud noise that sounded like severe rattling and whining.

Then the blower stopped altogether. The fan will not blow any air, hot or cold.

Is this a typical issue, like the speedometer, characteristic of 850s? Is it an easy-enough fix, please?

I see that on ebay there are blower fans, but also resistors, which look like the cooling fins of a computer. Any recommendations on which to buy, or both? I am away from the car now, and did not check the fuses, but I suspect this is a problem with the fan, since it got progressively worse ... Where, by the way, is the access to the fan blower and resistor?

Thanks and Happy Labor Day (soon)
-Ken W.

When the blower stops working in speeds 1-3 and still works on 4, the resistor is dead. Since your blower no longer works at any speed, the blower is probably dead. So you will need both. Your resistor is the cheaper version, for the MCC (manual climate control) Vs the ECC. The blower is the same for both systems.

Fairly easy to replace. There are a few tutorials on line and might even be one on Youtube. Both items are behind the glove box. They are easier to replace if the knee bolster (large black metal piece behind the kick plate) is removed.

If you don't have a cabin filter, I suggest getting a filter holder and filter to put in. This is accessed in the top of the engine compartment forward of the glove box.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtkFw3dbGG8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxSn3vQl0hc
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My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat