NOISE FROM SMALL DASH FAN (AND REMOVAL)
ACC Cabin Fan Sensor failures can often be identified by noting that noise begins to come from the small motor in the dash. That fan runs when the ventilation system is running and when it fails usually begins to squeal. Replacement of the Fan sensor is the only cure. It can be removed in most cases by pushing it from the rear. You can often access the rear by going through the radio slot or the ashtray.
For Temporary Noise Relief (special thanks to Sam Bullard)
For prompt relief, insert a long toothpick s-l-o-w-l-y and gently through the screen. The fan is located about 1-1/2 inches (38mm) behind the screen. You will hear and feel when the end of the toothpick contact the fan. I don't know how this works; maybe it knocks off some dust and improves the fan's balance. The noise stops. Repeat whenever the noise returns. This isn't a cure, but it provides relief until you have time to remove, clean and lubricate the sensor.
Thanks to Robert Druff for contributing to this FAQ!
A Note from one of our customers
I've gotten a year out of a noisy ACC cabin fan with a few simple steps. I pulled the guard/cover off and with a can of compressed computer-type cleaning/dusting spray thouroughly blew away any dust that had built up on the fan and its components. I then sprayed two or three jets of light oil
(I used my electric clipper blade oil) into the fan. (Becareful to only spray a small shot on the commutator because you could cause a fire) It quieted right down and has worked for almost a year with only one refresh of the above. On a 1996 is alot better than putting a new $80 part in.
This may work in some cases but really depends on how short the brushes are and how they tight they are against the commutator. In many cases the brushes are simply worn out. If they are worn out then nothing but replacement will work.
Channi Matharu says:
Noise from Small Dash Fan. With respect, the fan starts squealing because it has dried out and you can overcome this by removing the complete unit (just push it out as suggested above) and then applying a small drop of oil or carefully place a tiny blob of grease on the spindle base and housing. I have done this successfully on both my 9000 Aero and 900 SE Convertible.
A Special thanks to Romeyn Prescott for the contribution of the removal Instructions below:
| STEP 1 | Remove ashtray |
| STEP 2 | Use ashtray hole to gain access to the back of the ACC control unit with your hand and pull it straight out of the dash. I was surprised at how easy this was! |
| STEP 3 | Remove screen in front of fan unit |
| STEP 4 | Simultaneously pry the top and bottom clips inward (from the front) as you push back on the unit |
| STEP 5 | Remove unit through hole where ACC control unit used to be. |
| STEP 6 | Service/replace as necessary |
A few more hints:
Thanks to Jochen Beyer for contributing to this FAQ!
Old Sensor
New Sensor
| STEP 7 | ACC control unit indeed pops out easily, alternatively you can remove the heated seat controls and push from the side (I went this way since the telephone head unit situated under the ACC is a **** to remove) |
| STEP 8 | There seem to be at least two versions of the fan (one I salvaged from a MY93, the other from my MY96 - however, interchangable) the earlier design being slightly better servicecable, as you can remove the entire fan assembly from its housing (see pictures) by prising off the rear clips and gain better access to the spindle bearings |
| STEP 9 | These designs can only be removed as Romeyn pointed out in steps 4 & 5 (I killed one by pulling at it) |
| STEP 10 | The motor is of a brushless design (with two coils on the rear printed circuit and a permanent magnet ring on the fan), so I suppose there is no risk of burning lubricant, just choose something non aggressive and compatible with printed circuits) |
Pricing for Acc Cabin Fan Sensor (Switches)