HVAC blower motor not working S550 fix
#1
HVAC blower motor not working S550 fix
So I've seen several threads that essentially lead to this but, no detailed repair.
You will only need a #20 & #25 torx head screwdriver.
(NOTE) you may have a bad motor but this is a common fix for many.
All controls work properly, but the air doesn't circulate through the vents.
Had this happen 1 out of 5 times I drove the car. You may hit a bump and cause it to start working again. Also, you may slap the bottom of the dash on the passenger side below the glove compartment. If this causes yours to work, chances are, here's what to do:
Remove the panel below the glove compartment. (2 #25 torx head screws) And pull it toward you
Just twist the footwell light assy 1/4 turn counter clockwise to remove it from the panel. It's easier than unplugging. (FYI turn off your door light switch with the button by the rear view mirror)
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/user/Brent87LT1/media/A4B102D2-93B3-44C1-A60C-44469C3F9B1F_zpscwrebo7b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/Brent87LT1/A4B102D2-93B3-44C1-A60C-44469C3F9B1F_zpscwrebo7b.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo A4B102D2-93B3-44C1-A60C-44469C3F9B1F_zpscwrebo7b.jpg"/></a>
While you're here, might check the cabin air filters by sliding the white tabs toward each other. The panel will drop down and pull toward you.
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/user/Brent87LT1/media/E00BDF72-5583-4DF9-A9AA-2562CFBB3063_zps0j2qfnam.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/Brent87LT1/E00BDF72-5583-4DF9-A9AA-2562CFBB3063_zps0j2qfnam.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo E00BDF72-5583-4DF9-A9AA-2562CFBB3063_zps0j2qfnam.jpg"/></a>
Next, unplug the harness and remove the 5 #20 torx head screws on the blower motor. there are three along the kick panel side, and two toward the center of the car.
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/user/Brent87LT1/media/7E7798AE-BA68-4A03-A70F-1FC7EF552149_zpscirrssgt.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/Brent87LT1/7E7798AE-BA68-4A03-A70F-1FC7EF552149_zpscirrssgt.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 7E7798AE-BA68-4A03-A70F-1FC7EF552149_zpscirrssgt.jpg"/></a>
It's best to fold the carpet back toward you in order to reach the two screws closest to the firewall. ( I also used a trash bag to catch any debris)
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/user/Brent87LT1/media/EF41FC60-BFA3-4A26-94CD-CAA4E9FF1F93_zpsjgvoyko8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/Brent87LT1/EF41FC60-BFA3-4A26-94CD-CAA4E9FF1F93_zpsjgvoyko8.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo EF41FC60-BFA3-4A26-94CD-CAA4E9FF1F93_zpsjgvoyko8.jpg"/></a>
Here's what you will pull out and clean. I used a shop vac for heavy stuff first then used a blower nozzle with my air compressor to get the brush dust from inside the electric motor in the center of the squirrel cages. (wear a dust mask and do this outside) Some have used compressed air from a can.
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/user/Brent87LT1/media/4B311B46-97E2-49B4-8B33-B2076241322F_zpsewcya3qn.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/Brent87LT1/4B311B46-97E2-49B4-8B33-B2076241322F_zpsewcya3qn.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 4B311B46-97E2-49B4-8B33-B2076241322F_zpsewcya3qn.jpg"/></a>
For good measure, you may want to remove the plastic screen above the motor while you're this far along. It may have trash above it. 4 #20 torx screws.
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/user/Brent87LT1/media/B04BF2D6-BF42-4DF2-9903-BF9F1E3B06C8_zpshdmibn8b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/Brent87LT1/B04BF2D6-BF42-4DF2-9903-BF9F1E3B06C8_zpshdmibn8b.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo B04BF2D6-BF42-4DF2-9903-BF9F1E3B06C8_zpshdmibn8b.jpg"/></a>
Reinstall in reverse order. Hope this helps.
You will only need a #20 & #25 torx head screwdriver.
(NOTE) you may have a bad motor but this is a common fix for many.
All controls work properly, but the air doesn't circulate through the vents.
Had this happen 1 out of 5 times I drove the car. You may hit a bump and cause it to start working again. Also, you may slap the bottom of the dash on the passenger side below the glove compartment. If this causes yours to work, chances are, here's what to do:
Remove the panel below the glove compartment. (2 #25 torx head screws) And pull it toward you
Just twist the footwell light assy 1/4 turn counter clockwise to remove it from the panel. It's easier than unplugging. (FYI turn off your door light switch with the button by the rear view mirror)
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/user/Brent87LT1/media/A4B102D2-93B3-44C1-A60C-44469C3F9B1F_zpscwrebo7b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/Brent87LT1/A4B102D2-93B3-44C1-A60C-44469C3F9B1F_zpscwrebo7b.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo A4B102D2-93B3-44C1-A60C-44469C3F9B1F_zpscwrebo7b.jpg"/></a>
While you're here, might check the cabin air filters by sliding the white tabs toward each other. The panel will drop down and pull toward you.
