Is YOUR Saab 9-3 Heater fan NOT WORKING or SQUEALING | How to remove

If your Saab 9-3 heater fan not working or squealing, then let me show you how to remove it for replacement or repair.
🎥 How to dry water from the cabin floor: • Saab 9-3 Water in Pass...
☕ Please consider supporting the channel: www.buymeacoffee.com/CycloneCyd ☕
💡 Don't forget to subscribe and hit that bell 🔔 to learn more about looking after your car.
📢 As promised here is a link to a Google Slides presentation with pictures of the motor and details of fixing positions
docs.google.com/presentation/...
This exact same fan unit is fitted to Opel Vauxhall Vectra C and Signum. Both of these suffer the same water ingress issue as the 9-3 (though access through the cowl is slightly different)
🛠 New aftermarket fan and casing: bit.ly/HVAC_Fan_Saab93_VxSignu...
🛠 New aftermarket heater resistor/controller: bit.ly/Heater_Resistor_93_VecC...
🛠 New complete assembly: bit.ly/Heater_Fan_plus_Resisto...
Learn more about looking after your car:
🎥 The importance of keeping your battery clean: • The Importance of Keep...
🎥 A comprehensive guide to battery and alternator testing • How To Test Car Batter...
🎥 How to replace a CV [constant velocity] joint boot with a split kit: • Universal CV Boot Repa...
🎥 Don’t let your fuel filter end up like this: • Why Should I Change My...
Everyone should have a tyre pressure gauge in their glovebox:
bit.ly/Tyre_press_guage...
personally prefer a stirrup pump to a foot pump (I use the same one for my bikes and cars)
bit.ly/Tyre_stirrup_pump
If you’d like to learn about the science and engineering of cars: Bosch Automotive Handbook:amzn.to/39va9xA
Are you trying to grow your own KZbin channel? I use TubeBuddy, try it out for free:
www.Tubebuddy.com/CycloneCyd
Like my theme music? Need some music composing for yourself? Contact my Nephew, Anton via Facebook
/ anton.griffiths
My videos are edited in Filmora X - try it for free
bit.ly/Filmora_X_try4free
Thank you

[@MisterTaoTao]

genuinely the only video on KZbin 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

[@CycloneCyd]

Wow, thanks!

[@arthurspiliotopoulos6809]

what swich turn the air conditioning on the insrumènt cluster on saab93

[@pradipsatankumarbecheta2385]

Simply brilliant

[@exubre]

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.

[@Equestrian-g1z]

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.

[@imaxlr8ed1]

I love my Saab and I couldn't keep it without great professors like you. Wonderful easy to follow directions. Thank you so much !!!!!

[@CycloneCyd]

Thanks for watching Craig, your comments are much appreciated. I love my Saab too!

[@juanm2188]

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!

[@CycloneCyd]

Wow, thanks! Do come back and let us know how you get on.

[@isaac_bear]

Extremely detailed and helpful. If anyone is wondering, the process is exactly the same for left hand drive, just a mirror image.

[@NIMM_VOID]

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. 🖤

[@undertowpull]

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!

[@vvalekk]

Thank you for this! Clear instructions and camera angles made this job quite manageable ❤

[@CycloneCyd]

You're very welcome!

[@naiche.]

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!

[@CycloneCyd]

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!

[@eugenebarnes1316]

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 KZbin

[@CycloneCyd]

Thanks mate

[@brianemond2777]

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.

[@CMtheoriginalsarge]

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!

[@billcwood160]

Agreed with best ever. Most comprehensive, easy to understand procedure ever written for a Saab 9-3! A true pro!

[@TheFlyingDanUK]

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!

[@gerardpeters4878]

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. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@warrenhalsall3181]

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.

[@MarkvanderVelden]

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

[@DiggingNorway]

Without a doubt the most detailed and best instruction video on YT for this repeair

[@janicetarson1037]

Thank you from a rookie working on cars. This video/tutorial was invaluable. Couldn't have done the job without it. Thank you again!!

[@AJTrain]

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!

[@CycloneCyd]

ha ha, yeah. They are awkward little blighters.

[@ddog4608]

Saab experts on KZbin 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 KZbinrs like you. Thanks a million!

