genuinely the only video on TH-cam that actually helps you replace the motor. from someone who watched them all, before you posted it. really great and tidy work mate, thanks a lot
greatest automobile do it yourself fixit video ever. clear, concise, complete and easy to understand. Once we get some warm weather, I will be doing this on my 2006 9-3 convertible. Thank you!
Thank you so much, I never would've figured out how to get the heater out without this video. It no longer sounds like a strangled cat lives in the dashboard.
Genius, as ever Cyd. My blower motor had stopped working. I initially thought it was the resistor. However I tested the resistor using a multimeter while it was still attached to the blower to check the voltage across the terminals as I changed the blower speed on the console. It stepped up from from 0V to 11V., so it was working correctly (this saved me replacing the wrong part!) so I then removed the fan. It was seized, almost certainly due to water ingress from the pollen filter housing (I remedied this using your other video so it won't happen again). I cleaned the motor thoroughly using electrical contact spray, then spray copious amounts of Ferosol on the bearings, wiping away the excess. I reassembled it and it is now working better than ever! Thank you.
I'm about to buy a 9-3 (2005) (for not a lot of money) - it has a non working heater fan and central door locking issues. Really pleased to have found Cyd on TH-cam
I was frightened of doing a full service on my 93 Aero convertible 2005. Getting my full service kit from Neo Brothers. You my friend and you're video's have given me the confidence to service my own car. Any questions I had, you've answered them all. Many thanks and a like from me on all your video's. 👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you Cyd. Just followed your tutorial and have my blower motor working perfectly again. I sadly did not heed your warning and forgot to install the screw for the foot-well vent. I suspect it will remain like that permanently because I've reassembled the entire dash already LOL. This is probably the third or fourth fix I owe to your tutorials, keep it up!
Cyd, you're a genius. Followed the video, removed the motor, lubricated the bearings, and now it all works! All I have to do now is get those bloody 7 screws back in!
Having had my fan squeaking for weeks it finally packed up a month ago. Finally had the time to resolve it and this demonstration was absolutely what I needed. Many thanks for explaining it all, especially the Torx screw differences for each component. My Saab is now air con ready for summer, many thanks!
Saab experts on TH-cam RULE!!! Perfectly explained - all the exact symptoms described... just at the wrong time mine has packed up! Thank you - couldn't enjoy my 9-3 without TH-camrs like you. Thanks a million!
i have a 2003 9-3 and live in the states. i did this job today and was able to follow along with you step by step. it works! i finally have ac and won't have to deal with foggy windows this winter. thank you, i can tell you like teaching us this stuff. my saab is the first car I've owned that i'm doing all the work myself or with a friend. i also followed your other video and sealed the cabin filter housing with foam. i was getting water on my floor. hopefully this combo fixes that problem. 🖤
Just wanted to say a massive thank you for your video. Your saab and fiesta videos have been incredibly helpful in general but this one and the one regarding the water ingress via the cabin air filter have literally saved me this weekend as I've been travelling to work on motorways in the snow without any heating and more importantly without being able to demist the windscreen! You are an absolute legend. Thank you again and wish you only the best!
Just replaced my fan blower in my 9-3. Only took me 3 hours start to finish. Including a break for breakfast. Many thanks for the clear instructions and video :)
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The other failure mode is when the fan is not working, i.e. not spinning, but if you get your hand through the air filter housing and spin the fan manually - it starts spinning. If you have Tech2 or some other OBD2 reader that can read codes from various modules, you would find an error something along the lines of "blower motor - short or open circuit." I had this recently. You can use this method to see if the fan controller is dead or not. The problem here is the connection between the motor windings and the brushes. Water causes oxidation and corrosion between these two parts, and you loose electrical contact. Use IPA or contact cleaner to clean the windings and the brushes (do not lubricate them, and use only IPA/contact cleaner - you want a good electrical connection there.) Then lubricate the bearings as shown in the video and the fan will be like new. Sometimes the brushes themselves could be worn out. These can be easily replaced with new ones too, but mine seemed not too worn down. If the fan controller is actually dead, and if you are savvy with electronics and soldering, then you can actually disassemble the controller and replaced components inside. It either could be corroded traces, or a dead MOSFET or diode. I myself actually washed the whole motor with a shower hose - that got rid of a lot of rust particles and other dirt. Sprayed the whole motor with IPA to displace water and let it evaporate quickly, then manually cleaned the brushes and windings, lubricated bearings with sewing machine oil and voila - quiet, strong, and like new blower fan :)
Thanks for adding that to the 'collective' knowledge base. Useful info Yeah, my brushes looked about 1/2 or so worn. I'll look into replacing them more deeply another time. For now I was happy the motor hasn't suffered too much from water ingress.
I think he worked for Saab 😁 Mines dead thanks for taking the time to post this for the rest of us. Just finished and motor bearings were rusted, hard to turn. Some PB Blaster and a few light taps with a hammer to move the fan shaft in the motor back and forth got the shaft to free up. Then some silicone on the bearings and back up and running. I bench tested the motor before reassembling to make sure it was good. Also just plugged motor into the controller before putting it back in to make sure that was working. 👍
I would like to thank you for this. My fan seized up after just 5 days of ownership. I wasn't''t going to let this problem put me off the car. I freed up the fan with WD40 spun it with my drill and it started to spin fine. Great tutorial and easy to follow.
