What is a heater motor? What are the symptoms for heater fan motor failure? How do you know if your heater motor is failing?
What is a Heating Fan Motor?
Most road vehicles have heating and air conditioning systems that keep passengers comfortable. The heater fan motor is one of these components.
The heater fan motor controls the temperature and speed of the air that is blown into the vehicle’s cabin. The fan motor resistor and switch control it. It can operate at different speeds to regulate the cabinet temperature. A resistor is used to send a signal to the fan motor, which adjusts the fan speed to regulate the airflow into the cabinet.
What are the symptoms of a heating fan motor failure?
The fan motor will overheat if it is subject to water intrusion, high humidity, or a blocked pollen filter. The fuse that controls the fan motor should be checked first if it isn’t working.
Failure of the heater fan motor can cause malfunctioning functions, such as the window defogger, and compromise vehicle comfort. A heater fan motor failure can cause some symptoms. These are the most common symptoms:
Poor airflow from Vents
Low airflow through the vents is a sign that the heater fan motor may have problems. The heater fan motor may have started to fail if there is not enough airflow coming out of the grilles when the heater turns on. The fan motor could be worn out or damaged and not be able provide enough airflow to regulate the cabinet temperature. This may indicate that it is nearing the end its useful life.
Fan Motors Can Only Work at Certain Stages
Another sign that a fan motor is not working properly is if it only runs at certain speeds. Heating systems are usually designed to run at various speeds to maintain a comfortable temperature. The fan motor may not turn on when the stage is moved. It could also be due to the heating element, or the adjustment knob. This means that the root cause must be investigated.
Heating/Air Conditioning Not Working
A heater fan motor failure can also cause a loss of air flow to the vents, which is a sign that the heater is not being activated. The heater fan motor may fail if it burns out, short-circuits, or stops working. To ensure that the system functions properly, the fan motor must be replaced often.
While a faulty fan motor will not cause you to lose your cool, extreme heat or cold can make it uncomfortable. The fan motor must be replaced if you don’t feel the need to sweat or shiver. This usually involves removing the glovebox. The process of replacing the heater fan motor takes only a few hours and is very simple. It is recommended to have your vehicle checked out by a professional mechanic.