[@CycloneCyd]

You're welcome

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 :)

[@CycloneCyd]

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.

[@PolskiKierowca]

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.

[@kemomh]

Cyd thanks a lot. Just finished my blower repair guided entirely by your instructions. Wish you great day! Keep those instructions going please :)

[@CycloneCyd]

👍

[@myran_moto330]

tutorial videos like this are absolutely priceless. thank you so much for the great effort you put into it!

[@skkipman2009]

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 :)

[@fastasfox]

Thanks for this upload, It was very useful...straight to the point and no daft music.

[@colininglis5894]

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.

[@CycloneCyd]

Thanks Colin

[@user-fh1rz1uq6c]

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!

[@conmillarsonsheatingandplu4079]

One of the most informative videos I have ever seen. Well done mate. Perfect

[@jeffreyporter4288]

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!!

[@jeffreyporter4288]

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!!

[@tugboattedd]

Thank you for the masterful tutorial… From darkest Manistee, Michigan. Cheers.

[@CycloneCyd]

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!

[@vazza7504]

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 :-)

[@CycloneCyd]

Much appreciated, Vinny. It's great to know people find my tutorials interesting and/or useful. 🤘

[@fanisen]

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.

[@CycloneCyd]

Great job!

[@MrOikono]

Thanks 🙏 Just finished doing the repair myself. Excellent video

[@chrispfink]

I love your vids. Very informative...fixed my cabin filter water leak thanks to you 😁 Cheers from Maryland, USA!

[@CycloneCyd]

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 👍

[@RogerWaldock]

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 - 👍

[@jeffmaul7999]

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!

[@CycloneCyd]

Fantastic! Defo a 9-3 Achilles heel!

[@tylerlangreder4714]

You just saved me so much time and effort. You’re amazing, thank you so much!!!!!

[@CycloneCyd]

Glad I could help!

[@viniboy9853]

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.

[@CycloneCyd]

WD40 is primarily a cleaner. You need some lube in the bearings, silicon lube, dry lube, penetrating oil

[@sergioandreo3496]

can't express how impressed I'm with the explaination. THANK YOU FROM SPAIN SIR.

[@CycloneCyd]

Thank you Sergio.

[@timothyharding618]

Utter genius, thanks so much for these videos. Really appreciate it

[@aerotek6062]

Thanks for the refresher cyd,got to do this job again and needed the grey matter refreshed on how to do it

[@CycloneCyd]

Right there with you kid. I often watch my own videos back to remind myself how to do things.

[@baranek1997]

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 😅

[@dankuspanku4650]

This was of great help. Excellent video.

[@MichaelJohnson-lg5wd]

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.

[@CycloneCyd]

Nice work!

[@zsolttamasik1633]

Fantastic video, because after the second viewing I was able to remove the fan. (I'm not a do-it-yourselfer) Thanks

[@gnalry_town]

good video, direct, and with clear demonstrations, thank you

[@saafg]

Excellent instruction video. It is actually an easy and convenient job, but surely would have been harded without this video :)

[@Gripengamer]

Thanks for all the saab 9-3 vides you made, saved alot of time!

[@CycloneCyd]

Excellent news

[@michaelcox7939]

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!

[@CycloneCyd]

Ha ha, yeah. At least it's only really two that are really awkward.

[@bdyt]

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. 👍

[@theashbys8863]

Thanks you fall all videos you are legend just had this problem on my Saab ordered part thank you

[@jamesmoirano4271]

Quality, easy to follow step through guide, many thanks!

[@CycloneCyd]

You're welcome!

[@rideflyer]

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👌

[@imdethfannotmike7001]

Great vid. Love saabs and things like this keep them going

[@CycloneCyd]

More to come!

[@HamiltonvilleFarm]

Good video. I don't own a saab, but the video was awesome 😁

[@CycloneCyd]

Thanks, Hank. Glad you liked it! Yeah, 180 videos in now. I think I'm starting to get the hang of it 😂😂🤘

[@user-lz2tt5ip4w]

Absolutely brilliant coaching. Many thanks😀

[@CycloneCyd]

Thank you too!

