Blower Motor

[jessep28]

Problem: I've lost power to the blower motor on all fan settings.

Info: Manual Climate Control - Non Dual Zone

The blower motor first went dead, then worked, but it seemed to not be getting the right amount of current then finally stopped working. Motor was not making any adverse noises beforehand.

Resistor was changed three years ago. I did have cowel seal leak, but that was repaired back in 2006. I would have expected a blower motor failure back then if water was shorting out the wiring.

1) Are the symptoms listed indicative of a bad blower motor?
2) What is the proper procedure to test the motor?
3) If replacement is needed, is there is write-up on replacement procedures?
4) I see there are several blower motor models. Which is the correct Delco model?

Thank you very much for your input.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by jessep28

1) Are the symptoms listed indicative of a bad blower motor?

Yes.

Originally Posted by jessep28

2) What is the proper procedure to test the motor?

Apply 12 volts and a ground to the electrical connector of the blower. Bench test.

Originally Posted by jessep28

3) If replacement is needed, is there is write-up on replacement procedures?

Some old threads have procedures if you do a search.

All you have to do is remove the passenger side dash kickpanel. Then remove the 3 5.5mm bolts that hold the blower motor up to the HVAC enclosure. Undo the bracket that holds the wiring harnesses and vacuum lines. Undo the blower electrical connector and drop down, replace. Note: Get passenger side seat as far back as possible before starting removal.

Originally Posted by jessep28

4) I see there are several blower motor models. Which is the correct Delco model?

Get the one for manual system. The ACC (automatic digital) uses a different blower motor.

I recall you check the label on the blower to see if you have the 1st or 2nd design blower.

[SyntheticShield]

Most likely, based on your report of the noises from the motor, it is the blower motor, but I've also seen a bad ignition switch cause the motor to not work. But there is usually some other symptoms associated with that such as other accessories not working.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by SyntheticShield

but I've also seen a bad ignition switch cause the motor to not work. But there is usually some other symptoms associated with that such as other accessories not working.

Good point. Loss of DIC, flashing headlamps, loss of DRL or cruise control dropping off, etc. But normally when the ignition switch is the cause it will act up in blower speed positions 1-4 only. When switched to 5 it will work. Reason is the 12 volts to the blower high speed relay which is used for position 5 only comes directly off battery power and not through the ignition switch. I would check the blower motor out first and then go from there.

[SyntheticShield]

Thats true, the only reason I mentioned it is in my GP 1-4 would work just fine, but 5 would not. Then I lost 1-4 and finally had to replace my ignition switch and the blower motor resistor. The blower motor resistor was not fun.

[jessep28]

It probably would be wise to test voltage at the connector before I take the motor out since I was experiencing symptoms of reduced power before the unit quit.

[jessep28]

I wanted to provide an update for those who search this issue later. I pulled the motor out and there was a lot of corrosion on and inside the motor. Replaced it and everything works great.

What I think happened is that when my cowl seal was bad and letting water in the passenger side a couple years ago, water got in the motor, caused the corosion and eventually the unit failed.

The install was a PITA of course, but it wasn't that technically difficult.

[wafrederick]

Blame the engineer at GM for that making it a PITA to do.Another thing to check is the resistor and they also go out,for burn marks and water spots

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by jessep28

I wanted to provide an update for those who search this issue later. I pulled the motor out and there was a lot of corrosion on and inside the motor. Replaced it and everything works great.

Thanks for the feedback. Did you ever install a cabin air filter? Helps cut down on water intrusion and may extend the life of the blower motor.

[jessep28]

Originally Posted by wafrederick

Blame the engineer at GM for that making it a PITA to do.Another thing to check is the resistor and they also go out,for burn marks and water spots

I put a new resistor in two years ago. The fan wasn't working on all settings.

One thing I've noticed though is that there seems to be quite a bit more vibration in the steering wheel with the new model. It doesn't sound off balance though.

[Bennyboy10]

Hey, on a related topic. My wifes blower motor went out in her 99 GTP (same water leak problem with the crowl which I will fix tomorrow), I replaced it last night but she is only getting heat on the passenger side.

It blows air on both the driver side and the passenger side. The actuator was replaced last year, and I verified that it is working correctly.

Does anyone here know what the problem might be? And if so, how I might go about fixing it. I know just enough about her car to keep it from having to go to the shop ALL the time, so if you can explain it in simple terms that would be wonderful too!!!

Thanks in advance

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by Bennyboy10

I replaced it last night but she is only getting heat on the passenger side.

It blows air on both the driver side and the passenger side. The actuator was replaced last year, and I verified that it is working correctly.

Does anyone here know what the problem might be? And if so, how I might go about fixing it.

Which climate control system do you have? The digital dual zone ACC CJ2, the manual dual zone or single manual?

[Bennyboy10]

She has the digital dual zone.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by Bennyboy10

She has the digital dual zone.

Is the service icon aka maintenance icon on the climate control unit on or flashing? With the CJ2 unit you can run diagnostics without a scan tool.