Heater not working

[Dog5911]

About 2 months ago i was driving and realized the car was still cold and should be warming up inside by now, i look down at the climate control panel and it shows to be on Auto and the blower should be going full blast, but i had no air coming out any vents and i could not hear the blower going. My first though was crap i have a blown fuse, so i got home and checked all the fuses that might have anything to do with blower, heat, ac, climate control, ect. after finding that everything looked fine and good there i turned to the owners manual located in the glove box. i got in the car and started it thinking this could be a long time reading don't want to run my battery down. The owners manual was not much help so frustrated i put it back in the glove box and slammed it shut, as soon as i did that my blower came on no problem, so cool it works just needed some tough love. About once a week the blower would not come on so i reach over ans slam the glove box and it will come on. in the past couple of days its gotten bad about every other time i start the car it doesn't work and i now have to bang on the underside of the glove box which is where i believe the blower is located, does this sound like a blower going out to you all or is there something else you think it is. I have a 2008 4Runner SR5. Any help, advise or comments would be welcome. Thank you in advanced!

 

[SV_Dude]

Moved to the 4th gen section. You'll get good info there from the 4th gen experts.

 

[fourwd1]

There relay/fuse panel for A/C and heat is behind the pass kick panel (below the glove box), could be that's what you're jarring when you bang on the glove box.
You might want to check that.

 

[Dog5911]

the blower is also making some odd noise now kinda like a rubbing or just a worn out sound.

 

[jow]

Could Etc be restricting your blower? I have found leaves on my cabin air filter in the glove box area.

 

[jow]

With the cabin air filter removed, can you see or feel the blower is clear and feels free to turn (use a small flex mirror and light if needed)? I doubt it is free if you hear noise.

 

[Dog5911]

so i removed the cabin air filter and decided to start the car and turn fan in hi. as you might guess it did nothing so i reached in and turned it and it came right on but the same problem still exsist.

 

[jow]

Did you find anything that could cause restrictions in the area or what caused the noise?? Otherwise feel for side play or stiffness in the blower motor that might indicate a motor or etc problem. I feel you will get some vertical motor shaft play as normal but no side play (basics vs knowing T4R’s specifics).

 

[Dog5911]

i also pulled the motor out while i was down there, found no restrictions and the motor turned with what i would think is normal restriction and there was no excessive play. while i had the motor out i tried to spin it by hand to see if i could reproduce the noise, i was able to but not very loud since i obviously can not spin it as fast as the motor would under operation. i am still feeling it is a motor burning out based on when you have a starter or fuel pump going out sometimes you can tap or knock on it so that it will move a little and make electrical connection. that is what i am feeling but i am no professional. once i put it back in it seems to be working good, but i have not gone and test drove it or done many starts so i am not holding out to much hope.

 

[jow]

I feel you have given it a good exam/inspection IMO. Good Work! I hate to think a 08 is bad but it is what it is. Do you have a dealer close to get an opinion? Good Luck!

 

[Dog5911]

i have a dealer that is about 2 miles from me, but i don't use them i use a local shop for preventive maint. and do oil changes my self. its an 08 that was bought in late 07 and i am second owner, i got it with 28,000 in Oct 2008 and i have about 94,000 on it now, the air is always running even if its on low alot of the time i just like having a little air moving so it would not surprise me if it is worn out lol.