how can you tell if your blower motor is bad

What are the signs of a bad blower motor?

One of the first signs of blower motor failure is weak airflow. The motor wears out over time, and can’t push as much air, leaving you wondering what happened to the air power. This also decreases the efficiency of the defroster, as it uses the same fan.

How do I know if my air conditioner blower is bad?

Inspect your air filters. Lots of times, airflow restriction from a dirty filter will cause a blower motor to overheat. The excess heat in the motor will cause its performance to degrade, and the motor may fail altogether. If your blower has a fan belt, take a loot at it. If the belt is snapped, then the blower won’t work.

How do you test a blower motor assembly?

The blower motor runs a car’s AC system. Most climate control problems can be traced to it. Before deciding to repair or replace the blower assembly, you want to confirm if the motor is damaged. Testing blower motor assemblies involves measuring voltage at the connector and for different speed settings.

What causes a furnace blower motor to go bad?

Another reason why a blower motor might go bad is due to rust in the motor’s internal components. Rust in a blower motor is a symptom of a dirty blower motor. This is why it’s important to change your air filters regularly and make sure that there are no air leaks in your furnace.

How to tell if a blower motor is bad?

What are the symptoms of a bad blower motor?

What to do if blower belt is snapped?

Why does my furnace blower motor go bad?

How to check if a furnace blower is working?

What happens if a blower motor goes bad?

Why does my air vent smell hot?

See 4 more

How do you test a blower motor?

2:023:09How to Test Vehicle AC/Heat Blower Motor to Tell if BAD - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's two little prongs inside of her. So what you want to do basically is just take one end don'tMoreIt's two little prongs inside of her. So what you want to do basically is just take one end don't let these two in touch together will be the same sparks as if you was touching.

How do you know if you have a bad blower motor?

FAN BLOWS AT ONLY A CERTAIN SPEED A malfunctioning blower motor works at a particular speed only—however, a perfect blower motor functions at various speeds as per the car's cabin temperature. Hence, if the blower motor fan does not blow the required amount of air, then it's a sign of a bad 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.

How do you troubleshoot a bad blower motor?

2:226:51Diagnosing a Bad Blower Motor (8 Easy Things To Check) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipComing in from the board start by checking voltage at the outlet. Then move on to the transformer.MoreComing in from the board start by checking voltage at the outlet. Then move on to the transformer. Making sure high voltage is coming in and 24 volts is going out to the board.

Is there a fuse for blower motor?

Fuse Protection To protect the blower motor power circuit, a 20-, 25- or 30-amp fuse is usually located in the fuse panel under the dash. The rating of the fuse will depend on the vehicle application and how much power the blower motor requires at full speed.

What happens when 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.

What happens when the blower motor resistor goes out?

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.

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.

Should a blower motor spin freely?

If the fan turns at all without forcing, it should spin when powered up. If the fan turns freely or not is not a definitive indication that is good or bad.

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.

How do I reset my blower motor?

How to Find and Reset your Furnace Motor BlowerStep 1: Turn off the power to the furnace. ... Step 2: Remove the blower compartment cover. ... Step 3: Make sure the blower is completely cooled off. ... Step 4: Locate the reset button. ... Step 5: Press the button in (assuming that this is your issue and that the button has popped).

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 happens when a blower motor fails?

If the blower motor resistor fails, the blower motor will still work, but it will be stuck on one speed in most cases. If you remove the resistor completely, the blower motor fan will still work at one speed, in most car models. This is because usually the resistor is not used for the highest speed setting.

How much does it cost to replace a blower motor?

Furnace Blower Motor Replacement Cost On average nationwide, a furnace blower motor replacement costs $400 to $600, including parts and labor. A single-speed blower motor costs around $450 to replace while a variable-speed motor costs $600 or more.

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

Answer provided by. “A new car blower motor costs about $50 to $100 for the part and $80 to $100 in labor. Add it up and you're looking at a total charge of $130 to $200 for a new car blower motor.

Can you drive with a bad 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.

How to tell if blower motor is bad?

If your blower is resistor based, you may notice that it only works at the highest speed. This show the resistors are faulty, either from overheating or corrosion. Symptoms of a bad blower motor control module include a blower that will not operate at the required speed or one that shuts on and off.

What does a bad blower motor mean?

Bad blower motor symptoms indicate a failing or already failed HVAC system. Prompt action is then needed to restore the climate control of your car. The action can be either repair or replacement. Based on the type of problem, you may choose to repair the device instead. In the coming part of the guide, you will be learning how to fix a broken blower fan or in other words, car blower motor troubleshooting steps.

What are electrical problems?

