Hey all,
In the cold, my heater will make aloud and awful squealing sound on startup for a few seconds (regardless of heat setting or temperature). It functions without issue, but I'd like to repair the issue before it breaks and costs too much. What is going on here and what can I do about it?

Thanks,
s

 

I had a car that used to do that, and it ended up being the blower motor had a bad bearing. It would start to squeal when ambient temperatures were cold.

Does the fan speed setting make a difference at all if you start up the car? I couldn't tell if your heat setting/temperature comment included that.

 

blower motor more than likely.

 

Yup. The lower the speed, the slower the 'wobble' in the squeel. I put it on the fastest speed beecause it seems to quit squeeling sooner. How do you fix...replace. I'm assuming this is a tough replacement. Can I pull off any year XJ at the yard?

s

 

It has to be replaced... can't be repaired. I think 86-96 model is what you need and that 97-up is different.

Here's a guide that should help. Replacement doesn't look nearly as bad as it is for some cars...

http://www.lunghd.com/Tech_Articles/...ower_Motor.htm