The climate control system is a key part of that, keeping you cool on hot summer days and warming you up on chilly winter evenings -- but if neither the heat nor the A/C are working in your car, that tells us you've probably got a problem with your vehicle's blower fan.
Weak Airflow or No Airflow at All
Weak airflow or no airflow from the vents is a common sign of a worn-out blower motor. Blower motors are subject to wear and tear like any other car part, which could hamper the flow of air coming from the HVAC system.
Your AC's blower motor is responsible for moving air through your air conditioner to cool it and then pushing it back out into your home. Without this incredible component, your AC can't provide any cooling effect, no matter how much the compressor runs.
However, they can eventually burn out, so if your AC unit's blower motor is old, it might be time for a new one. One sign of a faulty blower motor is an air conditioner that still runs without blowing cool air. Remember: If the blower motor stops working, air is not moving through the system.
The average cost for a Blower Motor Replacement is between $342 and $362. Labor costs are estimated between $68 and $86 while parts are priced between $274 and $276. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
If the motor either burns out or short circuits, it will not function at all, which means you won't get any hot or cold air. In most cases, the mechanic servicing your vehicle will need to replace the blower motor entirely if you are to have restored operation in the system.
This could happen for a wide variety of reasons, such as a faulty wire, broken switch, or blown fuse. Another common reason is your compressor not turning on because it doesn't have enough refrigerant. Most compressors won't turn on if they go below a certain refrigerant level.
Your Compressor Might Be Broken, or Its Clutch Isn't Engaging. If refrigerant is the lifeblood of your A/C system, the compressor is the heart since its job is to circulate refrigerant through the system. Overheating, lack of lubrication, and low refrigerant levels are all common causes of compressor failure.
If the indoor blower fan has malfunctioned, cold temperatures outside the home, or low refrigerant charge, the evaporator coil can freeze. If this happens, call your local Trane expert for professional assistance.
So what caused your air conditioner to stop working? Most likely, your AC system lost its charge of refrigerant. Or, due to an electrical fault, its compressor is not engaging when you turn on the system. Another possibility is that an internal obstruction is blocking the circulation of refrigerant.
The most common reason why your blower motor won't work on any speed is that you have a bad or blown a fuse. A fuse is a small wire inside of a connector that is used to protect the motor itself from a surge of electricity.
Less air will come out from the vents; the air coming out could be warm, and the system may continually run without actually cooling your home.
Blower Motor Resistor Test
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.
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.
The capacitor supplies power to the compressor, outer fan, and blower motor. The starter relay moves that power to the compressor from the capacitors. If your compressor isn't working but the fan is,you may have a faulty capacitor.
An AC leak will lead to warmer air from your vents over time. In most cases this can be fixed with a proven stop leak additive to seal up any leaks. When it's time for an AC recharge, turn to AutoZone.
If your air handler is running but not blowing air, there are two likely scenarios: either a broken AC blower belt or an issue with the motor itself. If the air handler is humming or buzzing but not making the mechanical sounds of a motor running, you're most likely talking about an issue with the motor itself.
If you can hear your AC running, but the fan isn't kicking on you will want to try lowering the temperature on your thermostat a few degrees. If your fan is still suspiciously quiet, this can be an indication of an issues with the AC blower. The AC blower pushes the cold air out to the ductwork and through your house.
If the fan motor is still working, but just not operating as it should, you may need to replace the blower fan resistor assembly. The blower fan resistor is a simple electronic circuit that changes the resistance of the current sent to the blower motor, and enables multiple fan speeds.
If it happens, you will hear unusual noises like slapping or sudden pop coming from behind the vent. Problems with the airflow have signs such as ongoing whirring, getting louder when you increase the fan speed. Thus, at the sign of the first unusual noise, get your car checked.
Motor and Fan Problems
A bad blower motor means no air coming out of your vents. A failing condenser fan can make your system overheat. Either way, you're not getting the cool air you want.
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, check the motor. It can mean that your furnace blower motor is having a hard time pushing enough air through the ducts to achieve your desired temperature.