What would cause the blower motor to not work?

Author: Marilou Treutel  |  Last update: Sunday, November 30, 2025

Common causes include electrical problems, a malfunctioning blower motor, or thermostat-related issues. Electrical problems may include blown fuses within the furnace circuit or tripped circuit breakers in your electrical panel. If the blower motor is worn out or has failed, it can cease to function altogether.

What would make a blower motor not work?

When you have NO speeds, it's probably the motor, but could be the blower speed switch or fuse. Check the fuse and test for voltage at the motor, and replace the motor if it's getting power but won't spin.

What causes a car blower motor to fail?

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 tells the blower motor to turn on?

The thermostat is what tells these separate systems to work together. In normal operation, when your thermostat is set to "auto," it will tell the blower fan plus the heating or cooling components to turn on and off at the same time when the desired temperature is reached.

How do I know if my capacitor or fan motor is bad?

Signs of a bad AC capacitor include humming noises coming from the unit, slow starting or stopping of the fan motor, and frequent cycling on and off. AC capacitor troubleshooting should begin with checking for any visible signs of damage such as bulging capacitors or leaking fluid.

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

What happens when a blower motor capacitor goes bad?

A faulty capacitor stops the blower. Check your capacitor soon if your unit stops operating. Make sure the fuse that controls the heating system is turned on before proceeding. Turn increase your thermostat once the furnace is powered up and see if your blower starts to work within a few minutes.

What are the two typical signs that a capacitor is bad or has failed?

The short answer is you may have a failing AC capacitor if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
  • Your AC system isn't blowing cold air.
  • You hear a humming noise coming from the outdoor unit.
  • Your monthly energy bills are rising unexpectedly.
  • Your air conditioner will shut off unexpectedly.

How do I know if it's the blower motor or the 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.

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.

How much does it cost to replace a blower motor?

Replacing a furnace blower motor costs $560, on average. Depending on the size and type of motor, most people pay $300 to $900. The average blower motor replacement cost is $560, but the final price depends on labor fees, as well as the cost of the parts.

How do I know if my blower motor or relay is bad?

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 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.

Can a bad fuse cause a blower motor not to work?

One of the most prevalent factors that can cause a blower motor to stop working is a blown fuse. A fuse prevents electrical circuits from an excessive flow of current that may run in them. Over time or due to any sudden surge, it might blow the fuse and cut power to the blower motor.

What can cause a car blower motor to stop working?

Either it's not getting electrical power or, more likely, the motor itself has simply burned out. A blower motor in an older vehicle is likely to burn out over time, and may need replacement.

Is there a way to test a blower motor?

If you want to test a blower motor, you don't need to go to a mechanic yet.
  1. Step 1: Gather Necessary Tools. ...
  2. Step 2: Locate the Blower Motor. ...
  3. Step 3: Disconnect the Power. ...
  4. Step 4: Access the Blower Motor. ...
  5. Step 5: Set Up the Multimeter. ...
  6. Step 6: Test the Motor's Resistance. ...
  7. Step 7: Check for Continuity.

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. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

What to do if your blower motor is not working?

Ensure the capacitor attached to it is good – whether you do it before you jump out the blower motor or not, quickly check the capacitor to see if it meets manufacturer specs. If it doesn't, replace it and retest. 3. Make sure the motor isn't getting too warm to the touch – Some motors just get old and dirty.

Where is the HVAC reset button?

In AC systems, the air conditioner reset button is on the outside unit's lower edge, typically close to the ground. Some models have the reset button located behind the service panel, which may require tools to remove. Reset buttons are usually red or yellow with a clear “reset” label.

What switch controls the blower motor?

The fan limit switch controls when the furnace blower fan turns on and off. This control also provides a safety limit that turns off the burner or furnace if temperatures at the furnace get too high. Fan/Limit switches are used on all types of heating furnaces.

How can 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.

Which fuse is for the blower motor?

Blower motor is fuse 35 and is a 40 amp. You could test them with a meter or visually look to see if they're blown, then take it to a shop if they blow after replacing them.

Can a blower motor resistor be bypassed?

When high speed is requested, the blower motor resistor is bypassed and the blower motor ground circuit is connected directly to ground. This allows the maximum current through the blower motor and maximum speed occurs.

How to tell if a blower motor capacitor is bad?

The Blower Motor Is Slow or Inconsistent: A failing capacitor can cause the blower motor to run slowly or fluctuate in speed. The motor can also overheat, short cycle, or run erratically. Call a professional if any of these issues occur.

Will the fan run if the capacitor is bad?

Although your unit may continue to run, it is not wise to continue using the air conditioner before replacing a failing capacitor as it can lead to compressor failure and fan motor issues as well as system failure.

Which is the most common reason for capacitor failure?

DIELECTRIC BREAKDOWN (SHORTS)

The classic capacitor failure mechanism is dielectric breakdown. The dielectric in the capacitor is subjected to the full potential to which the device is charged and, due to small capacitor physical sizes, high electrical stresses are common.

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