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

Author: Miss Maya Renner  |  Last update: Monday, December 29, 2025

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.

Can I drive my car with a bad blower motor?

Therefore, a faulty blower motor can easily disable a fully functioning HVAC system of a vehicle. This leads to unpleasant driving experiences and uncomfortable passengers. Therefore, get the blower motor checked by a professional technician at the earliest.

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 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.

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.

Fan is working But No air is Blowing # 1 Possible reason why 🤷🏻‍♂️ No Air Conditioning blowing

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.

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 happens if blower motor fails?

A bad blower motor can cause the HVAC system to use more energy and drive up your heating bills, and is one possibility that should be investigated if you notice a spike in your winter utility expenses.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

How can you tell if your car blower motor is bad?

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.

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.

Can I replace my own blower motor in my car?

If your vehicle's blower motor is inoperative, it's best to hire a professional mechanic to repair it. The mechanic will have the right tools for the job, know how to locate the blower motor, and prepare the vehicle accordingly before disassembly.

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

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.

How much does a new car blower motor cost?

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.

Will AC work if blower motor is bad?

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.

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.

What happens when blower motor stops working?

A Failed Motor

An HVAC blower motor will occasionally fail due to age, wearing out, or not being cleaned regularly. Symptoms may include strange noises, burning smells, or just plain refusing to turn on. If this happens and the motor is no longer operable, a new blower motor may be needed.

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