[@michaelmason7430]

Excellent detailed and informative video, thanks very much for your help Cyd

[@CycloneCyd]

Glad it was helpful!

[@autovlogger4764]

This is a great video. Helped me a lot with my Saab 9 3! Thanks a lot !

[@CycloneCyd]

Awesome. Thank you Autovlogger.

[@wolframt6266]

Nice Video! I replace my fan with your help. Thank you

[@MondialFlat]

thank you for your precize work and explenation!

[@jacobmp4943]

Exactly what I was looking for. Will give it a go this weekend on my brothers car. Many thanks. 👍🏽

[@jacobmp4943]

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 😃.

[@CycloneCyd]

Yeah, it is. Well done.

[@morecapri6914]

Thank you so much❤️ Fixed our problem😁

[@sionevans]

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)

[@CycloneCyd]

Nice work, thanks for your feedback

[@johnmav8309]

Thank you! Very good video!

[@Narcolepzzzzzzzz]

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.

[@TheEarthCamper]

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!

[@PRODIGY5369]

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!

[@CycloneCyd]

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)

[@TobeasJ]

Thank you for this. I was afraid I was gonna have to replace the whole thing. Turns out maybe I won't have to!

[@CycloneCyd]

👍👍

[@niknoks7638]

You’re a bloody legend mate 👍👏

[@Explore-Gobal]

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.

[@CycloneCyd]

Did you find the problem?

[@trajder1007]

Thanks a lot for this video!!

[@ollemelen3666]

Helped a lot!

[@David_S-L1]

Thanks for this geat video - really explained the problems and how to replace the motor well

[@CycloneCyd]

Thanks.

[@vdg947]

Just got it fix today. worked like a charm thank you ! (mechanic wanted to charge me $900 for it..)

[@CycloneCyd]

Nice work! Holy moly❗💰 900 bucks! was he gonna fit a gold plated fan?

[@philipsilcock5264]

Great video, clearly explained.

[@CycloneCyd]

Thanks, Philip. Did you fix yours?

[@staceyreeves9523]

Brilliant fix. Thx

[@mattlovejoy5536]

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. 🍺

[@feldmannimports]

Thanks for the video! Just the motor for me mine seized up. 👍

[@jameskrueger6282]

Thanks a lot. Your guide was a big help to me.

[@archivegarage7638]

Thanks Cyd!

[@royrashbrook]

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.

[@colincrawford6612]

best ever video i have seen. Thank you

[@CycloneCyd]

Wow, praise indeed. Thank you

[@redabd4198]

Bonsoir, merci pour toutes les vidéos qui sont les unes des autres toutes superbes.J’ai besoin de vôtre savoir pour enlever et remettre l’aérateur côté passager .Merci😂

[@IamJSims]

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]

Did you manage to get the whole job done from mine? I've not missed owt, have I?

[@IamJSims]

@@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.

[@CycloneCyd]

@@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

[@IamJSims]

@@CycloneCyd Heh, yeah. I found some grammar mistakes in my reply. You're doing better than i would at making a video.

[@blollerz]

Thank you for the video, it's very useful

[@CycloneCyd]

Ta muchly 👍

[@LEARNING.AsWeGrOw]

Good job nice information!!!!

[@CycloneCyd]

Thank Ralph

[@albionstation9788]

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

[@albionstation9788]

PS Quick note: images are flipped for left-drive N. American cars.🤣

[@azmoz1321]

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 :-))

[@CycloneCyd]

Glad it helped

[@Fozzyboy704]

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!

[@CycloneCyd]

My ac clutch gave out in the 40 degree heat a couple weeks ago. New clutch and all good again

[@CycloneCyd]

and thanks for the thanks!

[@ericdayman3465]

thank you so much! great video

[@CycloneCyd]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lalovega117]

Thank you sir!

[@abdomination]

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.

[@patrickgyde7875]

Good explained. Thanks

[@CycloneCyd]

You're welcome

[@wesgarvin1277]

Nice job!

[@CycloneCyd]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@sidrackerspeed2885]

Very good video !

[@CycloneCyd]

Thank you very much!

[@TheRhea2000]

Thank you!

[@danhogberg2338]

Very helpful thank you.

[@CycloneCyd]

You're welcome!