This video is perfect for this job. I got the faulty blower out, and in the end I only needed to lubricate it (liberally), not replace it. I put it back in, and it has been working fine ever since. Thank you!
thank you this worked! tip that may help others: (please keep in mind that i'm not a pro nor English native) the actual motor, once removed for oiling the barings, has a neat trick. pull the plastc fan part upwards whille pressing down on the motor and there's a click :) this allows easy oiling plus you can also check if the axle of the motor is alligned. gently break free and center with a pair of plyers and that made it spin free again
Cyd just wanted to say I've watched a few of your videos multiple time for my (new to me) Saab, and what an excellent job in every case! I have to watch the videos using a mirror since I'm in the US, but cheers!
Thank you from across the pond! Your explanations, camera work and drawings were great. It was a lot of work but you gave me the confidence I needed to try...and saved me a ton of money at the same time.
Excellent vid. Cured the fan with silicon lube and no need to buy new parts. Found the water ingress and have ordered a new filter and gasket foam. Well pleased with the result!
My fan blower stopped working and was making a racket, watched your video, which was brilliant straight to the point and really helpful explaining the reasons for the issue. After some re-greasing it is working again, just need to fix the pollen filter and I'm sorted. Thanks.
Thank you for this fantastic video! Squeal started this morning on my '07 convertible after having excessive moisture on the inside of the windshield last week. Water stains were on the top of the white plastic housing and the foam gasket was wet and shot. Replaced it and also drilled a small hole in each vane of the compartments on top to allow the water to drain rather than fill up and run onto the foam gasket. Hope this works. Couldn't have done it without your help!!
Decided to check our '09 9-3 SportCombi this afternoon even though I haven't had any fan problems with it. The foam seal on it was in worse shape than the convertible and the filter housing compartments were filled with debris and water. Replaced the foam seal and cleaned everything out and feel fortunate to have caught it before the water got into the blower motor. Thanks again for your video!!
Did this today! Thank you for the super easy to follow guide, I now have 2 working units. The original was blocked through the coal brushes some how but is now even better then the replacement unit I currently have in the car.
Sending my thanks from Down Under! My HVAC blower kicked the bucket on a 40c day, many, MANY KM's from any form of spare parts. Keep 'em coming mate! Love ya work! Hope you had a good Chrissie.
Great video thanks. Managed to cure my squeak without taking the fan out. Just followed the video up to 2:22, and then sprayed WD40 (using the extension tube supplied with the can) up the drain hole that is shown at 4:48 in the video.
Fantastic video, just got done replacing mine thanks to your help. Drain plug was completely blocked up so have given that a good clear out too. I have the 2 T20 screws left over from giving up trying to put them in at the back of the housing though, my sanity is worth a minor loss of air pressure through the vents!
Great videos - just followed your steps and found the source of the water ingress via the filter unit and how to replace the fan unit - all completed - 👍
You are amasing. Your tutorials are simple as possible, but have all important informations. Thanks a lot. Now I could do a lot without spending money for mechanics.
Brilliant clear instructions as always, just finished putting mine back together and now working again, luckily only needed a good dose of silicone grease on the sticky bearing, hopefully keep it going for a while now.
Very much appreciated! Hoping the LHD disassembly process is simply a mirror image of the RHD, since I have the fan motor that is fine for about 5 minutes from a cold start, then starts squeaking and eventually stops altogether. Unrelated 9-3 question: Do you have any advice on how to access the under-seat amplifier that controls the radio and turn signal noise without removing the seat? I will if I have to, but would really prefer not!
I believe it's the same fan on the LHD so not a mirror image. But do let us know what you find. Nope. Seat out job th-cam.com/video/jrLkWw2hb7Y/w-d-xo.html
I just did this last night, on my LHD, 2007 Saab 9-3, and yes it is a mirror image! Be ready to lay upside down for a couple of hours while trying to remove all those torx screws (if doing by hand and not a drill lol). I'm feeling the effects of it this morning! Great instructions! I replaced my blower motor, and now my fan works, but is making a humming sound...I may take it in for diagnosis, cause I'm too sore to get under there again any time soon lol
In a pinch if it is just squealing you can remove the rubber hole cover that is on the blower unit and spray lubricating spray (not wd40) and will be a temp 'fix' to get motor running quiet again. Run it on high for a while after to get smell out, but temp fix.
Excellent suggestion. As you say, though, very much a temporary fix. The trouble is that the drain hols I show you isn't at the very bottom of the casing, so water can 'pool' here, which means the bottom bearing actually ends up running in water❗ Hopefully any lube sprayed in will displace that water 👍 Thanks for your helpful input.
Great video, thanks - I was able to remove the heater motor resistor after taking out the footwell vent (2:43) - on inspection, the unit had clearly burned out - replacing it was cheap (£38.89 from Neo Brothers) and simple (20-30 mins)
This video was amazing; my fan's been dying for a while & started to barely work enough to defog the windows a few days ago & now I've finally fixed it & it's working better than ever :D Last thing I have to do is figure out how to protect the air filter area as much as possible from water ingress, I'm guessing duck tape around the sides might be decent.... Anyways thanks for the video!
Thanks for the video , managed to get the fan working , although I didn’t need to take it out ( well not yet ). I took the filter out and gave the fan a spin then it started working :-) I sprayed it with a bit of wd40 for good measure , car smells lovely now :-))
Another brilliant video, appreciate the work that as gone in to the making of this video. Been watching. And catching up on all your vids. Thanks for the uploads. Vinny :-)
Good video I had a squeaky fan but it was not a dodgy fan (mine had already been replaced because of water ingress that had shorted out the motor). On closer investigation it was found to be a little furry friend that had used the filter as bedding and had made a bed in any fan. It had done a good job until I started the engine and turned his bed into a centrifuge. It did not stay long after that.
