Unable to control your car’s cabin temperature?
It likely means your blower motor has failed and needs a replacement.
So, how do you replace a bad blower motor?
And how much does it cost?
We’ll list out the steps involved in a blower motor replacement to give you an idea of what the process entails. We’ll also tell you when you should replace it and how expensive it can turn out to be.
Let’s begin!
This Article Contains:
- How to Replace a Damaged Blower Motor (A General Know-How)
- How Much Does a Blower Motor Replacement Cost?
- 5 FAQs about the Blower Motor
How to Replace a Damaged Blower Motor (A General Know-How)
The blower motor assembly is a crucial part of your car’s Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system and helps regulate airflow to match your climate settings. Before replacing a damaged motor, it’s essential to understand the technical aspects of the blower motor assembly, including its electrical circuits and wires.
Since it’s a complex task and requires access to advanced tools, it’s best to let a professional mechanic do the job.
Here are the steps a car HVAC technician or mechanic will take to replace a faulty blower motor:
Step 1: Disconnect the Battery
For safety purposes, the mechanic will disconnect the negative terminal of the car’s battery to prevent any electrical mishaps that could occur while working on the blower motor.
Step 2: Locate the Blower Motor
The mechanic will locate the blower motor. This is usually found encased in a blower motor cover under the dashboard on the passenger side or in the engine compartment near the firewall.
Depending on your vehicle’s design, they’ll carefully remove the glove box or the dashboard panel to access the blower motor. This may involve unscrewing or unclipping panels and trim pieces.
Step 3: Disconnect the Blower Motor
Next, the mechanic will find and disconnect the electrical connector and wiring harness from the blower motor. This connector is usually secured with a clip that needs to be pressed down or pulled to detach.
Step 4: Remove the Blower Motor
The mechanic will loosen and remove the mounting screws securing the blower motor in place. Then, they will gently remove the old motor and its blower wheel (connected to the motor shaft) from its housing without damaging the wiring harness or other parts.
Step 5: Install the New Blower Motor
The mechanic will then position the replacement blower motor in the same spot as the old motor and secure it using the screw or bolts removed earlier.
Step 6: Reconnect the Electrical Connector
Next, they’ll reconnect the electrical connector to the new blower motor. The mechanic may have to apply slight pressure to ensure a secure connection.
Step 7: Reassemble the Dashboard or Glove Box
After installing the new blower motor, the mechanic will reassemble all dashboard or glove box components removed from the passenger side. They’ll also ensure all panels, trim pieces, and mounting screws are aligned and secured.
Step 8: Reconnect the Battery
Once everything is reassembled, the mechanic will reconnect the negative terminal of the car’s battery to restore power to the vehicle.
Step 9: Test the Blower Motor
Finally, they’ll start the vehicle and test the blower motor at different fan speed levels to ensure the new motor runs smoothly and effectively.
Wondering how much this might cost you?
Find out next!
How Much Does a Blower Motor Replacement Cost?
The cost of replacing an HVAC blower motor depends on factors such as the make and model of your vehicle, the type of blower motor, and the labor charges in your area.
The average cost of blower motor replacement ranges between $300 and $350. The replacement blower motor costs around $250 to $270 and the labor costs range from $60 to $90.
Next, let’s address any additional queries you might have about blower motors.
5 FAQs about the Blower Motor
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about blower motors:
1. How Does a Blower Motor Work?
A car’s heater and AC blower motor powers the blower fan, which circulates conditioned air throughout a vehicle’s HVAC system.
When heating, the blower motor drives air through the air duct across the heater core to warm the cabin. Similarly, for cooling, it pushes air over the AC evaporator, cooling it down before it’s circulated inside the vehicle.
In older vehicles, a switch and blower resistor assembly controls the motor’s fan speed. Whereas newer cars have a control module that receives input from the HVAC control unit.
The blower fan usually operates at four speeds: low speed, medium speed, medium-high speed, and high speed.
2. How Long Does a Blower Motor Last?
An HVAC blower motor is designed to last the vehicle’s lifetime. However, it may need replacement sooner (sometimes as early as five years) due to blower resistor damage or regular wear and tear.
It’s essential to quickly fix any AC and heater blower motor-related problems to ensure your HVAC system works effectively.
3. What Are the Signs of a Failing Blower Motor?
If your car’s AC and heater blower motor is failing, you may experience:
- Reduced airflow from vents
- Rattling noises from the fan
- Smell of smoke coming from your car
- Blower motor operating at a single-speed
- Non-functional AC fan
4. What Causes a Blower Motor to Fail?
A heater and AC blower motor can fail due to mechanical and electrical problems in your car.
Mechanical problems include motor shaft wear, debris accumulation, or a damaged fan blade or blower wheel. Meanwhile, electrical problems may involve issues with the power circuit, like a blown motor, faulty wires, or a damaged blower motor resistor.
Regular maintenance of components, such as the fan blade or blower motor resistor, can prevent failure and ensure the proper functioning of the HVAC system.
Pro tip: Replace your cabin filter if it’s dirty or damaged. A clogged cabin air filter restricts airflow through the HVAC system, causing the blower motor to work harder. This additional strain can lead to increased wear and shorten the motor’s lifespan.
5. Can You Drive with a Faulty Blower Motor?
It’s generally not recommended to continue driving with a bad blower motor because it’s unsafe. A damaged blower assembly will affect your ability to defrost or demist the windshield and reduce your visibility while driving.
It can also result in poor ventilation and reduced air quality inside the vehicle, increasing the risk of respiratory problems. Moreover, a faulty blower motor may signal underlying electrical issues, which, if ignored, could lead to malfunctions or electrical fires.
Get HVAC System Repairs with AutoNation Mobile Service
A blower motor helps circulate conditioned air throughout your car. However, if it malfunctions, it can lead to an uncomfortable driving experience.
Since the blower assembly is a vital part of your car’s HVAC system and its replacement can be tricky, it’s best to leave the job to professionals — like AutoNation Mobile Service. We’re a mobile auto repair and maintenance service offering upfront pricing, convenient online booking, and a 12-month, 12,000-mile repair warranty.
Contact us, and our mechanics will perform all heating and air conditioning system repairs in your driveway!