Your vehicle’s blower motor is the car component that forces air throughout the vehicle’s vents. So, when it fails to work, it’s time to replace it. Thanks to the blower motor, you’re able to regulate the speed of the motor. Whether you use buttons, switches or dials on your dash, you have complete control. The blower motor also contains a resistor that provides an opportunity for a change in speed. Without your blower motor resistor, you would not be able to alter the speed of airflow from the blower motor. So, what is the average cost of a blower motor replacement? We have the information you need!  

The average cost of a blower motor replacement can fall between $340 and $400. Labor alone for a blower motor replacement can cost up to $300. Of course, these figures are approximate. You will have to visit a mechanic so that he or she can look at your vehicle and give you an exact value. 

Where is the Blower Motor Located? 

You can generally find the blower motor in the AC and heating ventilation HVAC ducts- which in most cars is generally behind the glove box. Once the A/C or heater is active, then the blower motor will begin to push the air though the vehicle’s vents. 

How Does A Blower Motor Work in a Vehicle? 

Once you turn on the vehicle’s heater, the blower motor will blow that heat across the core. Then it will send that heat through the vents, so that you stay warm as you drive your vehicle. The same is true once you turn on your vehicle’s air conditioning. The same process will happen, except the cold air will blow through the vents, to keep you cool as you drive your vehicle. 

What Other Information Can You Offer About the Blower Motor? 

• If you have a faulty connector, this can cause your vehicle’s blower motor to quit working- even if you have a blower motor that is still in good condition.
• Oftentimes, the blower motor will quit working due to being stuck or jammed. With this specific situation, the blower motor can be repaired. 
• If you have a blower motor damaged due to a fluid leak, then it’s safe to say that you have another component in your vehicle that is malfunctioning and needs attention. 

What are Some Of The Symptoms of a Failing Blower Motor? 

Just about all vehicles-new and old- are equipped with an air conditioning or a heating system that provides comfort for both the driver as well as all passengers. One of the most vital components of that system is the blower motor. The blower motor operates as the main electric motor. It has the responsibility of blowing either cool or warm air through the vents. for blowing air through the vents. Generally, it’s controlled by the switch and the blower motor resistor. The blower motor can also operate at several various speeds that help to regulate a vehicle’s cabin temperatures.

Should the blower motor fail, then the vehicle will be left without proper working A/C and heating system. Not only will those inside of the vehicle feel discomfort, but there will also be no window defogger. Typically, a declining heater blower motor will create some symptoms that can forewarn the car owner or the driver, of a potential problem.  Let’s take a look at some of the symptoms of a bad or a failing blower motor. 

Low Or Inadequate Airflow From the Vents 

One of the most prominent symptoms of a faulty blower motor is low or shaky air flow from the vents. Once the A/C or the heat are turned on, the vents will blow out air, but it will feel a lot lower or fainter than what you’re used to. This is a good sign that either your blower motor is out or beginning to wear out. The faulty blower motor is not going to cool or heat a car as it should. The cabin temperature in the car will also not be able to be regulated.  

The Fan Will Only Blow At Specific Speeds 

Another symptom of a faulty blower motor is a motor that only works at specific speeds. Many blower motors are equipped and crafted to operate at various speeds. Their construction allows the regulation of various cabin temperatures. If the blower motor doesn’t push air at any of its specific settings, then you have a faulty blower motor. You may also have a bad switch or even a faulty blower motor resistor. It’s time for a thorough and proper diagnosis of the issue. 

There is No Air Coming From The Vents 

Once there is no air flow from your vehicle’s vents- when the A/C or heat is activated- then this indicates that you have a bad blower motor on your hands.  If your blower motor stops working or even short circuits, you will have no airflow produced for the system. This kind of circumstance requires a full replacement of the blower motor so that proper operation can be restored to the system. Additionally, a bad blower motor can also disable a completely operational A/C and heating system. Of course, you will not want to drive your car in extreme heat or cold from outside. Bad blower motors often require the mechanic or auto tech, to remove the vehicle’s interior. Therefore, if you suspect that you have a bad blower motor, you want to be certain this is the case. 

