there is a very loud fan noise in the engine compartment of my '96 850 wagon. it sounds as if it emanates from the area directly behind the passenger headlight - this is not the main fan behind the radiator - and i'll be buggered if i can find this thing to see if the fan is faulty or if something is in the way or what?!?! it is VERY loud, and has been so for weeks now... so whatever it is has not caused it to become terminal - although the noise is loud enough to make this a wish. please help me find this fan! the fan comes on with the key... thanks in advance!!

do you have wipers on the headlights? if you do, I am betting that it's the wiper motor. do they work? if they don't, try twisting them the way the wipers are supposed to work. once or twice and they should shut off. granted, they will come on next time you turn on the wipers. I just unhooked the connections until I figure out if I want them of not. good luck. keep us posted.

sorry it took so long to reply... i spent the day saving someone with computer disasters. the volvo recently underwent some minor bodywork that involved parts replacement in that area, and i seem to remember some statement to the effect that they did not "get the headlight wipers working" which could be right up this alley!! is there a way to disable the motor as a test, since if the former is true, your test might prove ineffectual, yet not untrue?

ok, minor bodywork... i was hit - a teenager made a left turn from the right lane, unfortunately, i was in the left lane- going the same direction! his car, totalled... volvo, they replaced right front quarter panel, headlight assembly and the rubber on the front bumper... (his was japanese- i outweighed him 2/1)

yes, when you open the hood, look behind the headlight housing, there will be a squarish plug with a bent metal pin running almost around the circumference. this you will need to push down on(the metal pin) to remove the male from the female (oh sadness for the plugs :grin: ) that should stop any and all noise. if you ae not going to have the washer motors repaired at this time, just cover with a little baggie and tape over to keep water from them.