I've heard of people finding woodmouse nests in the engine bay and even on top of fuel tanks, but this is the first I've heard of one finding it's way into the cabin filter. Make sure to disinfect the area well, mice carry all sorts of disease and the HVAC then blows it in your face❗
I've been to Detroit on business three times (2000, 2002 & 2006), but at some point I hope to come over and do a road trip. I'll probably start in Boston and Maryland will be en-route. Put the kettle on❗ Did you notice in a recent video I was wearing my Cedar Point Power Tower t-shirt? Very happy you're getting value 👍
Thanks! This video saved my butt! No AC equals a cranky wife... about an hour after watching this all is well again! Definitely subscribing! 2006 93 Convertible fixed!
I used to work for Lear Corp who are HQ'd on Telegraph Road in Auburn Hills. Been to Detroit on business 3 times. Worked with TRW in Romeo twice and Brose (can't remember where they are). Fave eatery: Ticonderosa, beautiful buffalo steak!
This is great. I actually just had this happen to my 2007 saab 9-3 2.0t over the summer and i kinda had to piece together different videos and answers from forums.
@@CycloneCyd I did this back in probably July or August, so it was before your video. You pretty much covered everything in the video. In my case, the bearings in the fan were so bad and it was drawing so much power through the fan regulator that it fried the regulator. Had to replace the regulator with an OEM used one, which is important. Aftermarket ones didn't work at all. I also replaced the plug due to the scorching and melting of wires from the power draw.
@@IamJSims Ah, right. Got you now. Thanks for the input, I'm sure others will find it useful. Thanks for the the feedback too. I'm sure you know how how difficult it can be be to critique your own work - you know, like missing double words in an an email for example
An excellent presentation, I have a 1998 hatch back with manual heater controls, fan works fine on first 2 settings, however on the defrost (4) setting I get an electrical based smell, hence I keep it on 2. So the question is, finally, is the procedure similar, or even the same given that the models are quite different. Regards Steve.
Thanks for this and your other helpful vids. My fan works but is making a sound like something is slightly interfering with the blades. Probably a bit of the deteriorating foam or a leaf that's stuck in there. Will take the system apart and get to the bottom of it. Your vid is a great start. Subbed.
Thanks for the video as always. I saw a thread on a Saab FB group very recently about blowers. Apparently in a bad situation with 'stiff' turning blowers - arcing can occur. Implicated in the loss of some Saab's to fire caused by the arcing. Probably definitely worth tackling if you have any doubt!
Thanks for sharing, I didn't know it was known for causing fires, but it does make sense. Vauxhall had a similar problem with HVAC controls on Meriva (I think)
As always, a great video. Thanks Paul. My fan squeaks occasionally, is the part the same for the convertible? Is the silicon lube a temporary fix and I’m looking at a new motor. Or is it permanent? So many questions! Cheers Paul
All the versions are the same (and Vectra C too). The permanency is more down to the condition of the motor bearings IMO. If you let then squeal too long, the bearing (a phosphur bronze annulus) will overheat and the surface will pit. I'd get on it sooner rather than later.
Cyd. You are my mate!. You didn't know it but you are!!. I gotta Saab, you gotta Saab, but you knows how to fix the Saabs and I don't. So if I need to find out how to fix something on my Saab, I give my mate a look up and more often than not, he knows exactly what the problem is and shows me how to fix it ( and chucks in a few how to stop that happenin' again tips ontop). Cyd,I watched your poor performing headlamp mod video to, cos mine are exactly like you described. I think I would like to have a go at it, but, I got 2 problems. 1. don't know where to get the replacement projectors like you got to make the hybrids and 2. my wife won't let me put the lamps in the oven to get the lense off. I been looking around for a cooker so I can cook the lights :-( Thanks for all your advice and help M8ty. Leon :-)
You could do it when the wife is out❗ If you look through the playlist, one of the videos has links to various projectors including the EVOs. th-cam.com/play/PLOaePmzqZNJ3ckhEjWMapU0O2pCkG9G5K.html
Aaaaah, ive had som water coming in on the right side of the car (steering wheel on left side). Thanks for showing how to fix this and also the reason why it becomes broken.
Haha you made this just in time. I noticed water ingress in passenger footwell (UK spec), so cleared the crap in the drain and resealed around the cabin filter. Thought that was the end of it until i went to use the car last week and the blower wasnt working and the windscreen not demisting. Looks like Im due to do this job tomorrow and hopefully it wasnt sat rotting away too long and isnt totally seized! I like the car, but not enough to drop £100+ on a new motor, specially seeing as the MOT is due next week and not sure if it will pass :)
@@CycloneCyd Yeah, i plucked a figure from thin air before I'd even looked at how much they were. Literally just finished fixing it (in the snow no less!). It probably wont last long, but luckily it wasnt massively corroded, so just coated the steel shaft in teflon PTFE type lube and spun it up with the drill until it was fairly free. A standard AA battery was able to spin it, so figured that was enough and i was right. It`s noisier for sure, but works for now and when i need it most!
Thanks for this very informative video. Removal is pretty easy but the re-install a little more challenging. There are a couple of plastic pin ‘guides’ on the right hand side of the plastic shroud. Make sure these line up and it should go back in fine. I lubricated both top and bottom bearings on my fan motor after removing it from the shroud cowl and it’s gone from screechy to silent! Thanks again.
Thanks for the info! I'm sure others will find it useful. Maybe I was just lucky but mine went back together easy peasy. Mine wasn't screeching, but I am certain my bottom bearing was dry. Be sure to fix the water leak issue too: th-cam.com/video/NcennoeNCQk/w-d-xo.html
@@CycloneCyd Update!! All back together after a trial run out of the fan shroud which was was screech free..... Set off this morning, fan on lowest speed - all quiet.....set speed to max and suddenly screeching was back. Argghh!! It’s quietened down since so fingers crossed I don’t have to remove it once again. I may try lubricating the motor through the little hole beneath the control pack, which has a rubber grommet in it currently....I’ll report back. Merry Xmas!
