What happens when the blower motor goes bad in a car?

Author: Nico Prosacco  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 6, 2026

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.

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

Signs that your vehicle's blower motor is failing include weak airflow, a lack of airflow, or if the blower motor only works on certain settings or is making excessive amounts of noise.

How do I know if my blower motor is going out?

Strange Rattling, Clanking, or Screeching

One of the first signs you may notice when there's an issue with the blower motor is a strange noise coming from the indoor unit or air handler.

How much does it cost to fix 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.

Can you 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.

SYMPTOMS OF A BAD BLOWER MOTOR

How do you know if your blower motor needs to be replaced?

If your blower motor starts to wear out, you may notice some symptoms such as:
  1. Little Airflow from Vents. As mentioned, the blower's job is to circulate air through the system. ...
  2. No Airflow from Vents. ...
  3. Loud Noises When the Heat Is On. ...
  4. Burning Odor from Vents. ...
  5. High Energy Bills.

Can I run my AC with a bad blower motor?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What happens when the blower motor goes out in a 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.

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.

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.

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

In conclusion, the blower motor is a crucial component of your vehicle's HVAC system, responsible for circulating air throughout the cabin. Replacing a blower motor regulator or resistor can cost between $280 and $560, depending on the make and model of your car and labor costs, which can take one to three hours.

How to diagnose a bad car blower motor?

Check out these four signs of a bad heater blower motor.
  1. Inadequate Airflow Through the Vents. ...
  2. Unusual Noises or Vibrations When the Fan is Running. ...
  3. Defroster Does Not Clear Glass Well. ...
  4. Smoke or Burning Smell Coming Out of the Vents.

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 is the difference between a blower motor and a fan motor?

While fan motors move air in high volumes throughout an open space, blowers efficiently move air in a single direction. Selecting the ideal air movement solution is critical to ensure the proper function, cost-effectiveness, and energy efficiency of the intended application.

Where is the blower motor reset button?

In most newer systems, the button is often directly next to the blower motor, while in older systems, it may be harder to spot as it is sometimes underneath or behind the motor. The reset button is often made of yellow or red plastic and marked with a large “R ” to make it easier to spot.

Which of the following is a common symptom of a faulty blower motor?

This is one of the most common bad blower motor symptoms. The blower produces a rattling, screeching, or squeaking noise. A blower motor making noise can mean several things. It could be a worn motor, especially at the bearing or other moving parts.

How long do blower motors last in a car?

By design, the blower motor is never the weakest link among components, so it should last as long as the entire system it's part of, whether that's a heat pump, furnace, or forced-air cooling system.

How do I know if my car AC control panel is bad?

Some of the signs of a failing A/C switch include settings that don't work, an A/C compressor that won't turn on, and a system that blows hot air. Aside from wear and tear, a blown fuse or a manufacturing defect may cause an A/C switch to malfunction.

How do you know if your AC blower motor is going out?

If the motor is making rattling, clanking, or banging sounds, it may be because of a loose or broken part inside the system. Loud banging sounds are especially worrisome. They're usually a sign that something within the system is damaged or disconnected, potentially indicating the need to replace the blower motor.

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