As of late, I have been experiencing some noise coming from my heater vents, which is obviously coming from my heater/ air conditioning fan (motor)? It appears to only do this for a short time then quiets down and will also cease if I turn it from the automatic location. I call it feeding the cat - it stops growling. Is there something that I can lubricate here or is this the beginning of a more serous issue?
This web site has been a lifesaver for me. I am a single mom and I wind up having to do most of the "mechanicing" myself. If anyone has any insight, I would be much appreciative.

About the only thing that could cause noise, aside from a stuck leaf or something dropped down the vents, is the motor. The bearings eventually lose lubrication and start making noise. You can try to remove the motor (see the FAQ for instructions) and lube the bearings with engine oil, or you can just replace it for about $60. If you try the latter, get a low-cost unit from the aftermarket (www.fcpgroton.com or www.rprusa.com) and not from Volvo.

I guess I'm fixing to sound female. Is this something from within the interior that can be reached thru the passenger bottom panel or thru the dash, or is it an exterior work zone? It sounds like I could reach in thru the bi- level vents and pull it from there. Thanks ahead. So far - helpful information.

The heater fan is replaced from inside the car. You remove the right hand kick panel. Under that you find and remove the ECU, and the "carrier" for the ECU. The heater motor is above the passenger's feet, with the shaft vertical. Your 1990 car should have three screws holding the heater motor in place.

If its a really loud kind of grinding noice the bearings in your blower motor are probably going. The samething happened to my dads car. It would make a ton of noice then stop when the car heated up.

I have had this same problem on 4 740s I have removed the motor and taken it apart and greased the bottom bearing. That usally keeps it going for a couple of years more. I have also drilled a small 1/8" hole in the bottom of the case as water seems to collect in there. I found out when it froze and the motor blew the fuse. It squeaks more in the winter but will probably last a few more months before it stops working. JC witney sell a less expensive motor than the Volvo part that fits right in. I like to think the car is talking to me.