Blower smells like somethings melting/works sporadically

[net_kitten]

We bought a used 2002 Taurus that the blower for the heat/ac wasnt working at all. The dealer supposedly fixed it and it worked for roughly a week after we bought it then quit again.

Occasionally if you turn it on, it will come on *all fan speeds* but there is a burning/melting smell. Sometimes it runs fine but thats rare.
Other times it won't come on at all on ANY setting.

I've read multiple complaints on similar issues with the heat/ac working sometimes and not others on here ,but none so far with the burning smell issue.

Any suggestions/advice?

[PTG1212]

I have a 2002 Taurus. Earlier this year the blower motor started operating intermittantly then not at all. I took it in and the blower motor itself was bad. It started melting the connector. I have an extended warranty so it was only $50 to replace the motor and fix the connector. Without a warranty they were quoting me on the order of $400. Sounds like you have the same problem. I would keep it turned off till fixed to avoid more burning/melting or fire.
BTW, that's the only problem I've had with it, otherwise it's been a great car.

[net_kitten]

Yup....sounds like the problem we are having. I'm a lil shocked at the price though! This isn't under warranty, we bought it used for my husband to run back and forth to worth in. I believe I said it is a 2002 and actually I think its a 2001 *blush* my other car is an 02.
We didn't even have it a month when he hit a deer, and we just got it back a few weeks ago from that incident.
Anyway, that seems rather costly if it isn't under warranty, do you know if this is something fairly inexpensive to do yourself?

[way2old]

The blower motor is definately a do it yourself project. All you need is basic skills. All you need to do is find it and replace.

[PTG1212]

The blower motor is under the glove box. I agree that with some mechanical inclination that it's a do-it-yourself job. I'm sure you could search this forum or others and get instructions for replacement. I just replaced the blower motor resistor on my Malibu and I'd probably tackle the blower motor if I had to.
First step and probably most important is getting the right replacement. Next you want to make for you have a universal joint for your ratchet. It's very tight under there. The other thing is to carefully look at any covers you remove to be sure you see how they go back together. One of my covers had duct work integrated into it. Do a search, read others experiences and you should get a very good idea of how to tackle it. Good luck.

[Millermagic]

Sounds like maybe motor itself is burning up or insulation. Look at the state of the wires when you take it off. The problem might not be a bad motor, but maybe a short somewhere.