@@CycloneCyd Hello again. My heater fan didn’t remain quiet for very long and actually became unbearably screechy at the lowest 3 speeds. I bit the bullet, bought a cheap 2nd hand unit from a lovely chap up in Manchester and hatched my cunning plan! The ‘new’ fan was in a similar condition to mine but it was only £25. I found a local company - 15 minutes away - who are in the business of rewinding and rebuilding electric motors. The repair was completed in just over a day! It came back looking brand new with new bearings top and bottom, new brushes and any worn parts replaced. I put it back in the car and it is totally silent in operation; at every speed. To say I’m pleased with the result is a massive understatement! I still have my original heater motor fan which I could have refurbished and sell on. Let me know if you know anyone who might need one. I can send pics of my unit if you’d like. I’m sure there are a number of small companies in the U.K. who’s be more than happy to refurbish electric motors such as our Saab items. Google is our friend!
I have the unit off but not off. I’ve managed to get the motor working again. I just can’t seem to get the unit back into place. Where it connects to the white part.
Thanks for your awesome videos! I've never come across anything as clear and succinct as your instructions. Can I just ask, if all I'm getting is the squealing noise, do I actually need to remove the motor at all? Can I just do the air filter tidy and foam reseal from your other video, plus the lubrication of the fan bearing? Thanks again for your excellent help.
@@CycloneCyd I just did it.. I had no issue with your perfect explanations.. it was rusty and making noise.. a bit of oil, and that's it.. cheers again chief..
Thank you sir. Good timing on this. Mine froze up again and the hand spinning has stopped being effective from the top. I will be wrapping this up soon. While we're here can you tell me where I can find good ingress through the firewall into the car for large wire? Haha thanks.
Mine started to squeal a bit. Month or so ago. Today it's not working at all. I'm wondering what the likelihood is of having to replace it before I take it all apart? I don't want to take it apart and not have a replacement ready to go back in if the unit is shot. What do you think is most likely? A repair or a replacement?
genuinely the only video on TH-cam that actually helps you replace the motor. from someone who watched them all, before you posted it. really great and tidy work mate, thanks a lot
Wow, thanks!
what swich turn the air conditioning on the insrumènt cluster on saab93
Simply brilliant
9-3 2008 owner here. You've saved my life.
greatest automobile do it yourself fixit video ever. clear, concise, complete and easy to understand. Once we get some warm weather, I will be doing this on my 2006 9-3 convertible. Thank you!
Wow, thanks! Do come back and let us know how you get on.
Thank you so much, I never would've figured out how to get the heater out without this video. It no longer sounds like a strangled cat lives in the dashboard.
Genius, as ever Cyd. My blower motor had stopped working. I initially thought it was the resistor. However I tested the resistor using a multimeter while it was still attached to the blower to check the voltage across the terminals as I changed the blower speed on the console. It stepped up from from 0V to 11V., so it was working correctly (this saved me replacing the wrong part!) so I then removed the fan. It was seized, almost certainly due to water ingress from the pollen filter housing (I remedied this using your other video so it won't happen again). I cleaned the motor thoroughly using electrical contact spray, then spray copious amounts of Ferosol on the bearings, wiping away the excess. I reassembled it and it is now working better than ever! Thank you.
I love my Saab and I couldn't keep it without great professors like you. Wonderful easy to follow directions. Thank you so much !!!!!
Thanks for watching Craig, your comments are much appreciated. I love my Saab too!
Extremely detailed and helpful. If anyone is wondering, the process is exactly the same for left hand drive, just a mirror image.
I'm about to buy a 9-3 (2005) (for not a lot of money) - it has a non working heater fan and central door locking issues. Really pleased to have found Cyd on TH-cam
Thanks mate
I was frightened of doing a full service on my 93 Aero convertible 2005. Getting my full service kit from Neo Brothers. You my friend and you're video's have given me the confidence to service my own car. Any questions I had, you've answered them all. Many thanks and a like from me on all your video's. 👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you Cyd. Just followed your tutorial and have my blower motor working perfectly again. I sadly did not heed your warning and forgot to install the screw for the foot-well vent. I suspect it will remain like that permanently because I've reassembled the entire dash already LOL. This is probably the third or fourth fix I owe to your tutorials, keep it up!
It's a lot of work to produce these videos and I only earn a very modest amount from them, but the best reward is comments like this. Awesome man!
Cyd, you're a genius. Followed the video, removed the motor, lubricated the bearings, and now it all works!
All I have to do now is get those bloody 7 screws back in!
Ha ha, yeah. At least it's only really two that are really awkward.
Having had my fan squeaking for weeks it finally packed up a month ago. Finally had the time to resolve it and this demonstration was absolutely what I needed. Many thanks for explaining it all, especially the Torx screw differences for each component. My Saab is now air con ready for summer, many thanks!
Saab experts on TH-cam RULE!!! Perfectly explained - all the exact symptoms described... just at the wrong time mine has packed up! Thank you - couldn't enjoy my 9-3 without TH-camrs like you. Thanks a million!
You're welcome
i have a 2003 9-3 and live in the states. i did this job today and was able to follow along with you step by step. it works! i finally have ac and won't have to deal with foggy windows this winter. thank you, i can tell you like teaching us this stuff. my saab is the first car I've owned that i'm doing all the work myself or with a friend. i also followed your other video and sealed the cabin filter housing with foam. i was getting water on my floor. hopefully this combo fixes that problem. 🖤
Just wanted to say a massive thank you for your video.
