What happens if a blower motor fails?

Author: Adrianna Kulas  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 23, 2025

It sucks, but if your blower motor isn't properly distributing conditioned air throughout your home, your system will overcompensate to reach the temperature set on your thermostat. It will continue to kick out more and more heated or cooled air while your fan pushes it weakly through the vents.

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.

Can you drive a car with a bad blower motor?

Cost of Repair: While it may not be urgent, it's advisable to get it repaired soon to avoid more extensive repairs down the line. In summary, while it is safe to drive with a failing blower motor resistor, addressing the issue promptly can help maintain comfort and prevent further complications.

Is a blower motor expensive to fix?

Repairing a blower motor costs anywhere from $150 to $1,500, depending on what went wrong. On the other hand, a full replacement might cost upwards of $2,000 once you factor in labor costs. So if your repair estimate is sky-high, you might get a better value with total replacement.

What happens if the blower motor fails in a car?

The blower motor is a critical part of a vehicle's heating and cooling system. If the blower motor is faulty, the system stops working as it should. In a city with an extreme climate, this seemingly small issue can make your driving experience particularly uncomfortable.

SYMPTOMS OF A BAD BLOWER MOTOR

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 do I tell if my blower motor is bad?

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.

How long does it take to replace a car 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.

How much is a blower motor replacement for a car?

You can reasonably expect to find replacement blower motors at Parts Geek from $20 to $120, while the majority of these motors cost between $190 - $275 when you buy them from other parts stores. Costs for this part depend on several factors: Compactness of design. Levels of blower precision.

What is the life expectancy 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.

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.

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.

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.

What causes a blower motor to go bad?

Overheating is one of the most frequent occurrences that can render the blower motor inoperative. If the motor has overheated, it may shut itself down to prevent damage. You should keep your HVAC clean and clear of any blockages or debris to avoid overheating and maintain efficiency.

Can a bad blower motor cause no AC in a car?

The blower motor is responsible for circulating the air through the AC system. If the blower motor is not working, the air will not be circulated properly, which will cause warm air to be blown into your car.

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.

How do I know if I need to replace my blower motor?

You should replace your blower motor when you notice the following signs:
  1. Weak Airflow. The first indication that you have a faulty blower motor is when the airflow out of your air conditioner is weak. ...
  2. No Airflow. ...
  3. Unusually High Energy Bills. ...
  4. Strange Sounds. ...
  5. Overheating.

What are the symptoms of a bad blower motor relay?

On some platforms, a faulty blower motor relay will cause the blower not to work at all, which means there will be no airflow from the A/C. On others, the blower won't work on “high blow” but all the other speeds will work. The blower motor relay fails because it regularly deals with high current loads.

How do you know if your blower motor is blown?

Key Signs of a Bad Blower Motor
  • Strange Rattling, Clanking, or Screeching. ...
  • Weak or No Airflow From The Vents. ...
  • A Sudden Spike in Your Energy Bills. ...
  • An Overheating HVAC System. ...
  • Replace or Maintain a Part in the Blower Motor. ...
  • Replacing the Blower Motor. ...
  • Keep Up With HVAC Maintenance.

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 often do blower motors go out?

Blower motors are designed to last just as long as your furnace itself, anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Just as with any HVAC system, the better maintained and serviced your equipment is by experienced HVAC technicians the longer it will last and the fewer repairs you'll face.

What happens when your blower motor goes out in your car?

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.

How much does a car blower motor cost?

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.

What does a bad motor blower sound like?

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.

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