loud squealing noise w/ climate control

[pottsy710]

i have a 97 gp gt with 70k miles, occassionally when i turn on my heat or a/c or defroster using the digital climate control, i hear a loud squealing coming from my glove box or near it, it does stop after a minute, but i would like to know if it is something that i can fix diy. thanks in advance.

[GTP Dad]

The loud squealing you hear is the fan motor. When the bearing goes in these motors they squeal like this. There are two ways to remedy the problem, pull the fan and lubricate the bearing, this is a temporary fix or replace the fan and motor with a new one.

[klee1981]

BUMP, I have this same problem, the black box seems to be deep in the glove box.

Is the proceure to open the glove box all the way, and somehow unscrew the box and pull it through the glove box door, or do i have to remove the dash board.

It looks tough.

thank you for you help.

Kevin Lee

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by klee1981

BUMP, I have this same problem, the black box seems to be deep in the glove box.

Is the proceure to open the glove box all the way, and somehow unscrew the box and pull it through the glove box door, or do i have to remove the dash board.

It looks tough.

thank you for you help.

Kevin Lee

First you have to remove underdash kickpanel panel on the passenger side of the dashboard. You won't be able to remove the blower motor through the glovebox. There are two to three plastic push pins that hold the kickpanel in and must be removed.

You need to make room so move the passenger seat as far back as possible. With your head in the floor look toward the firewall. The blower motor is mounted in the bottom of the HVAC ducting. There should be three 5.5mm bolts holding it up. Remove those and the blower will remove. Undo the electrical connector and that's it. After servicing or replacing, reassembly is reverse. It takes patience and good luck!









Thrasher CAI, DHP v1.0 PCM, SLP Headers,
3.25 SC pulley, CAIT GMAF, 2.5 DP/Hi-Flow CAT,
u-bend delete, 160 TS, ZZP Stage 1 72mm TB,
TB spacer, MSD 8.5mm wires, Autolite 103,
Goodyear Gatorback Serp. & SC Belt,
Nitto NT555R Drag Radials
1/4 ET: 13.210 sec. @ 104.490 mph
0 - 60 ft: 1.945 sec.

[rbsteve]

if its only just begun happening, you might get away with a regrease. I took it out after the first few times, you can dismantle the whole unit down to the electric motor, you just have to bend some metal flanges up to remove the casing. A dab of grease here and there and it should run like new. Also while its out, just stick your hand up in the hole and feel around for any leaves or pineneedles that can also make some noise.

[klee1981]

im pretty mechanically inclined, that should be a peice of cake. Its been happening since it got cold in the morning, I will probably just replace the component.

thank you for the instructions, and I appreciate your help

Kevin Lee

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by klee1981

im pretty mechanically inclined, that should be a peice of cake. Its been happening since it got cold in the morning, I will probably just replace the component.

thank you for the instructions, and I appreciate your help

Kevin Lee

Be sure to get the right blower motor if you decide to replace it. The auto digital climate control and manual HVAC are different.

'97 - '03 Grand Prixs have the highest failure rate of similar GM "W" bodies like the Regal, Intrigue and Century on blower motors because most do not have a cabin air filter unless installed later by the owner. The others have them from the factory.

The cabin air filter helps keep dirt, dust, leaves, pine needles and other debris out of the HVAC system. IMO it will help extend the life of the blower motor. I installed mine back in 1998 and still have the original blower motor. Doesn't cost that much. Price range from $12.00 - $30.00 depending on brand. Just a suggestion.









Thrasher CAI, DHP v1.0 PCM, SLP Headers,
3.25 SC pulley, CAIT GMAF, 2.5 DP/Hi-Flow CAT,
u-bend delete, 160 TS, ZZP Stage 1 72mm TB,
TB spacer, MSD 8.5mm wires, Autolite 103,
Goodyear Gatorback Serp. & SC Belt,
Nitto NT555R Drag Radials
1/4 ET: 13.210 sec. @ 104.490 mph
0 - 60 ft: 1.945 sec.

[pottsy710]

do you have a part number for the appropriate motor, mine just died completely, also, where would you suggest i pick up that filter? thx in advance.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by pottsy710

do you have a part number for the appropriate motor, mine just died completely, also, where would you suggest i pick up that filter? thx in advance.

The blower motor for digital HVAC is AC Delco part number 15-8950. GM part numbers were 52481313 for 1st design blower and 52487088 for 2nd design. The part numbers were changed by GM but dealer should be able to cross reference and give you the new part number.

The cabin air filter is available at the auto parts stores like Autozone. The one from a '97 - '04 Buick Regal will fit. I get mine from Checker/Kragen/Schucks for around $11.00 which is a custom fit generic brand. The AC Delco, Fram and Purolator brands will cost more around $20 - $40. The AC Delco part number is CF132.