How long does a car fan motor last?

Author: Vernie Stiedemann  |  Last update: Tuesday, March 11, 2025

The radiator cooling fan is not a scheduled maintenance item. This means that it shouldn't be replaced unless it fails. In most cases, a properly maintained radiator fan will last between eight and ten years. When the radiator fan fails, it should be replaced as soon as possible.

How can you tell if a fan motor is bad?

7 Signs Your AC Fan Motor Is Failing
  1. The Fan Won't Come On. A sure sign of a bad fan motor is a cooling fan that will not come on. ...
  2. The Fan Blades Rotate Slowly. ...
  3. The Condensor Makes a Rattling Noise. ...
  4. The Fan Runs Intermittently. ...
  5. Fan Runs When Unit Is Off. ...
  6. You Smell Burning Smells. ...
  7. Frequently Tripped Breakers.

What is the lifespan of a car blower motor?

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.

How much does it cost to replace car fan motor?

The average cost for a Radiator Fan Motor Replacement is between $706 and $751.

How often should you replace AC fan motor?

The lifespan of a home AC compressor fan motor typically ranges from 10 to 20 years. However, several factors can influence this lifespan, including: Usage: Frequent use can lead to quicker wear and tear. Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and lubrication, can extend the motor's life.

Should A Radiator Fan Come On When A Car Starts?

Is it worth replacing fan motor on AC?

The Cost of Not Replacing It

Because of how hot the system runs, running your AC with a failed fan motor could result in your compressor failing, too. The compressor is a much more expensive component, typically running $1,400-$3,000, so procrastinating on AC repair could be a very costly delay.

Can you drive a car with a bad cooling fan?

Although in short, yes, you can technically drive your car without a radiator fan, it is not recommended that you do.

When should I replace my car fan?

At some point over time, it may fail. If you notice that the engine is overheating (see the temperature gauge in the dashboard), and you do not hear the fan(s) working get the cooling system inspected immediately.

What causes a blower motor to fail in a car?

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.

Can I drive with a bad 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 do you test a car fan motor?

There are a few ways to test the radiator fan. You can connect the radiator fan to the car battery with jumper wires to see if the fan runs normally. You can connect a low impedance lamp in series with the motor, turn it through, and see if the lamp ever goes dark, which is the most sensible way.

What causes a fan motor to burn out?

Generally, when power vent motors burn out early it is caused by a lack of intake ventilation. If there is not enough intake for the CFM rating of the power vent (CFM = cubic feet of air moved per minute), the fan will be working harder than it should.

Can AC work without a fan?

Your AC is rendered useless without a functioning fan or furnace blower motor. This could also mean that you need a furnace repair or should start looking at costs for blower motor replacement. In addition, you will either suffer from no air or weak airflow with fan problems.

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

Here's What You Need to Know. Radiator fans are responsible for keeping air flowing through the radiator when the vehicle is stationary or moving slowly. Replacing a radiator fan typically costs between $50 and $500.

How long should a car fan last?

The radiator cooling fan is not a scheduled maintenance item. This means that it shouldn't be replaced unless it fails. In most cases, a properly maintained radiator fan will last between eight and ten years. When the radiator fan fails, it should be replaced as soon as possible.

Will a car overheat if the radiator fan is not working?

Radiator/Fan Issues

If the radiator fails to do this properly, your engine will start to get too hot. When there is a radiator problem, check the fan. If the fan is not working properly, the radiator cannot lower the temperature of the coolant.

What is the life expectancy of a cooling fan?

The life expectancy of a cooling fan can vary depending on the make and model of the fan, as well as the environment. In general, a dual ball bearing cooling fan should work for at least 50,000 hours with regular use. However, if the fan is used in a dusty or dirty environment, its life expectancy may be shorter.

How long can I drive my car if the fan is not working?

The time a car can run without a radiator fan depends on factors like ambient temperature and driving conditions, but overheating can occur within a few minutes to an hour.

What is the difference between radiator fan and cooling fan?

The radiator fan is a type of fan used in automobiles to cool the radiator. By doing so, it helps with regulating engine temperature. It's, therefore, also known as the engine cooling fan and usually mounted between the radiator and engine. In some vehicles, the fan sits between the grille and the radiator.

What is the life expectancy of a fan motor?

A blower motor should last at least 10 years, and could last up to 20, depending on the type of HVAC unit you have in your home. There are a few warning signs that your blower motor is damaged, including little-to-no airflow coming from your vents, a burning smell, and skyrocketing energy bills.

How do you know if your car AC fan motor is bad?

Unusual Noises or Vibrations When the Fan is Running

If you hear unusual noises such as rattling and grinding, or notice vibrations within the dashboard or interior trim, you could have a bad motor blower heater.

What is the average price for an AC fan motor?

What's the Cost of Repairing or Replacing a Fan Motor? The average cost of a condenser fan motor is between $300 and $500 (not including installation). If the compressor breaks, you are looking at a much costlier problem which could cost up to $2000. In some cases, your fan motor may be under warranty.

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