Electrical problems such as faulty switch, blown fuse, damaged resistor or control module, bad relay (if it uses one), and corroded, melted, or loose connectors

How to tell if a blower motor resistor is damaged?

The resistors usually fail due to overheating or corrosion. You can tell a damaged resistor by looking or better still, by testing it with a multimeter. Here is how to check blower motor resistor for damage.

Why is my AC blower not working?

No air comes out of the vents, even after switching on the AC. The blower motor not working can mean many things. It could be a bad motor or jammed fan wheel. It could also be a bad relay, fuse, or resistor. On a closer examination, you will also notice that the fan is not turning. Sometimes, the motor is working but the blower fan won’t rotate.

Why is my blower motor making a noise?

A blower motor making noise can mean several things. It could be a worn motor, especially at the bearing or other moving parts. A noisy blower motor could also be caused by debris such as leaves getting lodged in the fan or blower assembly.

What is a blower motor?

The blower motor runs a car’s AC system. Most climate control problems can be traced to it. Before deciding to repair or replace the blower assembly, you want to confirm if the motor is damaged. Testing blower motor assemblies involves measuring voltage at the connector and for different speed settings. Here is how to test a blower motor with a multimeter.

How to tell if blower motor is bad?

One of the first signs of blower motor failure is weak airflow. The motor wears out over time, and can’t push as much air, leaving you wondering what happened to the air power. This also decreases the efficiency of the defroster, as it uses the same fan. You might also notice the air blowing at certain speeds, but not all of them.

What does it mean when a fuse is blown in a blower motor?

If you find a blown fuse in the blower motor circuit, that’s a clue that the circuit became overloaded. Also, with the engine off but key in, see if the smoke and smell increase when the air is set to high.

What is a blower motor?

The blower motor is a small rotary motor that drives a fan sitting behind your vents, pushing hot or cold air through them at varying speeds, depending on your selection. Even though it’s in a housing, it lives in the engine compartment, so it’s not unheard of for foreign objects to get sucked into and wrapped around or caught in the fan. As the impeller blades are plastic, it’s also pretty easy for them to snap off. You might hear this as a noise coming from directly behind the vent, perhaps a light slapping, or a sudden pop before you notice a problem with airflow. Whirring noises might also result from a bad bearing in the motor. Does the noise change or increase when changing the fan speed? This is a telltale sign of a bad blower motor.

What to do if you smell smoke while driving?

Blowing Smoke at You. If you ever notice smoke or a burning smell while driving, you should pull over immediately. A burned blower motor or motor wiring isn’t going to total your car, but you better be sure that’s where the smoke is coming from before continuing on the road.

Can you control cabin temperature without a blower motor?

Without it, you can’t control the temperature of your cabin — not a dire consequence, but definitely a major annoyance in extreme heat or cold. Of course, your climate control systems can fail in many ways, so it’s good to be able to identify the signs of a bad blower motor and get it taken care of without replacing a bunch ...

Can a broken blower motor be replaced?

Though generally not a safety concern, a broken blower motor can greatly reduce the comfort of your ride in hot or cold months. And seeing as they’re not terribly difficult to replace, it makes sense to get it taken care of ASAP instead of forcing yourself and your passengers to suffer though extreme temperatures.

When Happens When the Blower Motor Capacitor Goes Bad?

Unfortunately, the blower motor capacitor can go bad, and when that happens, hell breaks loose! For one, the furnace may burn a little slower than usual, meaning you may not get enough warmth in your rooms.

What Causes Furnace Blower Capacitor to Fail?

The blower motor capacitor can fail for many reasons ranging from electrical short-circuiting to physical damage. However, the three leading causes are;

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Blower Motor Capacitor?

It costs between $150 and $300 to replace the furnace blower motor capacitor. However, you need at least $450 to replace the entire furnace blower motor. Alternatively, you can opt for DIY blower capacitor replacements, which costs $100 to $135 as you only need to purchase the capacitor.

Where is the Furnace Blower Capacitor Located?

The furnace blower motor capacitor is located in the blower compartment, very close to or on the blower motor housing. Here’s how to locate your blower motor capacitor;

What happens if your blower motor is bad?

If you’re dealing with a bad blower motor, you’re going to have a much more difficult time taking control over the temperature of your vehicle’s interior. This might not have any effect on the operation of your vehicle, but it will definitely have an effect on your comfort level and will be a big nuisance during times of extreme temperature.

What is the noise coming from the HVAC system?

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. These are all signs of problems with the blower motor.

Does a defroster blow air through the windshield?

This doesn ’t just result in poor airflow through the vents that heat or cool your cabin—it also results in decreased efficiency of the defroster, which uses that same fan to blow air at the windshield.

Can you drive with a blower motor burning out?

