Fan blower motor problem?

[Ilovesnow]

This morning I took my 4runner out and I think that there is a problem with my fan blower motor.

On all speeds (except for high, I don't really notice too much of a difference on that setting), there is a "whirring" noise and the fan doesn't seem to be blowing/spinning as fast as it should. In addition, the cabin didn't seem to be warming up too much. When i put my hand under the dash or by the vents, I can feel warm air coming out, but again, not as much as it should be. The vehicle was warmed up as well (according to the thermostat).

Additional info - I live in central IL and my 4runner is garaged. It was fine yesterday. We are starting to get a blizzard here and it is cold (teens with windchill below 0), but it has definitely been colder this winter and I haven't had any issues.

I have made an apt. with the local Toyota dealer for Thursday morning, but I was hoping someone here may have a suggestion about my problem. I have replaced a fan blower motor before on my last SUV and these seem to be some of the same symptoms as that one was having. My 4runner is still under the full 3 year/36k warranty, so if there is an issue, I won't have to pay for it. What do you guys think?

 

[Bossman]

It is quite possible that you have been affected by the blower motor ice build-up problem.

Here is a link to the Toyota technical service bulletin about this problem ...

http://www.toyotapart.com/HVAC_BLOWER_MOTOR_ICE_BUILD-UP_T-AC07-002.pdf

Basically, water or condensation has gotten into the blower motor unit, has frozen, and is stopping the fan from turning. Problem seems to disappear when the outside temperature warms up.

Hope this helps.

 

[M1911]

I had to have mine replaced. And since I was out of warranty, Toyota wouldn't pay for it.

 

[Ilovesnow]

Since mine is an '08, do you think I could be having the ice build-up problem?

The service bulletin says '03-'07 models... but depending on when mine was manufactured... do you think it could still be an issue on the '08s?

I guess since the bulletin has a date of May 18, 2007 on it, I would assume that by the time mine was manufactured... this wouldn't be an issue... but I guess you never know!

P.S. - I checked the door jam sticker - it says manufacture date of August 2007.

 

[Bossman]

I had this ice build-up problem in my 03. Seemed odd to me that the engineers designing this all-new 4th generation T4R (at the time) would have missed something like this.

Especially in light of the snow/ice this vehicle drives in during our winter months here in Canada.

Whether or not the TSB was incorporated into the design of 08 or 09 T4Rs I can't be sure. At least a good place to start for troubleshooting.

My symptoms were no air movement from cabin air vents no matter what fan speed was pushed. Even with the temperature setting on high, I could feel the heat, but it wasn't being pushed through the vents and into the cabin.

I'd suggest printing off a copy of the TSB and bringing it with you to your service advisor / mechanic. Many dealerships may not be aware of this TSB.

 

[zerowkul98]

I literally JUST GOT our 2003 T4R SE V8 back YESTERDAY from the dealership shop after they (hopefully) fixed this same issue youre describing.

It was -14 last week, and I took it to my work and left it in the heated garage. After an hour, it worked fine. At first, when the motor WOULD turn and blow air, it sounded as if there was a leaf or something caught inside it. So the head tech (that has done all the work on my T4R in the past and i do really trust) said he took the fan assembly out and there was NO SIGN of past-moisture/ice in the fan itself, but there is another TSB that claims the Fan Resistor has issues on (if memory serves) 2003-2005's.

So, long story short, I had a new resistor installed, and the battery test showed i was cold cranking 330 amps when it should be 700, so i got a new battery. The one they replaced was the ORIGINAL from the factory! Kudos to Panasonic for making a kickass battery!

We're in the midst of a killer Old Fashioned New England Snow Storm, so if I have any other problems i'll be sure to post! Good luck with yours.

 

[hjoconor]

Bossman or anyone else, ideas?

My air blower has died after a battery disconnect. I'm thinking it has something to do with computer but can't get it working.

I have checked all fuses. I can feel warm/cool air while driving passing through vents, but the fan doesn't work at any speed.

2003 Limited 80K

Any help much appreciated.

Thank you.