Your saab and fiesta videos have been incredibly helpful in general but this one and the one regarding the water ingress via the cabin air filter have literally saved me this weekend as I've been travelling to work on motorways in the snow without any heating and more importantly without being able to demist the windscreen! You are an absolute legend. Thank you again and wish you only the best!
Just replaced my fan blower in my 9-3. Only took me 3 hours start to finish. Including a break for breakfast. Many thanks for the clear instructions and video :)
The other failure mode is when the fan is not working, i.e. not spinning, but if you get your hand through the air filter housing and spin the fan manually - it starts spinning. If you have Tech2 or some other OBD2 reader that can read codes from various modules, you would find an error something along the lines of "blower motor - short or open circuit." I had this recently. You can use this method to see if the fan controller is dead or not.
The problem here is the connection between the motor windings and the brushes. Water causes oxidation and corrosion between these two parts, and you loose electrical contact. Use IPA or contact cleaner to clean the windings and the brushes (do not lubricate them, and use only IPA/contact cleaner - you want a good electrical connection there.) Then lubricate the bearings as shown in the video and the fan will be like new.
Sometimes the brushes themselves could be worn out. These can be easily replaced with new ones too, but mine seemed not too worn down.
If the fan controller is actually dead, and if you are savvy with electronics and soldering, then you can actually disassemble the controller and replaced components inside. It either could be corroded traces, or a dead MOSFET or diode.
I myself actually washed the whole motor with a shower hose - that got rid of a lot of rust particles and other dirt. Sprayed the whole motor with IPA to displace water and let it evaporate quickly, then manually cleaned the brushes and windings, lubricated bearings with sewing machine oil and voila - quiet, strong, and like new blower fan :)
Thanks for adding that to the 'collective' knowledge base. Useful info
Yeah, my brushes looked about 1/2 or so worn. I'll look into replacing them more deeply another time. For now I was happy the motor hasn't suffered too much from water ingress.
Great vid. Love saabs and things like this keep them going
More to come!
Thank you for this! Clear instructions and camera angles made this job quite manageable ❤
You're very welcome!
Just got it fix today. worked like a charm thank you ! (mechanic wanted to charge me $900 for it..)
Nice work! Holy moly❗💰 900 bucks! was he gonna fit a gold plated fan?
I think he worked for Saab 😁
Mines dead thanks for taking the time to post this for the rest of us.
Just finished and motor bearings were rusted, hard to turn. Some PB Blaster and a few light taps with a hammer to move the fan shaft in the motor back and forth got the shaft to free up. Then some silicone on the bearings and back up and running. I bench tested the motor before reassembling to make sure it was good. Also just plugged motor into the controller before putting it back in to make sure that was working. 👍
I would like to thank you for this. My fan seized up after just 5 days of ownership. I wasn't''t going to let this problem put me off the car. I freed up the fan with WD40 spun it with my drill and it started to spin fine. Great tutorial and easy to follow.
WD40 is primarily a cleaner. You need some lube in the bearings, silicon lube, dry lube, penetrating oil
This video is perfect for this job. I got the faulty blower out, and in the end I only needed to lubricate it (liberally), not replace it. I put it back in, and it has been working fine ever since. Thank you!
thank you this worked! tip that may help others: (please keep in mind that i'm not a pro nor English native) the actual motor, once removed for oiling the barings, has a neat trick. pull the plastc fan part upwards whille pressing down on the motor and there's a click :) this allows easy oiling plus you can also check if the axle of the motor is alligned. gently break free and center with a pair of plyers and that made it spin free again
Cyd just wanted to say I've watched a few of your videos multiple time for my (new to me) Saab, and what an excellent job in every case! I have to watch the videos using a mirror since I'm in the US, but cheers!
Thank you from across the pond! Your explanations, camera work and drawings were great. It was a lot of work but you gave me the confidence I needed to try...and saved me a ton of money at the same time.
Excellent vid. Cured the fan with silicon lube and no need to buy new parts. Found the water ingress and have ordered a new filter and gasket foam. Well pleased with the result!
Fantastic! Defo a 9-3 Achilles heel!
can't express how impressed I'm with the explaination. THANK YOU FROM SPAIN SIR.
Thank you Sergio.
My fan blower stopped working and was making a racket, watched your video, which was brilliant straight to the point and really helpful explaining the reasons for the issue. After some re-greasing it is working again, just need to fix the pollen filter and I'm sorted. Thanks.
Thank you for this fantastic video! Squeal started this morning on my '07 convertible after having excessive moisture on the inside of the windshield last week. Water stains were on the top of the white plastic housing and the foam gasket was wet and shot. Replaced it and also drilled a small hole in each vane of the compartments on top to allow the water to drain rather than fill up and run onto the foam gasket. Hope this works. Couldn't have done it without your help!!
Decided to check our '09 9-3 SportCombi this afternoon even though I haven't had any fan problems with it. The foam seal on it was in worse shape than the convertible and the filter housing compartments were filled with debris and water. Replaced the foam seal and cleaned everything out and feel fortunate to have caught it before the water got into the blower motor. Thanks again for your video!!
Did this today! Thank you for the super easy to follow guide, I now have 2 working units. The original was blocked through the coal brushes some how but is now even better then the replacement unit I currently have in the car.
Great job!
Without a doubt the most detailed and best instruction video on YT for this repeair
Thank you from a rookie working on cars. This video/tutorial was invaluable. Couldn't have done the job without it. Thank you again!!
Sending my thanks from Down Under! My HVAC blower kicked the bucket on a 40c day, many, MANY KM's from any form of spare parts.
