jdi_knght

A quick how-to since I've learned a lot by lurking here over the years and this is something I hadn't been able to find oodles of information on. This is also up on my site (which is where the images are linked from), but I'll try to keep it short and simple here

First, make sure it's the blower/motor fan that's not working before going to the trouble. Check the fuses. Then, if you have a multi-meter, disconnect the black plug near the blower motor (the 4-wire one where BOTH male and female are black - not the 2 wire or the 4-wire that has a white end), turn the ignition on, turn the fan switch on, and check each set for power (there's a total of 6 combinations as long as your meter reads both + and - values). Turn the fan to another speed, and recheck them all. You should always have power through at least 1 circuit for each fan speed.

If you're getting power, then fan's probably toast - either brushes or the fan's seized. If it's seized, you might be able to pull off the tubing on the side, stick a screwdriver in, and move it a bit (don't stick your hand in there if the ignition's on in case it moves and rips out a fingernail).

In any case, assuming you've determined it's the blower itself, here are the steps as I did them:

1) Remove the 3 bolts holding the assembly in. They're all 10mm. You'll need a ratchet and a long extension. One's against the front firewall, the other 2 you'll see if you're upside-down and looking straight up.



2) Disconnect the electrical plug (if you didn't already for the testing above)

3) Disconnect the tubing leading towards the center. It's got a plastic circular plug connecting it to the blower assembly that can be pryed off with a flathead. If you have AC there will be a box there instead of a tube, with a metal band holding things together. A phillips screw will open the band and you should be able to force them apart.

4) Pull the blower assembly towards you until it clears the stud for the 1st bolt you removed, then pull down. You may have to wiggle/pull/etc. It's easier if you don't have that box that comes with the AC, but either way it *will* come.

5) Once it's mostly out, you'll see the cable from the heater controls. It's clipped in the blower assembly but pulls right out of the clip. You may have to use a screwdriver to pull the circular end off the metal tab.


6) Done. It should be out.




Easiest to swap it with another. If you're determined to get at the brushes though, here are the next steps.

A) Disconnect the 3 phillips screws below and yank off the tube the arrow is pointing to. The piece should now pull off (although sometimes it sticks a little).


B) Next you have 2 screws holding on a metal plate which covers the brushes. Be CAREFUL when removing the plate. Everything will want to stick to it. Once the screws are out, it's best to use a flat screwdriver to gently pry between the metal plate and the rubbers located beneath the screws. Try to get it so just the metal plate comes off. This is the one part where you'll want to take some time.


C) Now you should be seeing this:

Gently and slowly pull it out. Once it's clear, the springs will be inclined to push the brushes out and then go flying out themselves so do it slowly.

D) Finally, you'll be left with this:

You should be able to solder new brushes on or whatever you're planning on doing at that point.

When re-installing, you'll have to be careful to make sure both springs are in, push both brushes on, and gently slide it back on. Other than that, everything's the opposite of removal.