145 heater switch
 

Hey there,

New nember, picked up my first Volvo this week - a 1973 145 De Luxe and absolutely love it already. Many little issues to sort but the main one for now is sometimes the heater/blower works and sometimes it doesnt. Is this a common fault or an easy fix? Hoping it’s just a faulty relay or something but no idea how to fix. Any advice appreciated.



Paul

Welcome to the land of 40-50 year old cars. You have a steep learning curve ahead, good for you taking this on.

First try rotating the fuse(s) in their holders, could be a dodgy connection.

Well done for choosing a 145, PMC - a very adaptable classic. Was it the yellow one on ebay recently, a car I knew from a former owner?
As 1800 said, fuse corrosion is a well-known fault with 140s and 240s: my most recent 145 sat for years stored (in the dry) so electrics continuity was a major issue (but still far simpler than the complex electronics on all newer cars - even I can fathom out circuitry on the old 'uns). Being a '73 your fuses are probably down the n/s door pillar - make sure a possible windscreen leak hasn't made that area wet. I have a breaker 145 too so if something is found to be naff I may be able to help.
A member on here might well be near you - look up swedishandgerman on here as Adam has/had a donor car for his 142 so could maybe help.

Paul
140-series VOC registrar

Thanks for the replies. Have had a few old cars before but this one is actually to be my wife’s daily driver! Yes it is the yellow one which has been on every recently. I have located the fuses, taken the relevant one out and checked it. Don’t think it is the source of the fault as the fuse works other things as well which are working fine. Will have to keep working through possibilities one at a time!


Many thank


Paul

Remove switch and check it out with a meter. Clean and lube with proper contact cleaner, NOT WD-40. Short out the leads to see if the fan works. Fan motors can slow down, partially seize or seize altogether but usually respond to a good clean and some oil on the bushes. Check by running with leads directly from the battery and if removed clamp in a vice and give them a good run with full 12 volts. Good luck.