In some cases, you may even notice smoke or smells of burning while driving, in which case you should pull over immediately. A blower motor that’s burned out won’t wreck your car, but you also cannot be sure right away that it’s the blower motor that’s smoking. You should get your vehicle checked out before you continue to drive at all if you notice these issues.

What is a Blower Motor Resistor?

In simple terms, a blower motor resistor is an electrical component that can block (resist) the flow of electricity (current) into the blower fan motor. This is how you’re able to alter the fan’s speed—more resistance means the fan won’t spin as fast, which results in less air (hot or cold) being circulated around the cabin.

Signs of a Bad Blower Motor Resistor

Yet while they are pretty darn dependable, like any electrical component, blower motor resistors can go kaput without much warning. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to diagnose a failing blower motor resistor.

How to Replace a Blower Motor Resistor

While all cars and trucks are different, replacing a blower motor resistor can be a straightforward affair. In our experience, the difficulty all depends on where the blower motor resistor is located. If it’s tucked behind a dash or tight against a firewall, you may have to remove some other parts for access.

How to tell if blower motor is bad?from carparts.com

There are a few tell-tale signs that your AC blower motor needs to be replaced. Below are the most common symptoms of a failing blower motor to look out for:#N#Weak airflow and pressure from the vents#N#Weak airflow coming in from the vents is usually the first sign that there’s something wrong with your car blower motor. For most vehicles, this indicates that the blower motor is nearing the end of its life. Though, in some cases, it’s an indicator that it needs to be inspected and maintained immediately.#N#HVAC fan not working at all speeds#N#The HVAC blower motor and blower fan resistor make it possible for the fan to operate at different speeds. If the AC system can’t perform at different settings, you could be dealing with a faulty blower motor or resistor.#N#No air coming in from the vents#N#If there’s no air coming in from the vents at all, your blower motor could really be broken and needs to be replaced soon. However, it’s recommended that you check both the blower motor and the resistor/s before replacing any component. A busted resistor module is usually the culprit when the HVAC fan doesn’t work so be sure to inspect them first.#N#Unusual noises#N#Sometimes, you’ll hear unusual squeaks and rattling noises from the car blower motor. These can be heard when the blower motor is worn out or have bad bearings. However, in some cases, these noises can be caused by debris and leaves that get inside the HVAC system through the dash vents. These foreign objects can be cleared out when you remove the motor from the vehicle.

What is the most important thing to know about blower motors?from carparts.com

The most important thing is to make sure you get a blower motor that’s compatible with your vehicle’s year, make, and model. The blower motor you purchase needs to be similar to your previous one. This is to avoid any incompatibility issues regarding fit and wiring.

Where is the blower motor located?from carparts.com

In most vehicles today, the blower motor is found underneath the dash or behind the glove box. In older car models, it’s located in the engine bay and within easy reach. When it comes to blower motor replacement, these are the easiest to work on.

Why does my blower motor spin?from carparts.com

When voltage is applied to the blower motor, it causes the fan to spin. The motor is bolted down to the heater box in its housing so the fan can move large volumes of air throughout the cabin and the HVAC system. Depending on the vehicle, the blower motor assembly might also include a blower motor resistor.

What is a blower motor resistor?from carparts.com

A blower motor resistor is what controls the speed of the blower motor in most vehicles with 4-5 fan speeds. The switch or the AC dial sends a signal to the blower motor resistor. The resistor then controls the amount of current going into the blower motor. The blower motor turns the fan at the required speed.

How much does it cost to replace a blower motor?from carparts.com

Depending on your vehicle’s year, make, and model, the price of a replacement blower motor ranges from around $10 to $600. If your vehicle’s heating and air conditioning unit suddenly stops working, it can be a major inconvenience.

Why does my car make a rattling noise?from carparts.com

These can be heard when the blower motor is worn out or have bad bearings. However, in some cases, these noises can be caused by debris and leaves that get inside the HVAC system through the dash vents.

How to tell if blower motor is bad?

You can tell that your furnace blower motor is bad if there is weakened airflow or if you notice odd noises when it’s on. Furnaces can overheat if the blower motor is bad, and that is an easy way to identify the problem. Energy bills generally increase if there is a problem with the blower motor as well.

What happens if your HVAC blower motor blows out?

At this point, the motor is no longer working at all. Should you notice this symptom, then you don’t have much choice aside from getting a new blower motor and repairing your furnace.

What Causes A Furnace Blower To Go Bad?

A furnace blower can go bad for a wide range of reasons including old age, electrical failures, bearings failures, or dirt accumulation. If you want to try to prevent your furnace blower from failing prematurely, just maintain your furnace and the surrounding area well.

