Cadillac Repair: auto temp control problem, diameter circle, rear valve

Question
On my 1995 SLS my temp control makes a groaning sound when comes on and smoke has come out through the a\c vents.  It seems to function OK(cold\warm temps)but must use manal control for fan speeds.Does this make sense? Thanks for your help, Agnes

Answer
Hi Agnes, I believe this blower motor has the new design in that the motor is a flat 6" diameter circle looking thing that sits under the hood to the LH side of the rear valve cover below the windshield. Inside the fan motor housing there is a module that may have gone bad and that is why you saw smoke from the dash vents and the auto fan function is inoperative. If the fan can still control speeds manually then I would still continue to use it because the new motor assembly costs around $200 and that doesn't include installation. However if the groaning noise is presant with the fan running at all or most speeds then the bearing in the motor is going bad and you will need to replace the fan motor assembly. Hope that helps. Bill