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/user/Brent87LT1/media/E00BDF72-5583-4DF9-A9AA-2562CFBB3063_zps0j2qfnam.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/Brent87LT1/E00BDF72-5583-4DF9-A9AA-2562CFBB3063_zps0j2qfnam.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo E00BDF72-5583-4DF9-A9AA-2562CFBB3063_zps0j2qfnam.jpg"/></a>
Next, unplug the harness and remove the 5 #20 torx head screws on the blower motor. there are three along the kick panel side, and two toward the center of the car.
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/user/Brent87LT1/media/7E7798AE-BA68-4A03-A70F-1FC7EF552149_zpscirrssgt.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/Brent87LT1/7E7798AE-BA68-4A03-A70F-1FC7EF552149_zpscirrssgt.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 7E7798AE-BA68-4A03-A70F-1FC7EF552149_zpscirrssgt.jpg"/></a>
It's best to fold the carpet back toward you in order to reach the two screws closest to the firewall. ( I also used a trash bag to catch any debris)
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/user/Brent87LT1/media/EF41FC60-BFA3-4A26-94CD-CAA4E9FF1F93_zpsjgvoyko8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/Brent87LT1/EF41FC60-BFA3-4A26-94CD-CAA4E9FF1F93_zpsjgvoyko8.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo EF41FC60-BFA3-4A26-94CD-CAA4E9FF1F93_zpsjgvoyko8.jpg"/></a>
Here's what you will pull out and clean. I used a shop vac for heavy stuff first then used a blower nozzle with my air compressor to get the brush dust from inside the electric motor in the center of the squirrel cages. (wear a dust mask and do this outside) Some have used compressed air from a can.
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/user/Brent87LT1/media/4B311B46-97E2-49B4-8B33-B2076241322F_zpsewcya3qn.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/Brent87LT1/4B311B46-97E2-49B4-8B33-B2076241322F_zpsewcya3qn.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 4B311B46-97E2-49B4-8B33-B2076241322F_zpsewcya3qn.jpg"/></a>
For good measure, you may want to remove the plastic screen above the motor while you're this far along. It may have trash above it. 4 #20 torx screws.
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/user/Brent87LT1/media/B04BF2D6-BF42-4DF2-9903-BF9F1E3B06C8_zpshdmibn8b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/Brent87LT1/B04BF2D6-BF42-4DF2-9903-BF9F1E3B06C8_zpshdmibn8b.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo B04BF2D6-BF42-4DF2-9903-BF9F1E3B06C8_zpshdmibn8b.jpg"/></a>
Reinstall in reverse order. Hope this helps.
The following users liked this post:
JJKCMO (12-25-2021)
#5
Super Member
hey guys,
My climate control stops working from time to time i.e a/c, heat and fan don't turn on when activated via command because of the blown fuse (#50 in engine bay (15amp). Happened like once every 3months but it got worse and as of this week i have had to change the fuse about 5 times in 3days. Mechanic suggests problem is not a short in the wiring but rather one of two things:
1, Either cabin filter is dirty and causing restricted air flow which in turn causes the blower to work harder and as such request more power and frying the fuse in the process
OR
2, blower motor having aged is pulling too much current intermittently and causing the fuse to fry.
I plan on cleaning/changing the cabin filter tomorrow but would also like to know if this is the same motor that needs to be replaced if the #50 15amp fuse in engine bay keeps popping periodically thereby causing the fan (a/c and heat) not to work? I would like to DIY this if that is the motor to change.
My climate control stops working from time to time i.e a/c, heat and fan don't turn on when activated via command because of the blown fuse (#50 in engine bay (15amp). Happened like once every 3months but it got worse and as of this week i have had to change the fuse about 5 times in 3days. Mechanic suggests problem is not a short in the wiring but rather one of two things:
1, Either cabin filter is dirty and causing restricted air flow which in turn causes the blower to work harder and as such request more power and frying the fuse in the process
OR
2, blower motor having aged is pulling too much current intermittently and causing the fuse to fry.
I plan on cleaning/changing the cabin filter tomorrow but would also like to know if this is the same motor that needs to be replaced if the #50 15amp fuse in engine bay keeps popping periodically thereby causing the fan (a/c and heat) not to work? I would like to DIY this if that is the motor to change.
Last edited by just1time; 12-13-2015 at 02:56 PM.
