Blower Motor Issue

[OrbeaRider]

I tried swapping out my old blower motor recently (I have an 03 with approx. 150,000 miles) and, after getting it done, realized that I actually didn't need to do it. I put the old motor back in and thought I was done. Well, recently, the blower motor is randomly not turning on. It will work once in awhile but mostly it does nothing. I pulled the kick panel and confirmed that all of the connectors are nice and tight. With the kick panel off, I tried again and ... nothing. So, I smacked the bottom of the motor and it started right up. Is it fairly safe to say that I now need that new motor again or is there something else I can look at.

Thanks!

 

[Tresvn]

I just started having issues wirh my blower motor too. It worked when I parked the truck on Sunday after wheeling in Ct with a few members. I have been through all of the fuses and relays, fuses were changed and all of the relays seem to check out. The lights light up on the controls, the AC compressor engages but the blower dosent seem to spin. I have not checked to see if it's getting power yet.

A couple questions if you don't mind:
Did you get to yr issue straightened out?
Is it hard/diffuclt to remove the old one?
And around how much did the new blower cost of yoy don't mind me asking?

I have a stock 2003 V6 limited with 130,000mi
I am on the road right now and can't really search for my self.

Thanks in advance.

 

[OrbeaRider]

Hi Tresvn ... Unfortunately, my blower motor finally just died and I had to replace it.

Replacing the motor is actually pretty straightforward. First, I ended up ordering the blower motor from Advanced Auto. They always seem to have coupons so I got a direct fit delivered for about $80.

I've attached a Toyota TSB that gives instructions on how to pull the motor. Having done this a few times, here are some of the lessons learned:

• When I removed the instrument panel in step No. 2, I disconnected everything as it made it easier maneuver around under the dash
• I did not do step No. 4 (removing instrument panel finish) as that seems to apply to something else
• When removing the three bolts listed in step No. 7B, mine were torx bolts
• I ended up using a small ratchet wrench as that made things a little easier (particularly when working on the far back bolt where space is really tight)
• With the after market blower motor, I had to move it around to get it to fit properly. It didn't look like it would fit but there was a groove in the motor that had to line up right to get it to sit properly.

Now that I'm done, I'm actually pretty pleased. The new fan is slightly more powerful (although it is a bit louder). I'm also getting a bit of a vibration so I'm going to get back in there this week to make sure it is all lined up properly again.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions.

JT

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Usually with an electric motor (or really anything that has a core and coil around it...) that just randomly stops and hitting it brings it back to life is an indicator of a dead spot in the electromagnetic field; meaning it should be replaced. Starter motors and blowers are fairly common for this type of diagnostics, but the principle applies to other applications too. Alternators can have dead spots as can sensors that rely on a magnetic field.

If its the same TSB I am thinking of it will tell you about an updated blower motor assembly and control module (sort of like the resistor packs on GM cars.)

 

[Tresvn]

Jt,
Thank you, I pulled the pdf up on the phone and was able to get it opened up to access the plug, after disconnecting it I hooked the battery up turned on the blower switch and I am at least getting power to the plug so I am going to assume it's just the blower thankfully. I am going to order one tonight or see if Napa has one in stock.
I have one other question, if you don't mind, when I pulled the panel /kick plate there is a computer looking thing I believe it said something about 4wd, any issue disconnecting this with the battery disconnected?
Probably a noob question but I'd rather look or sound like an idiot that actually make myself one.
Thanks again
Brian

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Jt,
Thank you, I pulled the pdf up on the phone and was able to get it opened up to access the plug, after disconnecting it I hooked the battery up turned on the blower switch and I am at least getting power to the plug so I am going to assume it's just the blower thankfully. I am going to order one tonight or see if Napa has one in stock.
I have one other question, if you don't mind, when I pulled the panel /kick plate there is a computer looking thing I believe it said something about 4wd, any issue disconnecting this with the battery disconnected?
Probably a noon question but I'd rather look or sound like an idiot that actually make myself one.
Thanks again
Brian

Yes you can disconnect it with the vehicle turned off, just don't turn it on or use the 4WD with the vehicle on as you could cause some issues.

 

[Tresvn]

Thanks , I'll let yas know how I make out.

 

[Tresvn]

OrbeaRider don't mean to hijack but I figure its better than starting a new thread.

I put the new blower motor in, put it all back together and...nothing. So its not the blower, I put a test light in the connector and turned the fan switch on and there is power getting to the fan but its not working. At this point the only thing I can think of is its the Blower Motor Control Module / Resistor not sending enough power to the fan.
Can any one tell me if there is a way to test this before I go spend more $ on replacing good parts?
Or anything I may have missed, as stupid as it might be?

Thanks in advance. I connected the old blower to a 12v drill and that spun like crazy btw

 

[Tresvn]

It turned out to be the resistor. very easy to change once I pulled the carpet back and was able to get a phillips head in there. nice cold air now.
So I wasted $70 on the blower motor but not its all new and I should be good for a while.
Thanks for the help guys.