What would cause the blower motor to stop working?

Author: Myrtle Konopelski  |  Last update: Friday, December 19, 2025

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 do I reset my 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).

How do I know if it's my 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 causes a car blower motor to go bad?

They fail on their own quite often. Repeated failures are typically caused by excessive current draw from the blower motor (usually caused by tight bearings), or restricted airflow past the resistor causing overheating (plugged cabin air filter, dirty heater core or A/C evaporator).

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

Yes, a blown fuse can cause a car heater not to work. The car's heating system relies on various electrical components, including the blower motor, which circulates air through the heater core.

HVAC Blower Motor FAN WON'T TURN ON, NOT WORKING! Top 10 Reasons/Problems! Heat and AC!

What would make my blower motor stop working?

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 reset blower motor fuse?

How to Reset the HVAC Blower Sleeper Fuse
  1. Locate Fuse Box. You should first start by finding the fuse box which powers your HVAC system. ...
  2. Remove the Fuse. ...
  3. Inspect for Damage. ...
  4. Replace the Fuse. ...
  5. Close the Panel and Test for System Function. ...
  6. Call an Expert if the Fuse Reset Doesn't Work.

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.

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 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.

Why is my car blower motor not getting power?

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.

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.

What causes a blower motor to burn out?

Some of the reasons a blower motor might fail are overheating, and excessive moisture. When dust, dirt, and debris build up, it can cause the windings and bearings to burn up more quickly.

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.

Why is my AC not blowing air in my car?

The blower motor is responsible for pushing air through the vents inside your car. So if you have absolutely no airflow coming through your vents, it's possible that your blower motor or the resistor that controls its speed has failed.

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 life expectancy of a blower motor?

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 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.

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.

Does a blower motor have a fuse?

If the fan doesn't work, before pointing the finger at the blower motor, check fuses for the motor to make sure they're still good. Many vehicles have two fuses for the blower motor, one in the interior fuse block and the other under the hood. The blower motor is usually under the dashboard on the passenger side.

Where is the blower 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.

Why did my blower stop working?

The most common reason why your blower motor won't work on any speed is that you have a bad or blown a fuse. A fuse is a small wire inside of a connector that is used to protect the motor itself from a surge of electricity.

How do I know if my blower fuse is bad?

To test the fuse, set your multimeter to the continuity test setting. Then, touch the probes to either side of the fuse. If the fuse is OK, the multimeter should beep or indicate that you've completed the circuit. If you get no such indication, that means the fuse is bad and must be replaced.

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