#6
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Rochester, NY
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2009 S550 AMG sport pckg. 2014 Ford F-150 Lariat Supercrewcab
Yup exact same procedure. Mine happened at the worst possible time too last year on the expressway. My windows were so fogged youd think cheech and chong were in it lol. Did you go dealer? I think it was 343 that i paid at mine
#7
Super Member
Thanks. Found the blower motor for cheap on ebay. worth replacing due to age even if it is just cabin filter.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/281485932624?...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/281485932624?...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
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#9
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: New York
Posts: 480
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toyota sienna, S550, Subaru Outback
brettc5c, thanks for taking the time out to write this up.
I have the same problem as you. Did cleaning the motor, blowing out the dust, eventually fix the problem permanently?
Thanks.
I have the same problem as you. Did cleaning the motor, blowing out the dust, eventually fix the problem permanently?
Thanks.
#10
brent5c thanks for the write up, my blower would not work until driving for about 10-20 minutes in the mornings, however after going through this fix the blower is functioning 100%, I think this fix works for older cars that have a lot of gunk stuck in the blower.
#13
MBWorld Fanatic!
My blower motor has just started squeaking recently at low speeds. I bet this will fix this issue.
Thanks for this.
Thanks for this.
#14
I had this problem awhile back as well and I ended up getting a can of air an electronic contact cleaner that I had in the house and sprayed the motor with air. I was so surprised how much dust, dirt, and grime built up in the inside of the copper coils. Next, I took the electronic contact cleaner and hosed the coil and the connection points to hopefully remove all the dirt. Washed the place is housing and installed it again and it works flawless now. I'm sure I'll eventually have to get a new one but this has worked for over an year now and still going strong.
#15
So I've seen several threads that essentially lead to this but, no detailed repair.
You will only need a #20 & #25 torx head screwdriver.
(NOTE) you may have a bad motor but this is a common fix for many.
All controls work properly, but the air doesn't circulate through the vents.
Had this happen 1 out of 5 times I drove the car. You may hit a bump and cause it to start working again. Also, you may slap the bottom of the dash on the passenger side below the glove compartment. If this causes yours to work, chances are, here's what to do:
Remove the panel below the glove compartment. (2 #25 torx head screws) And pull it toward you
Just twist the footwell light assy 1/4 turn counter clockwise to remove it from the panel. It's easier than unplugging. (FYI turn off your door light switch with the button by the rear view mirror)
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/user/Brent87LT1/media/A4B102D2-93B3-44C1-A60C-44469C3F9B1F_zpscwrebo7b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/Brent87LT1/A4B102D2-93B3-44C1-A60C-44469C3F9B1F_zpscwrebo7b.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo A4B102D2-93B3-44C1-A60C-44469C3F9B1F_zpscwrebo7b.jpg"/></a>
While you're here, might check the cabin air filters by sliding the white tabs toward each other. The panel will drop down and pull toward you.
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/user/Brent87LT1/media/E00BDF72-5583-4DF9-A9AA-2562CFBB3063_zps0j2qfnam.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/Brent87LT1/E00BDF72-5583-4DF9-A9AA-2562CFBB3063_zps0j2qfnam.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo E00BDF72-5583-4DF9-A9AA-2562CFBB3063_zps0j2qfnam.jpg"/></a>
Next, unplug the harness and remove the 5 #20 torx head screws on the blower motor. there are three along the kick panel side, and two toward the center of the car.
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/user/Brent87LT1/media/7E7798AE-BA68-4A03-A70F-1FC7EF552149_zpscirrssgt.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/Brent87LT1/7E7798AE-BA68-4A03-A70F-1FC7EF552149_zpscirrssgt.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 7E7798AE-BA68-4A03-A70F-1FC7EF552149_zpscirrssgt.jpg"/></a>
It's best to fold the carpet back toward you in order to reach the two screws closest to the firewall. ( I also used a trash bag to catch any debris)
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/user/Brent87LT1/media/EF41FC60-BFA3-4A26-94CD-CAA4E9FF1F93_zpsjgvoyko8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/Brent87LT1/EF41FC60-BFA3-4A26-94CD-CAA4E9FF1F93_zpsjgvoyko8.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo EF41FC60-BFA3-4A26-94CD-CAA4E9FF1F93_zpsjgvoyko8.jpg"/></a>
Here's what you will pull out and clean. I used a shop vac for heavy stuff first then used a blower nozzle with my air compressor to get the brush dust from inside the electric motor in the center of the squirrel cages. (wear a dust mask and do this outside) Some have used compressed air from a can.
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/user/Brent87LT1/media/4B311B46-97E2-49B4-8B33-B2076241322F_zpsewcya3qn.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/Brent87LT1/4B311B46-97E2-49B4-8B33-B2076241322F_zpsewcya3qn.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 4B311B46-97E2-49B4-8B33-B2076241322F_zpsewcya3qn.jpg"/></a>
For good measure, you may want to remove the plastic screen above the motor while you're this far along. It may have trash above it. 4 #20 torx screws.
