What does the 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 relay is the electrical switch that is used to supply the power for the vehicle’s blower motor. 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.

What happens when blower motor goes bad?

If the blower motor is completely bad, then you'll have no airflow at all. Strange sounds coming from blower. Blower motors can make all kinds of sounds, depending on what the issue is. Vibrations, grinding, and high pitched-noises are some of the sounds a blower can make if it's going bad.

What are the symptoms of a bad blower motor in car?

You might also hear ongoing whirring noises, or noises that change or get louder if you increase the fan speed. These are all signs of problems with the blower motor. In some cases, you may even notice smoke or smells of burning while driving, in which case you should pull over immediately.

Can you drive 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.

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 in a car?

How much does it cost to replace 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.

What causes blower motor failure?

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.

How often do blower motors go out?

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.

Is there a fuse for the blower motor?

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.

Can you drive a car 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.

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 causes a blower motor to go out?

What Causes Blower Motor Failure? Like other components in your HVAC system, the blower motor can wear down over time. Some of the reasons a blower motor might fail are overheating, and excessive moisture. When dust, dirt, and debris build up, it can cause the windings and bearings to burn up more quickly.

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.

Are blower motors easy to replace?

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

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.

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.

Why is the blower motor making noise?

Furnace blower motor noise when starting is likely due to damaged or worn-out parts. Humming, screeching, or thumping sounds are usually signs of underlying problems. Identifying and correcting the issue can get rid of the sound and also ensure the longevity of the wider furnace system.

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 no AC?

Power to the blower motor is fed through the blower motor resistor, so if it fails or has any issues power can be cut off to the motor. A blower motor without power will not be able to produce any air pressure, and as a result the heating and air conditioning system will be left with no air coming from the vents.

Where is the blower motor reset button?

Locate the reset button on the furnace and press it to reset the furnace. It is usually located inside the blower compartment on the side of the blower motor. Be cautious as the housing may be hot. If the button is popped up, press it down.

Are blower motors expensive?

The total cost to replace a furnace blower motor can run anywhere from $100 to $2,000, but this usually accounts for the motor, fan, and house altogether. In some cases, you might save cash by replacing only the motor and leaving the other parts as is.

How do I know if my blower motor relay is bad?

If you have a faulty blower motor, you may experience low airflow from the vents, even when the fan is on high. There will be no air coming from the vents if your fan isn't working due to a bad blower motor resistor. Blown relay circuit fuses or melted relays are more serious signs of a bad blower motor relay.

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.

How does a car fan blower motor work?

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. Being an electric component, the car fan blower working also involves a wiring system and source of electric power.

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.

What kind of blower motor does a car have?

The most essential part of the blower assembly is a 12V DC motor, which can either be brushed or brushless. If your car is an older model, it probably uses a brushed motor. The AC fan blower motors in newer cars are usually brushless. These are more efficient, low maintenance, and allow for infinite speed levels.