What is the life expectancy of a car blower motor?

Author: Elmer Leffler  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 16, 2025

WHAT IS THE LIFESPAN OF A BLOWER MOTOR IN A VEHICLE? Typically, the blower motor in cars is designed to last for as long as the vehicle does. However, given the harsh and extreme conditions it has to operate in, the blower motor will usually have repair issues.

How long should a car blower motor last?

In general, a blower motor should last for the lifetime of your vehicle if it is properly maintained. However, it is not uncommon for blower motors to fail prematurely due to factors such as wear and tear, corrosion, or electrical issues.

How much does it cost to get a blower motor replaced 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 I drive my car without a blower motor?

There is a setting that allows you to turn the heater & AC fan off if you want to do that. The system is there for comfort of the driver and passengers, and to keep the windows clear of fog when it rains. You absolutely can drive with cabin fan turned off and it won't do any harm to the 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.

Heat Stopped Working In My Car! Blower Motor or Resistor?

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 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.

Why would a blower motor go bad?

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.

Does a blower motor affect AC in a car?

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.

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 long does it take to fix a motor blower?

It takes two to three hours to replace a blower motor. When you hire an HVAC repair company, they'll first turn off the home's electricity and gas, remove the old motor and other components, connect and test the function of a new motor, and reassemble the furnace as needed.

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 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.

How long does it take to replace a motor?

The time it takes for the mechanics to replace your car's engine depends on the model you drive and how old your vehicle is. Most engines can be exchanged in 5-10 hours under normal conditions, but the task might take longer if there are special requirements.

How much does it cost to replace a blower motor in 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. Compactness of design.

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.

What causes a car blower motor to fail?

A car blower motor develops problems due to: Electrical problems such as faulty switch, blown fuse, damaged resistor or control module, bad relay (if it uses one), and corroded, melted, or loose connectors. Debris becoming lodged in the blower motor fan assembly.

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?

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 long does a car blower last?

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 a blower motor resistor?

The average cost for a Blower Motor Resistor Replacement is between $119 and $154. Labor costs are estimated between $43 and $54 while parts are priced between $76 and $99.

How to reset blower motor?

How Do I Reset the Blower?
  1. Turn off the circuit breaker powering your HVAC system.
  2. Unscrew the blower cover.
  3. Give the blower time to cool down completely before proceeding.
  4. Push the reset button (typically a red button behind the blower motor).

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