Keep 'em coming mate! Love ya work!
Hope you had a good Chrissie.
Thanks Colin
Agreed with best ever. Most comprehensive, easy to understand procedure ever written for a Saab 9-3! A true pro!
Great video thanks. Managed to cure my squeak without taking the fan out. Just followed the video up to 2:22, and then sprayed WD40 (using the extension tube supplied with the can) up the drain hole that is shown at 4:48 in the video.
Fantastic video, just got done replacing mine thanks to your help. Drain plug was completely blocked up so have given that a good clear out too. I have the 2 T20 screws left over from giving up trying to put them in at the back of the housing though, my sanity is worth a minor loss of air pressure through the vents!
ha ha, yeah. They are awkward little blighters.
just fixed this with the WD40! didn't think it would work but it did! Thank you!!!
Great videos - just followed your steps and found the source of the water ingress via the filter unit and how to replace the fan unit - all completed - 👍
You are amasing. Your tutorials are simple as possible, but have all important informations. Thanks a lot. Now I could do a lot without spending money for mechanics.
Brilliant clear instructions as always, just finished putting mine back together and now working again, luckily only needed a good dose of silicone grease on the sticky bearing, hopefully keep it going for a while now.
Nice work!
One of the most informative videos I have ever seen. Well done mate. Perfect
Thanks for the refresher cyd,got to do this job again and needed the grey matter refreshed on how to do it
Right there with you kid. I often watch my own videos back to remind myself how to do things.
Cyd thanks a lot. Just finished my blower repair guided entirely by your instructions. Wish you great day! Keep those instructions going please :)
👍
Great video. If only everyone was as thorough as you! Thank you.
I appreciate that!
Thanks you so much! Very helpful vid! After contorting my body to get the screws from the back of the motor off I was able to replace it no problem👌
You just saved me so much time and effort. You’re amazing, thank you so much!!!!!
Glad I could help!
Fantastic video, because after the second viewing I was able to remove the fan. (I'm not a do-it-yourselfer)
Thanks
Ooof- complete replacement here: total rebuild due to “mouse water” seize-up. Not keeping that unit at all. Thanks for such an jn-depth video!
Very much appreciated! Hoping the LHD disassembly process is simply a mirror image of the RHD, since I have the fan motor that is fine for about 5 minutes from a cold start, then starts squeaking and eventually stops altogether.
Unrelated 9-3 question: Do you have any advice on how to access the under-seat amplifier that controls the radio and turn signal noise without removing the seat? I will if I have to, but would really prefer not!
I believe it's the same fan on the LHD so not a mirror image. But do let us know what you find.
Nope. Seat out job th-cam.com/video/jrLkWw2hb7Y/w-d-xo.html
I just did this last night, on my LHD, 2007 Saab 9-3, and yes it is a mirror image! Be ready to lay upside down for a couple of hours while trying to remove all those torx screws (if doing by hand and not a drill lol). I'm feeling the effects of it this morning! Great instructions! I replaced my blower motor, and now my fan works, but is making a humming sound...I may take it in for diagnosis, cause I'm too sore to get under there again any time soon lol
@@brwnsgr786 awesome job. Thanks for the info.
@@CycloneCyd Thank you so much for the time you take to create and share your helpful videos!
Thanks for this upload, It was very useful...straight to the point and no daft music.
Thanks for all the saab 9-3 vides you made, saved alot of time!
Excellent news
In a pinch if it is just squealing you can remove the rubber hole cover that is on the blower unit and spray lubricating spray (not wd40) and will be a temp 'fix' to get motor running quiet again. Run it on high for a while after to get smell out, but temp fix.
Excellent suggestion. As you say, though, very much a temporary fix. The trouble is that the drain hols I show you isn't at the very bottom of the casing, so water can 'pool' here, which means the bottom bearing actually ends up running in water❗ Hopefully any lube sprayed in will displace that water 👍 Thanks for your helpful input.
Great video, thanks - I was able to remove the heater motor resistor after taking out the footwell vent (2:43) - on inspection, the unit had clearly burned out - replacing it was cheap (£38.89 from Neo Brothers) and simple (20-30 mins)
Nice work, thanks for your feedback
Good video. I don't own a saab, but the video was awesome 😁
Thanks, Hank. Glad you liked it! Yeah, 180 videos in now. I think I'm starting to get the hang of it 😂😂🤘
Exactly what I was looking for. Will give it a go this weekend on my brothers car. Many thanks. 👍🏽
That last screw at the back was a nightmare 😳 but managed to get some lubricant onto the top bearing, left it an hour and it started working 😃.
Yeah, it is. Well done.
tutorial videos like this are absolutely priceless. thank you so much for the great effort you put into it!
This video was amazing; my fan's been dying for a while & started to barely work enough to defog the windows a few days ago & now I've finally fixed it & it's working better than ever :D
Last thing I have to do is figure out how to protect the air filter area as much as possible from water ingress, I'm guessing duck tape around the sides might be decent.... Anyways thanks for the video!
Thanks for the video , managed to get the fan working , although I didn’t need to take it out ( well not yet ).
I took the filter out and gave the fan a spin then it started working :-)
I sprayed it with a bit of wd40 for good measure , car smells lovely now :-))
Glad it helped
Thank you for this. I was afraid I was gonna have to replace the whole thing. Turns out maybe I won't have to!
