Volvo XC60 Cooling fans killing battery when car is off

[jayjr1105]

So this seems to be a pretty common issue with Volvo's. Needed a jump last night coming home from a swim meet and I did some research and it seems the place to start is the module itself which is $240 and takes 15 min to replace with a right angle screw driver. I've seen some cases where the module works for some time but then they needed to replace the fans as well because the fans were somehow killing the module. Any advice would be appreciated. Here is the Genuine Volvo module I planned on purchasing. I see there is a Gates model as well but it's more expensive than genuine??
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo-cooling-fan-control-module-genuine-volvo-31305106#reviews

Also, I assume this part is potted in an epoxy resin or can internal parts be serviced? I do some electronic repairs and have some good soldering tools if parts inside this module can be replaced.

 

[GMBoy]

WOW! I just looked up your vehicle and AZ shows a beck/arnley controller (which I bet the part in the box is OEM) for $320. There are 2 different ones - one for dual and one for single fan. Looks like it is cheaper at FCP. It is true that the fan can take out the module but the module should have built in protection for that so I would replace the controller only at this time and watch how it operates. Remember the module controls the fan not the other way around which is why the module is most likely the culprit here.

 

[Astro14]

It’s usually the module. It “sticks” and the fan keeps running. Typically the module is part of the entire fan assembly, not available separately.

More of a Bosch problem than Volvo, this happens on Mercedes fans, too.

Genuine is a good bet. Aftermarket can be inconsistent in quality.

SwedeSpeed will have some discussion on your car. I bet you’re not alone, and it will be well worth your time to read up over there.

 

[jayjr1105]

I bit on the genuine volvo @ fcpeuro for $237 out the door. Assuming it takes care of the problem, I'm okay with that price if it fixes the problem long term.

WOW! I just looked up your vehicle and AZ shows a beck/arnley controller (which I bet the part in the box is OEM) for $320. There are 2 different ones - one for dual and one for single fan. Looks like it is cheaper at FCP. It is true that the fan can take out the module but the module should have built in protection for that so I would replace the controller only at this time and watch how it operates. Remember the module controls the fan not the other way around which is why the module is most likely the culprit here.

There is a yt video of a guy who had a shop replace his module and some months went by and it happened again. At that point he bought the whole fan assembly and DIY'd it which resolved it. I'm not sure what to make of that but I'll just be trying the module first.

 

[GMBoy]

I bit on the genuine volvo @ fcpeuro for $237 out the door. Assuming it takes care of the problem, I'm okay with that price if it fixes the problem long term.

There is a yt video of a guy who had a shop replace his module and some months went by and it happened again. At that point he bought the whole fan assembly and DIY'd it which resolved it. I'm not sure what to make of that but I'll just be trying the module first.

Check the current draw of the fans. If in spec then should be no issue.

 

[brages]

I bit on the genuine volvo @ fcpeuro for $237 out the door. Assuming it takes care of the problem, I'm okay with that price if it fixes the problem long term.

If it does go bad again, FCP should replace it for free

 

[jayjr1105]

One bloody thumb later and I replaced the module. I was happy to see the one in there was a very cheap clone so that confirms to me that it was the problem 100%. New one weighed about twice as much as the old. Here's some pics

 

[berniedd]

Hmmm, all surface mount technology. You considering repairing the module? It could be anything but I would first suspect that big IC. It could be a custom job, any chance it is easily available on the open market?

Second suspect would be what look to my eyes to be optocouplers.

 

[meep]

Ford uses a very similar technology, which I believe appeared about the time they bought Volvo. I wonder what kind of crossover is found between the two makes in technology and command stream.

 

[jayjr1105]

Hmmm, all surface mount technology. You considering repairing the module? It could be anything but I would first suspect that big IC. It could be a custom job, any chance it is easily available on the open market?

Second suspect would be what look to my eyes to be optocouplers.

I have zero interest in fixing the fake one. I just popped in the genuine one and with 200+K miles, I assume this is the last time I'll need to touch that part.