Smoke Is Being Blown At You 

Have you been noticing a burning smell while driving your car? Then you need to pull over ASAP. You may have burned-out blower motor. You may also have bad wiring or a short circuit in your blower motor.  That burned or short-circuited blower motor could be creating burning smells as well as smoke that is not safe for you to inhale or endure.  If you performed an inspection of your blower motor and you locate a blown fuse that’s in the blower motor circuit, then you have proof that the circuit was overloaded. Turn the engine off, but leave your key in. Do you see an increase in the smell and the smoke? You may also have some sort of electrical problem with the vehicle’s fan circuit. So, turn off the air off and take the car to a mechanic’s shop ASAP. 

Can I Change Out The Blower Motor Myself? 

Yes, you can. As long as you have the patience, proper tools and the energy, you can successfully change out the blower motor. Both heat and air conditioning can make the difference between a joyous car ride and an uncomfortable one. The blower doesn’t heat or cool the air. It is indeed a critical car part that enables your car to do so.  Your vehicle’s blower motor has the responsibility of pushing out the heat or cooled air though the vehicle’s HVAC vents. 

One of the most common symptoms of a bad blower motor is a heating or an A/C system that doesn’t respond to the HVAC controls of the car. Turning the switch or the knob-to high results with no movement of air from the vents- indicates a serious issue. Some vehicles offer warning signs of a bad blower motor. For example, the car owner may hear grinding or whining noises that originate from the footwell of the passenger side.  Another indicator is the heat or the A/C will fail to come on- till the driver hits a pothole or a speed bump.  So, before the DIY blower motor exchange, you want to make sure that you rule out all other possible issues. If you don’t, then your blower motor DIY job may prove to be nothing but wasted time and effort. You want to make sure that you have ruled out other possible issues such as a problematic climate control-related trouble code in your computer system. You also want to rule out a bad relay too. Take the time to even rule out any bad heater switches or heater controls. You want to rule any and all electrical issues and other possible issues. 

What tools are needed for a blow motor change out? 

 The tools needed for a successful blow motor change out include: 

1. Rachet and Socket set 
2. Small flat heat screwdriver 
3. Service manual 
4. Cabin air filter 
5. Brand-new blower motor 
6. Flashlights 
7. Cloths for cleaning 

What Steps DO I need to take for this DIY Blower Motor Replacement? 

1. Make sure that you’re parked on a flat surface and your parking brake is on. 
2. Open the hood of your car and disconnect the car battery. 
3. Locate the blower-motor repair manual. Typically, it’s on the footwell area of the passenger side of the vehicle. It’s also just below the glove box. 
4. Important Note: If your vehicle was built just before the mid-late 90s, you may find your blower motor inside of the engine bay -located on the firewall of the passenger side. It should be in plain sight. 
5. Take off the lower trim of your glove box. This may require you to remove a few bolts. 
6. Check and see if you have any clips as well as plastic connectors. If you do, PLEASE be gentle and mild with them. You want them to assemble back together correctly. 
7. Now, open your glove box. Then, remove it.  This generally only requires just a push of the retaining clips to the side, so that you can unlatch the glovebox from its housing.
8. Enter the footwell with your flashlight. 
9. Then, look up till you see the blower motor. 
10. Look for three or six bolts that are keeping it intact. 
11. Remove those bolts with your sockets and rachet kit. There’s a great chance that these bolts are metric-sized bolts. 
12. Your blower’s motor assembly should slide right out. 
13. This should also allow you to slip off the vent connections to the HVAC. 
14. Now comes the time for you to take off the electrical power connector. You can do this by hand or by using your small flathead screwdriver to dislodge the clips.
15. Look at your old blower as a guide for installing the new blower. Take your time installing the new blower. You may have to replace a gasket too. 
16. Now you can plug in the vehicle’s power connection. 
17. Next, it is now time to slide the vents of the HVAC back on. 
18. Then, be sure that you carefully slide blower motor into the bracket. Now, you can bolt your new blower down. 
19. Next, comes replacing your glovebox and its lower trim panel. 
20. Afterward, you can now reconnect your vehicle’s battery.
21. You are now ready to turn your engine on, and test the operation of the blower motor. You can do this by choosing a few various levels of A/C. and heat. 
22. Be sure that you have a forceful blow coming from the vents, and there are no unusual noises.