👍👍
Another brilliant video, appreciate the work that as gone in to the making of this video. Been watching. And catching up on all your vids. Thanks for the uploads. Vinny :-)
Much appreciated, Vinny. It's great to know people find my tutorials interesting and/or useful. 🤘
Once again, getting job done with your amazing video, thank you 😊 fan sorted now, on Friday I’ll try to sort out leaks to interior, wish me luck 😅
Good video I had a squeaky fan but it was not a dodgy fan (mine had already been replaced because of water ingress that had shorted out the motor). On closer investigation it was found to be a little furry friend that had used the filter as bedding and had made a bed in any fan. It had done a good job until I started the engine and turned his bed into a centrifuge. It did not stay long after that.
I've heard of people finding woodmouse nests in the engine bay and even on top of fuel tanks, but this is the first I've heard of one finding it's way into the cabin filter. Make sure to disinfect the area well, mice carry all sorts of disease and the HVAC then blows it in your face❗
Absolutely brilliant coaching. Many thanks😀
Thank you too!
I love your vids. Very informative...fixed my cabin filter water leak thanks to you 😁 Cheers from Maryland, USA!
I've been to Detroit on business three times (2000, 2002 & 2006), but at some point I hope to come over and do a road trip. I'll probably start in Boston and Maryland will be en-route. Put the kettle on❗
Did you notice in a recent video I was wearing my Cedar Point Power Tower t-shirt?
Very happy you're getting value 👍
Great tips, especially the socket at the bulkhead. With any luck from the silicone, hopefully no more tiny squeaks (not too much water damage). Thx
PS Quick note: images are flipped for left-drive N. American cars.🤣
Thanks! This video saved my butt! No AC equals a cranky wife... about an hour after watching this all is well again! Definitely subscribing! 2006 93 Convertible fixed!
My ac clutch gave out in the 40 degree heat a couple weeks ago. New clutch and all good again
and thanks for the thanks!
Thank you for the masterful tutorial…
From darkest Manistee, Michigan. Cheers.
I used to work for Lear Corp who are HQ'd on Telegraph Road in Auburn Hills. Been to Detroit on business 3 times. Worked with TRW in Romeo twice and Brose (can't remember where they are).
Fave eatery: Ticonderosa, beautiful buffalo steak!
Thanks 🙏
Just finished doing the repair myself. Excellent video
Excellent instruction video. It is actually an easy and convenient job, but surely would have been harded without this video :)
Great video. Did use it today, step by step, to lubricate the blower motor
This is great. I actually just had this happen to my 2007 saab 9-3 2.0t over the summer and i kinda had to piece together different videos and answers from forums.
Did you manage to get the whole job done from mine? I've not missed owt, have I?
@@CycloneCyd I did this back in probably July or August, so it was before your video.
You pretty much covered everything in the video.
In my case, the bearings in the fan were so bad and it was drawing so much power through the fan regulator that it fried the regulator.
Had to replace the regulator with an OEM used one, which is important. Aftermarket ones didn't work at all.
I also replaced the plug due to the scorching and melting of wires from the power draw.
@@IamJSims Ah, right. Got you now. Thanks for the input, I'm sure others will find it useful.
Thanks for the the feedback too. I'm sure you know how how difficult it can be be to critique your own work - you know, like missing double words in an an email for example
@@CycloneCyd Heh, yeah. I found some grammar mistakes in my reply. You're doing better than i would at making a video.
An excellent presentation, I have a 1998 hatch back with manual heater controls, fan works fine on first 2 settings, however on the defrost (4) setting I get an electrical based smell, hence I keep it on 2. So the question is, finally, is the procedure similar, or even the same given that the models are quite different. Regards Steve.
Thanks for this and your other helpful vids. My fan works but is making a sound like something is slightly interfering with the blades. Probably a bit of the deteriorating foam or a leaf that's stuck in there. Will take the system apart and get to the bottom of it. Your vid is a great start. Subbed.
Did you find the problem?
Thanks for this geat video - really explained the problems and how to replace the motor well
Thanks.
Thanks for the video as always.
I saw a thread on a Saab FB group very recently about blowers. Apparently in a bad situation with 'stiff' turning blowers - arcing can occur. Implicated in the loss of some Saab's to fire caused by the arcing.
Probably definitely worth tackling if you have any doubt!
Thanks for sharing, I didn't know it was known for causing fires, but it does make sense. Vauxhall had a similar problem with HVAC controls on Meriva (I think)
Quality, easy to follow step through guide, many thanks!
You're welcome!
Great instructions! Replaced blower and resistor. Works for about 30 seconds and then stops! Any ideas?
As always, a great video. Thanks Paul. My fan squeaks occasionally, is the part the same for the convertible? Is the silicon lube a temporary fix and I’m looking at a new motor. Or is it permanent? So many questions! Cheers Paul
All the versions are the same (and Vectra C too). The permanency is more down to the condition of the motor bearings IMO. If you let then squeal too long, the bearing (a phosphur bronze annulus) will overheat and the surface will pit. I'd get on it sooner rather than later.
good video, direct, and with clear demonstrations, thank you
Cyd. You are my mate!. You didn't know it but you are!!. I gotta Saab, you gotta Saab, but you knows how to fix the Saabs and I don't. So if I need to find out how to fix something on my Saab, I give my mate a look up and more often than not, he knows exactly what the problem is and shows me how to fix it ( and chucks in a few how to stop that happenin' again tips ontop). Cyd,I watched your poor performing headlamp mod video to, cos mine are exactly like you described. I think I would like to have a go at it, but, I got 2 problems. 1. don't know where to get the replacement projectors like you got to make the hybrids and 2. my wife won't let me put the lamps in the oven to get the lense off. I been looking around for a cooker so I can cook the lights :-(
Thanks for all your advice and help M8ty. Leon :-)
You could do it when the wife is out❗ If you look through the playlist, one of the videos has links to various projectors including the EVOs. th-cam.com/play/PLOaePmzqZNJ3ckhEjWMapU0O2pCkG9G5K.html
Utter genius, thanks so much for these videos. Really appreciate it
Thank you so much for the video. Ive managed to fix the problem my self, thanks to your help. If youre ever near kettering i'll buy you a pint. 🍺
This was of great help. Excellent video.
