How does a blower motor break?

Author: Koby Kub  |  Last update: Friday, September 26, 2025

One of the more common problems in a blower motor is the bearings. Bearings surround the motor shaft, allowing it to run smoothly at high RPM with almost no friction. When the bearings go bad, the motor may make a grinding or screeching sound, or not run at all because of the friction preventing the motor from turning.

What makes a blower motor go bad?

One of the most prevalent factors that can cause a blower motor to stop working is a blown fuse. A fuse prevents electrical circuits from an excessive flow of current that may run in them. Over time or due to any sudden surge, it might blow the fuse and cut power to the blower motor.

What causes a blower motor to burn out?

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 causes a car blower motor to fail?

A defective ground wire or ground wire connection and an open circuit in the power-side circuit (including the fuse, wiring, and fan switch) are the most common reasons why a blower motor fails.

What would cause the blower motor to stop working?

Blower Motor Fuse Problems

A blower motor fuse is a critical component of the heating system. If the fuse is blown, the blower on the furnace won't turn on, leaving your home without proper heating. Inspect the fuse box for signs of damage and replace any blown fuses.

How Blower Motor Resistors & Fan Speed Controls Work • Cars Simplified

What breaks a blower motor?

If your motor's electrics and bearings are constantly exposed to too much heat, then they will begin to fail. If you let your motor overheat repeatedly and fail, then either a component has broken or a bearing has seized.To prevent overheating, check your vents, filters, and in-room airflow.

How much does it cost to replace a blower motor?

Replacing a furnace blower motor costs $560, on average. Depending on the size and type of motor, most people pay $300 to $900. The average blower motor replacement cost is $560, but the final price depends on labor fees, as well as the cost of the parts.

What causes a blower motor to go out in a car?

The most common reason why your blower motor won't work on any speed is that you have a bad or blown a fuse.

Can you drive with a broken blower motor?

SMOKE OR SMELL WHEN DRIVING

A burned blower motor cannot exactly damage your car but you are not sure that the smoke is coming from the blower motor. Such signs indicate damage and you must tow it to a mechanic before turning the engine back on.

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.

What is the life expectancy of a blower motor?

Typically, the lifespan of furnace blower motors spans from a minimum of 10 years up to about 20 years, with most enduring an average period between 15 and 20 years.

Is a blower motor easy to fix?

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

How do I know if my blower motor is broken?

6 Signs of a Bad AC Blower Motor
  1. Understanding Your Motor Type. The first thing to know is that there are different types of blower motors. ...
  2. Weak Airflow From Your Vents. ...
  3. No Airflow. ...
  4. Unusual and Loud Sounds. ...
  5. Climbing Utility Bills. ...
  6. Overheating. ...
  7. Tripping Circuit Breaker. ...
  8. Keeping an Eye on Your Blower Motor.

Why do blower motors burn out?

There are several things that could cause a blower fan to burn out, and most of them are related to wear and tear on the component. Causes of blower fan burnout include: Windings that have deteriorated. Bearings that have seized after running out of oil.

How long does it take to repair a blower motor?

In general, it can take two to three hours to replace a typical blower motor. If a highly qualified technician has the part in stock, it can take as little as 1.5 hours.

Should I replace the blower motor or buy a new furnace?

Replacing the blower motor is likely the best decision if your furnace is under warranty or relatively new. It might be better to replace the furnace if it's old or has a lot of issues that require frequent repairs. On average, a new blower motor costs $300 to $900.

Can I run my car without a blower motor?

Your car's HVAC 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.

How to tell if it's the blower motor or resistor?

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.

Do I need to disconnect the battery to change the blower motor?

Step 1: Prepare the vehicle

Start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal, and set it aside someplace where it isn't touching metal. If applicable, remove the passenger-side floor mat. Typically there is a plastic cover underneath your glove box.

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

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.

How do you know if your car is low on freon?

How to Tell if Your Car A/C Needs Recharging
  1. Your car is blowing warm or hot air instead of cold. ...
  2. Your car is visibly leaking refrigerant. ...
  3. The A/C clutch is not engaging. ...
  4. There's a weird smell coming from your vents.

What does a bad blower sound like?

Faulty Blower Motor

If your blower motor is experiencing some issues, you may hear a high-pitched squeal or whistling sound. You may also experience rattling and loud screeching noises. The motor blower pushes warm air out of the furnace through the ducts into your home.

What happens if the blower motor goes out?

If the blower motor is going bad, it will struggle to operate the fan. The result will be weak airflow coming from the vents inside your living spaces. This airflow issue can be one of the main symptoms that indicate the component needs to be replaced.

What is the lifespan of a blower?

More specifically, systems that include blower motors have a lifespan of roughly: Air-Source Heat Pumps: 10 to 12 years, with a maximum of 15 years or more. Furnaces: 10 to 20 years, depending on maintenance schedules. DX Air Conditioners: 15 to 20 years, depending on maintenance schedules and manufacturer quality.

What does a 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.

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