This is a report on the completed blower motor job.

Today, after the fuses checked good, replaced old parts with a new blower motor (Behr) and resistor (Volvo blue box; Alps made in Japan).

The climate control now works through entire heat and cold temperature range and blower runs through entire speed range including Auto setting. No blinking orange ECC lights. All is well and daughter is happy.

Inspected visually, the aluminum fins on the old resister are quite oxidized; I didn't try to open the casing to check circuit & soldering. The old motor turns smoothly enough, but it has a burnt odor localized around the end bearing and shaft where the brushes are.

I think it was a good move to replace both parts. A bit pricey, but well worth it, especially from a safety, comfort and reliability perspective.

In this particular car model (2000 V70 SE) the knee bolster is mounted with two Torx 25 screws behind the glove box door, and drops right down when screws are removed. The plastic door hinge stays took several tries to break them loose from the glove box door; an awl or pick is the correct tool to release the small internal tab. With glove box, glove box door and bolster removed, there is good access to the blower and resistor for removal and installation.

Thanks all, for the help and tips.