Aaaaah, ive had som water coming in on the right side of the car (steering wheel on left side). Thanks for showing how to fix this and also the reason why it becomes broken.
Thanks for the video! Just the motor for me mine seized up. 👍
Haha you made this just in time. I noticed water ingress in passenger footwell (UK spec), so cleared the crap in the drain and resealed around the cabin filter. Thought that was the end of it until i went to use the car last week and the blower wasnt working and the windscreen not demisting. Looks like Im due to do this job tomorrow and hopefully it wasnt sat rotting away too long and isnt totally seized! I like the car, but not enough to drop £100+ on a new motor, specially seeing as the MOT is due next week and not sure if it will pass :)
It won't cost 100 quid for a secondhand motor. Search for Ron Saab Leeds on Facebook, he's only along the M62 from you.
@@CycloneCyd Yeah, i plucked a figure from thin air before I'd even looked at how much they were. Literally just finished fixing it (in the snow no less!). It probably wont last long, but luckily it wasnt massively corroded, so just coated the steel shaft in teflon PTFE type lube and spun it up with the drill until it was fairly free. A standard AA battery was able to spin it, so figured that was enough and i was right. It`s noisier for sure, but works for now and when i need it most!
best ever video i have seen. Thank you
Wow, praise indeed. Thank you
Thanks you fall all videos you are legend just had this problem on my Saab ordered part thank you
Nice Video! I replace my fan with your help. Thank you
This is a great video. Helped me a lot with my Saab 9 3! Thanks a lot !
Awesome. Thank you Autovlogger.
Thanks for this very informative video. Removal is pretty easy but the re-install a little more challenging. There are a couple of plastic pin ‘guides’ on the right hand side of the plastic shroud. Make sure these line up and it should go back in fine. I lubricated both top and bottom bearings on my fan motor after removing it from the shroud cowl and it’s gone from screechy to silent!
Thanks again.
Thanks for the info! I'm sure others will find it useful. Maybe I was just lucky but mine went back together easy peasy.
Mine wasn't screeching, but I am certain my bottom bearing was dry.
Be sure to fix the water leak issue too: th-cam.com/video/NcennoeNCQk/w-d-xo.html
@@CycloneCyd Update!! All back together after a trial run out of the fan shroud which was was screech free.....
Set off this morning, fan on lowest speed - all quiet.....set speed to max and suddenly screeching was back. Argghh!!
It’s quietened down since so fingers crossed I don’t have to remove it once again. I may try lubricating the motor through the little hole beneath the control pack, which has a rubber grommet in it currently....I’ll report back. Merry Xmas!
@@robinsongalaxie500 Yes, please do. Seasons greetings to you too. Stay safe
@@CycloneCyd
Hello again. My heater fan didn’t remain quiet for very long and actually became unbearably screechy at the lowest 3 speeds. I bit the bullet, bought a cheap 2nd hand unit from a lovely chap up in Manchester and hatched my cunning plan! The ‘new’ fan was in a similar condition to mine but it was only £25. I found a local company - 15 minutes away - who are in the business of rewinding and rebuilding electric motors. The repair was completed in just over a day! It came back looking brand new with new bearings top and bottom, new brushes and any worn parts replaced.
I put it back in the car and it is totally silent in operation; at every speed. To say I’m pleased with the result is a massive understatement! I still have my original heater motor fan which I could have refurbished and sell on. Let me know if you know anyone who might need one. I can send pics of my unit if you’d like.
I’m sure there are a number of small companies in the U.K. who’s be more than happy to refurbish electric motors such as our Saab items.
Google is our friend!
@@robinsongalaxie500 excellent! job jobbed.
Great video, clearly explained.
Thanks, Philip. Did you fix yours?
Very great video! I didn’t have the 1/4 inch wrench and I’ve almost finished it with much frustration 😅 perhaps I should invest in one 🤔😂
I have the unit off but not off. I’ve managed to get the motor working again. I just can’t seem to get the unit back into place. Where it connects to the white part.
Sorry I missed this. Did it go back together okay in the end?
Thanks for your awesome videos! I've never come across anything as clear and succinct as your instructions.
Can I just ask, if all I'm getting is the squealing noise, do I actually need to remove the motor at all? Can I just do the air filter tidy and foam reseal from your other video, plus the lubrication of the fan bearing?
Thanks again for your excellent help.
Great video, cheers for that... My fan is also making noise when just it is low degree, when I rise it faster it stops.. is it the same solution?
Almost certainly. Don't forget to sort the water leak when you repair it. th-cam.com/video/NcennoeNCQk/w-d-xo.html
@@CycloneCyd I just did it.. I had no issue with your perfect explanations.. it was rusty and making noise.. a bit of oil, and that's it.. cheers again chief..
Thank you sir. Good timing on this. Mine froze up again and the hand spinning has stopped being effective from the top. I will be wrapping this up soon. While we're here can you tell me where I can find good ingress through the firewall into the car for large wire? Haha thanks.
Mine started to squeal a bit. Month or so ago. Today it's not working at all. I'm wondering what the likelihood is of having to replace it before I take it all apart? I don't want to take it apart and not have a replacement ready to go back in if the unit is shot.
What do you think is most likely? A repair or a replacement?
Are the tools and screw types the same for the USA version of the car? T25 torx? Etc
You’re a bloody legend mate 👍👏