Hi all. After a few days in a Heathrow car park, my FFRR rebelled and decided not to let me breathe. The interior front fan doesn't work, although all the lights come on and air direction flaps move. AHA! you think, classic FSR. So did I. I just changed it for a new one from Dan, but it made no difference. Fuses are OK, is there anything else to check before I think about replacing the fan/motor?

Only symptom leading up to that was the occasional slight squeak from the fan which went away after a couple of seconds.

Ian

I would be doubly certain before seeking to replace the fan/motor. Not sure where the connector block is for it, but would see if the fan runs straight from a battery. The fix to replace is not for the faint hearted - either whole dash off, or judicious cutting of the inner dash to get the fan out. There is a howto on here on this latter one.

Also check that your FSR is seated properly (easy to think it is when it isn't) If so, it may have burnt out and you will need another one .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

I replaced the FSR and ... nothing. So I doubt the new one died in a few seconds. It also gets warm, so I guess there's power to it. I'm going to check fuses again, this time with a meter rather than just visually. If anyone knows where the connectors are, please tell me!

Can you not remove the pollen filter housing complete and then see the ends of the fan blade assemblies.
Not sure about this but I think you might be able to try and spin the fan by hand
No doubt others advise further.
If the fan spins freely at least it's not seized but could still be a failed motor.
Again I'm not sure but could you not spray copious amounts of oil in the general direction of each end of the motor and see what happens when you try and run it.

Looks like connectors C0056(motor)/C2281(motor control unit) are hidden behind the centre console (below the computer screen)

Cable Colours for the motor are Red/Green and Green/Black .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

I'll certainly try taking the filter housing out. Seems like an easier route to see what's happening.

With a bit long arms and fingers, you can reach the fan after removing the pollen filter housing, just two nuts, the bonnet gasket and the whole housing slides out. Recirc need to be OFF.

I would DEFINITLY NOT try to spray-lube the fan from the vent holes in the engine bay. I did and it didn't help at all but after having changed the fan and seen how the acccess for oil is there are only a very slight chance for the oil to reach one bearing and you definiteliy don't reach the other... just making a mess to clean up later...

My fan wasn't stuck at all but the bearings somewhat seized and the motor didn't have enough force to start. This video shows the difference:
 "Plentraktoren/Garden tractor": 2008 L322 TDV8
"Project": 1990 90 County 300tdi

Ah yes, I saw that video when I was searching for ideas! I'll take a look, at least I can establish if it's tight bearings. The squeaking would suggest that.

Mine didn't squeak at all but the squeak is a quite clear indication that the bearings are finished... "Plentraktoren/Garden tractor": 2008 L322 TDV8
"Project": 1990 90 County 300tdi

I just looked at RAVE for the official method. Good grief - take out HOW MUCH STUFF?

For those who have cut away the dash plastic, is that just cosmetic? Does it actually direct airflow?

No visible parts are modified, some airducts and other parts are cut, see here: http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic14961-83.html "Plentraktoren/Garden tractor": 2008 L322 TDV8
"Project": 1990 90 County 300tdi

OK, brave pills taken and dash top off. The fan has clearly almost seized, and the right side blades have disintegrated! I managed to pull out the debris, but the fan still won't turn easily.

What do you all think about second hand ones? There are few on eBay from 2002-ish X5s, worth a try or will they die too? They're in the £20 range, new ones are £200+ I think.

You have to consider the amount of work vs. fan cost. I used about 4.5 hours of effective work time, the local garage esimate 11.4 hours... I would put in a new one... "Plentraktoren/Garden tractor": 2008 L322 TDV8
"Project": 1990 90 County 300tdi

OK, progress. The dash didn't take long to remove once I'd figured out the clips for the vents, cutting some of the under-dash plastic away was a few minutes with a dremel and cut-off disc, and what was left of the old fan came out pretty quickly. Lots of skinned knuckles getting the broken fan blades out though! I've ordered a used fan from eBay - £15, so if I break it fitting it there's no great loss.

Some info for anyone trying this....

If you remove the headlamp switch, the side lights go on! So leave it connected and hanging.

Well done mr_spock, looking forward to the refit  .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999