• Home
  • What happens when a blower motor relay goes bad?

What happens when a blower motor relay goes bad?

Author of the blog (work in a car repair shop)
Ask Q

What happens when a blower motor relay goes bad?

If the blower motor relay develops any sort of problem that hinders its ability to properly limit and distribute power, it may cause the blower motor fuse to blow. Any sort of electrical spikes or excessive current from a bad relay will blow the fuse and cut power in order to protect the system.

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.

What does the blower relay control?

In a blower motor, the relay supplies the power that allows the fans to circulate warmed air. Essentially an on/off switch, the blower motor relay's reactions start and end the heating process in HVAC systems by controlling the flow of current between the power source and the motor.

How do you test a blower relay?

Connect a test light or multimeter to the ground (black lead). Turn the ignition key to the on position (engine off), and remove the relay. Using the probe, test all terminal sockets in the relay connector. Two of the four should have power.

What happens when a blower motor resistor fails?

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.

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.

How do you test a blower relay?

Connect a test light or multimeter to the ground (black lead). Turn the ignition key to the on position (engine off), and remove the relay. Using the probe, test all terminal sockets in the relay connector. Two of the four should have power.

How much does it cost to replace a blower motor relay?

The blower motor is operated by an electrically operated switch, called a relay. If the relay fails, the motor's fans will not blow conditioned air into your car. Fixing the relay usually costs around $50 to $80. So, if the blower motor relay fails, you could be left sweating or shivering.

Is there a fuse that controls the blower motor?

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.

What can cause a blower motor to stop working?

In most cases, a blower motor resistor fails due to corrosion or overheating. Sometimes, the mechanical resistance to the motor rotation causes an excessive electric current that can overheat and prematurely damage the blower motor resistor.

Where is the blower motor relay fuse located?

Under the instrument panel, look under the glove box. On the right side of the fender wall you will find another fuse box. The blower motor fuse is easy to replace.

Will a blower motor work without the resistor?

Without any power, the motor won't run. As a result, the blower fan stays still and silent, and no air blows out of the vents. There are instances where a bad resistor will prevent the current from reaching the blower motor altogether.

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.

What happens when a resistor goes bad?

When a resistor fails, it usually gets charred or burns. As a result, it either stops conducting the electrical current/signal or does not resist the current flow.

How do I test a blower motor resistor?

Place one lead of the Ohmmeter on terminal 1 of the resistor. Place the other lead on terminal 2 and check against specifications. If this circuit is open, showing infinity on the Ohmmeter, the blower resistor must be replaced. Move the lead from terminal 2 to terminal 3 and check this reading against specifications.

How can I tell if a relay is bad?

You want to feel and listen for any clicks. If you feel and hear clicks, the relay works on one side – the side with the energizing circuit and coil. However, if there was no sound from the horn, the relay has a problem along the contact circuit.

Where is the blower motor relay fuse located?

Under the instrument panel, look under the glove box. On the right side of the fender wall you will find another fuse box. The blower motor fuse is easy to replace.

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.

How do you test a blower relay?

Connect a test light or multimeter to the ground (black lead). Turn the ignition key to the on position (engine off), and remove the relay. Using the probe, test all terminal sockets in the relay connector. Two of the four should have power.

How do I know if I need a blower motor or a resistor?

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.

Should you replace blower motor and resistor at the same time?

We do suggest that you replace the resistor at the same time. It may not be critical, but this will keep the system more uniform. The issue may even be related to the resistor. If you know that it is not related to the issue, then you do not have to replace it.

How long does it take to replace a blower motor resistor?

The average cost to replace the blower motor resistor at a repair shop is between $44 and $55 in parts and $70 in labor costs, for a total cost of around $114 to $125. On the other hand, you can easily fix the blower motor resistor at home in about an hour (even if you're a beginner) and for around $70.

Does a blower motor have a relay?

In a blower motor, the relay supplies the power that allows the fans to circulate warmed air. Essentially an on/off switch, the blower motor relay's reactions start and end the heating process in HVAC systems by controlling the flow of current between the power source and the motor.

Does a blower motor resistor have a fuse?

A fuse is often located on the resistor board. The fuse only protects the low and medium blower speeds. High speed will still work if the resistor fuse is blown.

What does a heater relay do?

The electric relay in a furnace is responsible for relaying electrical power to the heating elements and the blower motor inside the furnace cabinet. The heating elements provide the heat to warm the air, and the blower motor sends this warmed air through the ductwork.

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.

Below you will find two interesting articles on a similar topic 👇

How much horsepower does a blower motor have?

Why has my blower stopped working?

Tired of looking for a video for your question?

Video Answer below 👇

Were our answers helpful?

Yes No

Thanks so much for your feedback!

Have more questions? Submit a request

FAQ for the last Day

  • Why is my car blowing lukewarm?
  • If your heater is blowing lukewarm air rather than cold air, this may be the culprit. Air bubbles may be trapped inside of the cooling system, which can cause malfunction. This air must be flushed out by a professional. The heater core may be plugged by debris or corrosion, which prevents coolant from flowing.Why is the heat in my car not very warm? You might ask, “Why is my car heater not getting...


  • Why is the heater blowing cold air?
  • When a furnace only blows cold air, there's a chance the heater could have overheated. But don't worry, this usually doesn't mean the unit is broken. When the system overheats, there's a safety feature that shuts the system off. This is a good thing—it could prevent a fire, carbon monoxide leak, or even an explosion.Why is my heater blowing out cold air instead of hot? If your furnace is blowing c...


  • How does a car heater work without a thermostat?
  • Will a car run hotter without a thermostat? A car will not run hotter than normal operating temperature if there is no thermostat. The function of thermostat is to make the car reaches it optimum temperature as quickly as possible by blocking coolant from the radiator to the engine. What does the thermostat do in a car? The thermostat is a valve that's sitting between the car engine and the radiat...


  • What happens if the fan on the heater core does not work?
  • If the heater isn't blowing hot air at you when you turn the system on, the blower fan might have a problem. Either it's not getting electrical power or, more likely, the motor itself has simply burned out. A blower motor in an older vehicle is likely to burn out over time, and may need replacement.If the fan motor does not start, the furnace will overheat and the high-temperature limit switch sho...


  • Why is my car heater not heating up?
  • In most cases, car heater issues fall under two headings: There could be a blockage or other problem stopping heated antifreeze from moving through the heater core component. A valve or switch could be faulty, or the heater core could be a clogged.If you find that your car heater system is blowing air but that your car is not heating up: There could be a blockage or other problem stopping heated a...


  • Is installing heat pump difficult?
  • Heat pumps are more difficult to install than you might think. They're simple enough in functionality but have a lot of moving parts. Unless you have HVAC training and experience, you shouldn't attempt an installation on your own. However, even a professional can make mistakes.Can you install a heat pump yourself? Anyone can now install a DIY heat pump safely, quickly and easily without special to...


  • How long does it take to replace a heat pump compressor?
  • The time it takes to replace a compressor can take anywhere from 3 to over 6 hours. Depending on the contractor you choose, you'll either pay a flat rate or an hourly cost. Just like any service, contractors with more experience and certifications usually charge more for their services.How long does it take to replace a compressor in an HVAC unit? It entails removing and disposing of any remaining...


  • How long do heat pumps last?
  • How often should you replace heat pump? As a general rule, heat pumps and air conditioners can be expected to last between 10 and 15 years. Newer units are typically more reliable and less likely to require ongoing repairs. If your system is less than a decade old, a repair visit could potentially buy you several more years. What is the average life expectancy of a heat pump? Heat pumps normally l...


Comments

Leave a Comment

how
Email us