What does a blower motor do in a car?

The blower motor is the fan that pushes heated or cooled air through dashboard vents based on the climate system settings and the fan speed selected. Adjusting the fan speed sends a signal through a resistor to the blower motor to either pick up the pace or slow it down.The blower motor is the component responsible for pushing air through the vents of your vehicle’s heating and air conditioning systems. Without it, the AC system will not be able to circulate any heated or cooled air. The blower motor relay controls the current used to power the blower motor, and is subject to the constant on and off switching.

Can you drive with a broken blower motor?

Should you drive with a bad heater blower motor? A bad heater blower motor will not affect the safety of your car, with the possible exception of you not being able to clear the windshield of snow, ice, or condensation if the defrosters don't work.

What happens when car blower motor goes out?

If this happens, you'll likely notice a noise that comes from right behind the vent, such as a slapping or a sudden pop, followed by problems with your airflow. You might also hear ongoing whirring noises, or noises that change or get louder if you increase the fan speed.

Is a blower motor important in a car?

The heater blower motor is one of the most important parts of a car's heating system. It is the job of the blower motor to take the heat that is being produced by the system and blow it into the cabin of the car. When you need heat in a hurry in your car's cabin, the blower motor will have to spring into action.

How much does it cost to replace a blower motor?

How much does it cost to replace the blower motor in a car?

How long do blower motors last in a car?

The blower is supposed to last the entire lifetime of your car. However, situations vary and some climates require the fan to be used too often. Many car owners find themselves having to replace the blower after five years. The quality of the motor used to power the blower matters.

How long does it take to replace a blower motor in a car?

How Long Does It Take To Replace A Blower Motor In A Car? It generally takes about 4 hours for an experienced technician to do a blower motor replacement. If you are doing it on your own in your garage with common tools, you can expect the job to take 6 hours or more.

Can I run my car without a blower motor?

Your car's blower motor is not only necessary for the operation of your air conditioner. Without a functioning blower motor your engine runs the risk of overheating.

Can a bad blower motor cause no heat?

Problems with Your Blower Motor or Blower Motor Resistor Without it, there's no circulation of air—hot, cold, or otherwise. The blower motor resistor is the part that controls the fan speed of the blower motor. Both of these components can fail, resulting in the heating system simply not working.

When should I replace my blower motor?

If the motor is making rattling, clanking, or banging sounds, it may be because of a loose or broken part. Loud banging sounds are especially worrisome. They're usually a sign that something is damaged or disconnected. And this may mean replacing the blower motor.

How do you tell if it's the blower motor or resistor is bad?

Signs of a Bad Blower Motor Resistor Loss of HVAC fan control (total or certain speeds) The fan only works on its highest speed setting. No air coming from vents. Intermittent or inconsistent fan speed.

What does a bad blower motor sound like?

A defective blower motor will make a continuous sound noticeable by the passengers in the vehicle. It can manifest as a knocking, whirring, clunking, vibrating, squealing, or whining noise that persists until the blower motor is replaced.

Is it hard to replace a blower motor?

The replacement of the blower motor is common and straightforward, so most shops will perform the repair — many on the same day.

Are blower motors expensive?

Cost to Replace Central or Forced Air Blower Motor Replacing a blower motor costs $450 on average with a typical range of $250 to $800. With a warranty, you might pay as little as $150 for labor alone. For high-end models, like those with large motors or access issues, you might pay as much as $2,000.

Can a blower motor be repaired?

There are a number of things that can go wrong with your heating system, but if the air stops blowing altogether and the same is true on cold air settings, a blower motor replacement is likely in order. The good news is that it's a fairly straight forward repair.

What causes a blower motor to fail?

Blower motor breakdown can be the result of anything from old age to failed bearings, high amp draw, electrical failure in the windings, dirt accumulation, and more. “The most common cause is dirt accumulation due to lack of maintenance,” said Tom Beaulieu, president of Bay Area Services Inc.

What is the difference between a fan motor and a blower motor?

What Is a Blower Motor? Unlike the condenser fan motor, the blower motor is located indoors. It's the component that blows cool air through the ducts and into different parts of your home. So it's essentially your air mover.

How many blower motors are in a car?

The number of blower motors in your vehicle depends on its climate control system. Some cars have one blower motor, but that may not be the case for some SUVs and vans. They may have two motors, one in the heater box and another in the vehicle's rear area.

Can a bad blower motor cause overheating?

Recognizing When Your Blower Motor Is Overheating. The blower motor in an HVAC system blows the heated air throughout all of the vents in your house. If this component fails, the furnace will no longer be operable.

Is there a fuse for the heater blower?

Many vehicles have two fuses for the blower motor, one in the interior fuse block and the other under the hood. The blower motor is usually under the dashboard on the passenger side.

How do I know if it's my blower motor or resistor?

Typically, if the fan will work on some speeds but not on others, the resistor is suspect. Okay, let's say there's no melting going on, but your fan doesn't work on all speeds. Typically, if the fan will work on some speeds but not on others, the resistor is suspect.

Why is my blower motor so loud in my car?

Loud noises you hear when your car's heater or air conditioner are on typically indicate a blower motor issue. The good news is that a blower motor problem like this can be the result of something as simple to fix as debris or trash that got caught in it.

Where is the AC blower motor located in a car?

The motor that runs the fan in the heating and air conditioning system in a car is called a blower motor. It's located inside the dash, often on the opposite side of the steering wheel or inside the engine compartment on the firewall.

What happens when the blower motor resistor goes out?

If the resistor shorts or fails, it may cause the blower motor to remain stuck on one fan speed. The heating and air conditioning systems may still function at one speed, however the resistor will have to be replaced in order for full functionality to be restored.

Does the AC drain a car battery?

Turning on the AC puts an additional load on the entire system resulting in the deficiency in the charging system further draining the battery.

What is the function of the blower motor?

The blower motor function is to rotate the fan that blows cold or hot air into the cabin. Its operation is governed by different components, as we will see in a moment.

Where is the blower motor located on a car?

Blower motor, resistor: how it works, symptoms, problems, testing. The motor that runs the fan in the heating and air conditioning system in a car is called a blower motor. It's located inside the dash, often on the opposite side of the steering wheel or inside the engine compartment on the firewall.

Why is my blower motor not working in my car?

In this car, in the highest "4" fan speed setting, the resistor is bypassed and the blower motor is powered directly by the fan switch. That's why in some cars, the blower motor may still work in the "High" speed setting if the resistor is bad.

What is a blower motor resistor?

The motor that runs the fan in the heating and air conditioning system in a car is called a blower motor. It's located inside the dash, often on the opposite side of the steering wheel or inside the engine compartment on the firewall. A blower motor resistor or a blower motor control module is the part that controls the speed of the blower motor.