How long does a furnace blower motor last?

A furnace blower motor usually lasts about the same amount of time as the furnace. So, you should expect your furnace blower motor to last between 10 to 20 years on average. The more reliable the brand, the more likely it is to reach the 20-year mark without serious problems.

What is a furnace blower motor?

The furnace blower motor is the part of your HVAC system in charge of distributing the hot air throughout your house. This means that most of the symptoms you’ll notice will have to deal with the speed or airflow of warm air through your home. These signs below can indicate that it’s time to fix your blower motor.

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

Top of the line, multi-speed furnace blower motor replacements can easily exceed $1,500 or more . Needless to say, this can be a serious financial peril for some families.

Why does my furnace blow fuses?

If the electrical system in your motor goes bad, a surge or dip in power will trigger the fuse to blow in order to prevent a short-circuit.

How to tell if blower motor is bad?

1. Weak Airflow from the Vents. This is usually the first indication that you may have a faulty blower motor. If the airflow coming out of the vents is weak, it can mean that your blower motor is having a hard time pushing enough air through the ducts to achieve your desired temperature.

What Is a Blower Motor?

The blower motor is a component in your HVAC system that blows the conditioned air through the vents in your home. It takes the cool air created by your air-conditioner and circulates it throughout your indoor space to ensure that the temperature reaches the level dictated by the thermostat. It performs this task by spinning a fan, which causes air to move through the ducts and vents in your home. Even a small motor is capable of moving a large volume of conditioned air.

Why does my HVAC make a strange noise?

Strange Sounds. Many unusual sounds coming out of an HVAC system may be indicative of a problem in the blower motor. Some of the issues that cause strange sounds can be repaired by a professional, while others may require replacement of the motor.

What to do if blower makes strange noises?

Regardless of the type of strange sounds your blower motor is making, you should turn off the system and contact an HVAC technician immediately. While problems such as a loose or damaged belt and bad alignment can be easily fixed, they can cause damage to the blower motor or its surrounding components if you don’t fix them promptly. A trained technician can perform a thorough inspection of your blower motor and let you know if it needs to be repaired or replaced.

Why does my HVAC system use so much energy?

The blower motor is the part of your HVAC system that uses the most energy, so it may very well be the culprit if you see a significant rise in your utility bills. An aging , problematic , or dirty motor has to work harder to properly circulate conditioned air throughout your home, which leads to higher energy consumption.

Why is my airflow weak?

It’s important to note that weak airflow can also result from dirty or leaky ducts or a clogged filter. 2. No Airflow at All. If you don’t feel any airflow coming out of the vents, it may mean that a problem with the blower motor has developed to the point where the component is entirely inoperable.

Why is my air conditioner ineffective?

There are numerous factors that can cause your HVAC unit to become ineffective, ranging from small problems that can be easily fixed, to major issues caused by a bad component that needs to be replaced . The blower motor is an important component of your air-conditioner. If it isn’t working properly, it can significantly affect ...

How to tell if a blower motor is bad?

Here are 4 common symptoms of a bad blower motor: 1 Low/no airflow from vents. The classic sign of a bad blower motor is restricted airflow coming from your air vents. If the blower motor is completely bad, then you’ll have no airflow at all. 2 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. 3 Circuit breaker keeps tripping. A blower motor that’s seized up is bound to trip a circuit breaker. (A bad capacitor will trip the circuit breaker too, so be sure to check that first.) 4 Hot/burning smell coming from air vents. A bad blower motor will sometimes overheat, causing a “hot” smell to come out of your air vents. In the worst scenarios, your blower motor may actually start to burn. Yikes!

What are the symptoms of a bad blower motor?

If you’re trying to figure out if you have a bad blower motor, it’s important to know what to look for.

What to do if blower belt is snapped?

If the belt is snapped, then the blower won’t work. Replacing the belt is a fairly simple fix. Another thing to check is the capacitor. The capacitor is used to start the fan so it’s worth checking if your blower motor won’t start up.

Why does my furnace blower motor go bad?

Another reason why a blower motor might go bad is due to rust in the motor’s internal components. Rust in a blower motor is a symptom of a dirty blower motor. This is why it’s important to change your air filters regularly and make sure that there are no air leaks in your furnace.

How to check if a furnace blower is working?

Turn off the power to your furnace and remove the cover from the blower compartment. Inspect the blower motor and look for any damage. Give the blower fan a spin with your hand to see if there is any scraping or wobbles.

What happens if a 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.

Why does my air vent smell hot?

(A bad capacitor will trip the circuit breaker too, so be sure to check that first.) Hot/burning smell coming from air vents. A bad blower motor will sometimes overheat, causing a “hot” smell to come out of your air vents.