Car Blower Motor Troubleshooting: A Guide to Fix or Replace

The car blower motor troubleshooting process is an important one because this device will keep your passenger cabin warm and comfortable. It is a more essential component than you might know and will demist the windshield as well.

There are different reasons why your blower motor resistor can fail, and when this happens, it will reduce the heating or get stuck open. In this guide, we cover how you can troubleshoot the blower motor by inspecting the different parts.

How to Troubleshoot Your Car Blower Motor?

You can troubleshoot your car’s blower motor by checking the important parts that might be affecting the system. If you notice that the blower of your car has trouble, identify the problem and fix it asap. If the motor is not working, the ventilation system in your car will stop.

The blower is an essential part of the heating and cooling system of your car, so it’s important to keep it in good shape. Any damage can cause a total malfunction, reducing the heat and cooling output from the vents. The blower motor works by forcing cool or hot air through the duct system.

This can be uncomfortable for passengers as they will be without the car AC fan and damage other parts of your car, like the engine. You can prevent these problems and make sure the car runs smoothly by inspecting it regularly. Whenever your mechanic inspects your car, ask them to check the system too.

They will identify signs of damage or wear and provide repairs if needed. You should ensure that your blower is in good condition. You can do this by preventing dust and debris from entering the system and cleaning it regularly. Also, avoid driving at high speeds. Follow these steps to troubleshoot the blower motor of your car.

1. Check the Fuses

Firstly, you should check your blower motor resistor to see if there is a damaged blower motor fuse or loose connection. If your blower is not functioning the way it should or doesn’t come on at all, this is a common problem. Inspect the wiring, fuses and blower motor relay in your car to make sure that it is working properly. If it is, you can move to the next step.

2. Check for Debris

Secondly, the debris in the car blower system can cause damage. Dirt and debris can get into the motor mechanism and cause damage. If you open the car blower system and you notice any blockages or buildup inside it, you should clean it carefully. You can use a soft brush and some compressed air to clean it.

3. Check for Signs of Wear

You should also inspect the blower for signs of wear and tear if there is no debris. A damaged or worn-out motor can cause issues with the noise levels and airflow or even cause your engine to overheat.

If you want to identify potential damage, you should check for frayed wiring and see if there are cracks in the casing or loose connections.

If your AC blower is damaged, you should purchase a new one and replace it rather than trying to fix it. But it is better to ask a professional to do this for you rather than try to replace it yourself.

4. Check the Signs of a Damaged Car Blower Motor

You can check the signs of a damaged car blower motor by assessing your vents or motor. Once you notice that the car blower is not working the way it should, you will have to repair or replace it. If you notice the issues below, check your blower system or take it to a mechanic immediately:

• The vents are giving out reduced airflow.
• The blower motor is only functioning at one speed.
• There are strange noises coming from the motor.
• It does not come on at all.

The blower motor might seem like an unimportant part of your car, but if unchecked, it can cause serious damage and even cause the engine to overheat. It’s a good idea to regularly inspect your blower to prevent this.

5. Visit a Mechanic

If you’re still unsure of what is wrong with your blower after following all the steps above, you can talk to a mechanic instead. Visiting a mechanic might also be cost-effective since they will purchase quality blower motors for you and help you replace it or can fix tricky parts like the blower control module.

This might be cheaper than repairing it yourself. Work with a qualified mechanic to get a specific estimate of the replacement cost to know if this is ideal for your car. If you’re not good at handling cars, you can save more with a mechanic.

The cost of installing a new blower in the mechanic depends on the make and model of your car. You can pay between $200 and $400 for the parts and labor costs. Older models and luxury cars usually cost more since their blowers are scarce, but newer cars will be more affordable.

How to Replace the Blower Motor in Your Car?

To replace your car blower motor, you should get basic tools and follow the steps below. It’s a simple process that can be completed in a few hours, but if you’re unsure about doing it yourself, you should consult with a qualified mechanic. The mechanic will complete the replacement safely.

1. Level Your Car

Place your car on a balanced surface and engage the parking brake. Use a jack stand under the vehicle to support it while you’re working. Make sure it is properly secure because you will be under the car.

2. Locate the Blower Motor

Before locating the blower fan motor, you should use a wrench to disconnect the negative cable from the battery. Check under the dash or hood of your car, usually near the evaporator or heater core, for the blower.

3. Disconnect Connectors and Screws

Use a plier or screwdriver to disconnect the electrical connector from the blower fan motor. You can then remove any screws and bolts that might be holding the blower in place so that you can install a new one.

4. Install the New Motor

Remember the order that you used to remove the blower and reverse it to install a new one. Consider using a variable speed blower. When you install a new one, you should tighten all the screws and bolts of your motor to make sure it is in place. Then, reconnect the negative battery cable.

5. Test It

Test the new motor that you have installed on your car to make sure that it is working properly. You can put the heater or air conditioning on to check if the blower is functioning as it should. Ensure that the problem your motor had before is fixed. If it is not working, you can check the connections of the motor or visit a mechanic.

How to Test Your Car Blower Motor?

You can test your car’s blower motor in different ways to see if it is working properly. One of the easiest ways to test it is to turn on the air conditioning or heater and feel the air coming out from the vents.

Another way is to use a multimeter which can test the motor winding. If there is continuity here, the motor is not faulty, so you don’t have to replace it.

1. Turn on Air Conditioning

The easiest way to check if your car’s blower motor is working is to turn on the air conditioner. You should feel air coming out of the vents.

2. Connect to a Power Source

You can also remove the motor from your car and connect it to a power source, like a battery, with some jumper wires. If the motor functions when you connect it, it is a sign that it is not damaged, and you should check for other causes, like a loose connection or a blown fuse.

3. Use a Multimeter

Another method is to use a multimeter to test the motor and check the voltage levels at the terminals.

If there is voltage recorded on the motor, but it does not function, you will see that the motor is dead or damaged. You should get as low as 4 volts or 12 volts from the blower to test it.

Frequently Asked Questions

– What Causes a Car’s Blower Motor to Stop Working?

A blower motor stops working because of different reasons, including different filters, poor voltage supply, broken wires, and faulty capacitors or limit switches. You should clean the wire coils and test the limit switch. If nothing works, you have to replace the motor.

– Is a Bad Blower Motor Easy to Fix?

Yes, it is easy to fix a bad blower motor, but it is much better when you know the exact problem. You should follow the troubleshooting process to pinpoint the cause and test it regularly. If you’re unsure, visit a mechanic.

– Will Your Car Run Without a Blower Motor?

Your car will run without a blower motor, but doing this for too long can increase the risk of overheating. It is possible to drive, but it is not wise to do so. Rather get your blower fixed, either by yourself or by a mechanic.

Conclusion

Now that you know the process for car blower motor troubleshooting, you should take quick action if you notice a problem with the system.

Here’s a rundown of this guide:

• The car blower motor can be fixed by checking the fuses, signs of wear and tear, and the buildup of debris.
• Weak airflow, or the heating or cooling system not functioning at all, is a sign of a damaged car blower motor.
• You can replace your blower with a new one or consult with a mechanic for professional services.
  Test the motor with a multimeter, check the voltage, connect it to a battery, or just check the airflow.

With this guide, you have all that you need to take care of your car’s blower motor and fix it when it is damaged. If you’re not handy with tools, work with your mechanic or someone who is.