Intermitant Blower on 1999 '88

[bryandj23]

Hi All. First time poster, but have been lurking for a little while in order to decipher my problem with my blower motor on my 1999 Olds 88.

Like the other issues posted, sometimes the blower works, and other times it doesn't. It seems as if when the interior gets warm, and the blower starts to vary it's speed, upon the next startup is when the blower just won't work. There's been times where closing one of front doors really hard will kick it on; in fact there was even a time where even turning a corner made the blower come on.

I replaced the blower motor resistor, and originally thought I was all set; until this morning when I went outside after warming up the car (via remote start), only to find I still had to scrape 4 inches of snow/ice off my windows.

So, I'm wondering what's next to check. I've seen reference to a blower motor controller, but am unsure if that's really the culprit. I should also mention that I do have a remote start system on this vehicle, and have also thought that maybe it has something to do with that, since power would have to be "jumped" to the HVAC system in order for it to run without the ignition being on.

If anyone has any ideas on what my next steps should be (I'm going to check relays this afternoon on my lunch hour), I would GREATLY appreciate it.

Thanks in advance!

[maxwedge]

Welcome to AF, sounds like you have the automatic temp setting hvac, no? If so I would suspect either the blower itself which you can test when it does not work, or the power module.

[brcidd]

If the blower is inop on engine start- then comes on when "kicked" or "bumped" or "jarred"- then you are experiencing the number one failure mode of a worn out blower motor- the brushes are no longer capable of starting the motor- unless it is "jarred" into centering the armature- it will run until it is shut -off again- and maybe start- maybe not- depending on th eamount of wear. I had a neighbor lady in her Grand Prix- "kick start" (literarly) her blower motor for over a year, before she finally couldn't kick it enough and let me replace it. So most definitely you are in need for a blower motor. Seen it dozens of times- on underhood units- just dropping the hood will start them- This is my first test for a bum blower is to whap it on the side will a blunt object- if it comes on- then replace it...same thing applies to worn out fuel pumps.....

[bryandj23]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

Welcome to AF, sounds like you have the automatic temp setting hvac, no? If so I would suspect either the blower itself which you can test when it does not work, or the power module.

Hi Max. Dammit...I knew I forgot to mention something. I have the manual HVAC setup: Mode, Fan, and Temp (C--H).

When the fan does run, it RUN's! No noises, no abnormalities. I'm ruling out the blower motor at this time, because it does run. It's only when the variable speed kicks in that I know I can start welcoming the problem.

Power Module? Would this also apply for the manual HVAC? Where is this located?

[bryandj23]

brcidd...

Hmmm...that makes damn good sense. I honestly haven't tried tapping on the blower motor itself, since I figured it more of a module/electronic issue than a physical one. In thinking about the fact that I've got 152,000 on this thing, I could definately see where the brushes would be worn to crap.

I would think unplugging the blower from it's power and jumping 12v direct to it would be a good test. I'll give this a try tonight.

I guess I'm no longer ruling out the blower motor then. I'll keep this thread updated.

Thanks for all of the suggestions!!!!

[brcidd]

In your case- just beating on the dash may make it come on- or a firm whap to the glove box- if you have a passenger- let them kick the hush panel- that's what the neighbor lady did.....

[bryandj23]

Originally Posted by brcidd

In your case- just beating on the dash may make it come on- or a firm whap to the glove box- if you have a passenger- let them kick the hush panel- that's what the neighbor lady did.....

Well, I went out to the parking lot with a hammer in hand. Started the car, and BEHOLD ... the blower was working.

So, now I have to wait for it to screw up again. I like the idea of a $50 blower motor a hell of alot more than a $200 control module...especially during the holidays!