Blower Motor Issues

[robbyaube]

Hello,

The other day we left for a drive and when my wife started the van the blower motor would not turn on with any setting. When we left from our destination after some time it worked ok...

For the past good while (probably as long as we have the van) you can sometimes hear a quick "CLICK" sound coming from the passenger side (probably the blower motor area) and the blower kind of goes dead for about 1 second and comes right back on... not sure if these two problems are related or not but does this sound like the motor resistor causing issues?

[brcidd]

Intermittent blower motor is a sure sign of a worn out blower motor. Next time it is inop- tap on it, see if it comes on...if so, replace it.

[robbyaube]

Ok so you don't think it could be the resistor? Is the blower fairly easy to replace? Can you get at it from the passenger compartment as well?

[HiFlow5 0]

Originally Posted by robbyaube

Ok so you don't think it could be the resistor? Is the blower fairly easy to replace? Can you get at it from the passenger compartment as well?

Easy way to rule out the blower motor resistor is check to see if the blower motor works on the high setting. If it works in the high setting then the resistor is usually at fault as the resistor is bypassed in the high position.

If the blower does not work in any position then it could be the the blower motor relay, which is in the general location of the blower motor and would probably relate to the "click" you say you hear and the intermittent problem.

[robbyaube]

Well when it did quit, it did not work on any setting, relay sounds about right now that you say that, the sound is exactly like a relay clicking off and on...

Is the relay part of the motor assembly or can it be changed separately? Reason for the question is if the relay isn't as expensive as the motor, if it does quit for good, I could try changing the relay first.

[HiFlow5 0]

Originally Posted by robbyaube

Well when it did quit, it did not work on any setting, relay sounds about right now that you say that, the sound is exactly like a relay clicking off and on...

Is the relay part of the motor assembly or can it be changed separately? Reason for the question is if the relay isn't as expensive as the motor, if it does quit for good, I could try changing the relay first.

Relays normally click, thats the load side connecting to complete the circuit, but the "click" shouldn't be used to determine if a relay is "good".

The relay is a separate part from the motor and they are relatively cheap to replace.

[brcidd]

It's always best to look at the wiring diagram to answer your questions--I just did....The blower motor relay and resistor block are all in the same component-- if you replace one, you relace both-- the relay is only active when blower motor high speed is requested. The resistor block handles all the lower speeds.

You have clearly indicated that when blower motor dies, it does NOT work on ANY speed-- this would rule out the blower motor relay and resistor block as the culprit.

The easiest diagnosis is to test voltage across the blower motor leads while it is plugged in and after it is unplugged- if you get system voltage, then you know the blower is inop.

Blower motor is easy to access- remove passenger side hush panel (under glove box) and then unplug blower motor, and remove the 3 mounting screws (5.5mm)

The clicking you hear may be a faulty actuator- does it do it at every key on? does it last for the same amount of time? You may have a recirc door actuator that is broke, try different modes, see if you hear clicking on any particular mode position request.

[HiFlow5 0]

Originally Posted by brcidd

It's always best to look at the wiring diagram to answer your questions--I just did....The blower motor relay and resistor block are all in the same component-- if you replace one, you relace both-- the relay is only active when blower motor high speed is requested. The resistor block handles all the lower speeds.

You have clearly indicated that when blower motor dies, it does NOT work on ANY speed-- this would rule out the blower motor relay and resistor block as the culprit.

The easiest diagnosis is to test voltage across the blower motor leads while it is plugged in and after it is unplugged- if you get system voltage, then you know the blower is inop.

Blower motor is easy to access- remove passenger side hush panel (under glove box) and then unplug blower motor, and remove the 3 mounting screws (5.5mm)

The clicking you hear may be a faulty actuator- does it do it at every key on? does it last for the same amount of time? You may have a recirc door actuator that is broke, try different modes, see if you hear clicking on any particular mode position request.

Good call, the version of Alldata I'm using has it listed as two separate units in service and repair as a relay and a resistor. Now that I look at the wiring diagram it lists the two in the Blower Motor Resistor Assembly. It also shows that high speed is controlled through the resistor relay coil side. It still could be the relay, which just happens to be the all in one unit, and seeing how this component is subject to lots of moisture, it would be a starting point.

Also just to clarify what was said above, measuring voltage at the motor connector while unplugged will give open circuit voltage (battey voltage), but while plugged in, it would be a voltage drop test. If your measuring voltage at the connector while plugged in, you should see source voltage as the load (blower motor) should be using all the voltage in said circuit. If you see source voltage and the motor is not working, then you can rule that to be the bad component.

Here's the wiring diagram in case you want it for reference.

[robbyaube]

Thanks for the info guys...

I will hold on to this until it dies, when I will probably start by replacing the relay/resistor assembly which appears to be a good starting point.!!