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/user/Brent87LT1/media/B04BF2D6-BF42-4DF2-9903-BF9F1E3B06C8_zpshdmibn8b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/Brent87LT1/B04BF2D6-BF42-4DF2-9903-BF9F1E3B06C8_zpshdmibn8b.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo B04BF2D6-BF42-4DF2-9903-BF9F1E3B06C8_zpshdmibn8b.jpg"/></a>
Reinstall in reverse order. Hope this helps.
You will only need a #20 & #25 torx head screwdriver.
(NOTE) you may have a bad motor but this is a common fix for many.
All controls work properly, but the air doesn't circulate through the vents.
Had this happen 1 out of 5 times I drove the car. You may hit a bump and cause it to start working again. Also, you may slap the bottom of the dash on the passenger side below the glove compartment. If this causes yours to work, chances are, here's what to do:
Remove the panel below the glove compartment. (2 #25 torx head screws) And pull it toward you
Just twist the footwell light assy 1/4 turn counter clockwise to remove it from the panel. It's easier than unplugging. (FYI turn off your door light switch with the button by the rear view mirror)
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/user/Brent87LT1/media/A4B102D2-93B3-44C1-A60C-44469C3F9B1F_zpscwrebo7b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/Brent87LT1/A4B102D2-93B3-44C1-A60C-44469C3F9B1F_zpscwrebo7b.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo A4B102D2-93B3-44C1-A60C-44469C3F9B1F_zpscwrebo7b.jpg"/></a>
While you're here, might check the cabin air filters by sliding the white tabs toward each other. The panel will drop down and pull toward you.
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/user/Brent87LT1/media/E00BDF72-5583-4DF9-A9AA-2562CFBB3063_zps0j2qfnam.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/Brent87LT1/E00BDF72-5583-4DF9-A9AA-2562CFBB3063_zps0j2qfnam.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo E00BDF72-5583-4DF9-A9AA-2562CFBB3063_zps0j2qfnam.jpg"/></a>
Next, unplug the harness and remove the 5 #20 torx head screws on the blower motor. there are three along the kick panel side, and two toward the center of the car.
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/user/Brent87LT1/media/7E7798AE-BA68-4A03-A70F-1FC7EF552149_zpscirrssgt.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/Brent87LT1/7E7798AE-BA68-4A03-A70F-1FC7EF552149_zpscirrssgt.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 7E7798AE-BA68-4A03-A70F-1FC7EF552149_zpscirrssgt.jpg"/></a>
It's best to fold the carpet back toward you in order to reach the two screws closest to the firewall. ( I also used a trash bag to catch any debris)
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/user/Brent87LT1/media/EF41FC60-BFA3-4A26-94CD-CAA4E9FF1F93_zpsjgvoyko8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/Brent87LT1/EF41FC60-BFA3-4A26-94CD-CAA4E9FF1F93_zpsjgvoyko8.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo EF41FC60-BFA3-4A26-94CD-CAA4E9FF1F93_zpsjgvoyko8.jpg"/></a>
Here's what you will pull out and clean. I used a shop vac for heavy stuff first then used a blower nozzle with my air compressor to get the brush dust from inside the electric motor in the center of the squirrel cages. (wear a dust mask and do this outside) Some have used compressed air from a can.
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/user/Brent87LT1/media/4B311B46-97E2-49B4-8B33-B2076241322F_zpsewcya3qn.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/Brent87LT1/4B311B46-97E2-49B4-8B33-B2076241322F_zpsewcya3qn.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 4B311B46-97E2-49B4-8B33-B2076241322F_zpsewcya3qn.jpg"/></a>
For good measure, you may want to remove the plastic screen above the motor while you're this far along. It may have trash above it. 4 #20 torx screws.
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/user/Brent87LT1/media/B04BF2D6-BF42-4DF2-9903-BF9F1E3B06C8_zpshdmibn8b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/Brent87LT1/B04BF2D6-BF42-4DF2-9903-BF9F1E3B06C8_zpshdmibn8b.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo B04BF2D6-BF42-4DF2-9903-BF9F1E3B06C8_zpshdmibn8b.jpg"/></a>
Reinstall in reverse order. Hope this helps.
#16
Yes I just replaced mine. The old one was corroded and had exposed motor components. The new one has shielding to protect these areas. A couple of other tips:
-put a blanket down over the area to catch any screws that drop out. I had to remove the front protective wiring bracket to retrieve 2 screws that fell behind there.
-lightly tape the #20 torx screws to the screwdriver end to keep them in place while fishing around to find the holes during reinstallation.
-put a blanket down over the area to catch any screws that drop out. I had to remove the front protective wiring bracket to retrieve 2 screws that fell behind there.
-lightly tape the #20 torx screws to the screwdriver end to keep them in place while fishing around to find the holes during reinstallation.
Last edited by mdwatson1957; 10-23-2018 at 10:15 AM.