S-Class (W221) 2007-2013: S 320 CDI, S 350, S 450, S 500, S 550, S 420 CDI, S 600

HVAC blower motor not working S550 fix

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 09-23-2015, 04:03 PM
  #1  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
BrentC5C's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 1 Post
S550 4Matic
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.
The following 3 users liked this post by BrentC5C:
JJKCMO (12-25-2021), MagnoS63 (07-25-2021), xpl0sive (03-09-2016)
Old 09-23-2015, 04:14 PM
  #2  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
DaveW68's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Land of Political Criminals and Urban Shootings
Posts: 4,034
Received 482 Likes on 368 Posts
2015 S550
So we have a brand new member of the forum already putting up a DIY? Now that's impressive!
The following users liked this post:
JJKCMO (12-25-2021)
Old 09-23-2015, 06:45 PM
  #3  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
WHPH28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Maryland
Posts: 1,560
Received 204 Likes on 128 Posts
Depends on the weather
Originally Posted by DaveW68
So we have a brand new member of the forum already putting up a DIY? Now that's impressive!
and he searched previous threads.
Old 09-24-2015, 06:52 AM
  #4  
Super Member
 
mrbobby's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Kingsville Ontario (South of Detroit)
Posts: 984
Received 6 Likes on 5 Posts
2003 S500 4Matic (SOLD) + 2004 S55 (SOLD) 2005 CLK 500 Cabriolet 2008 S 450
Yahoo - the 1% does live
Old 12-12-2015, 05:46 PM
  #5  
Super Member
 
just1time's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: ToRonTo, OnTaRiO, Khanaadah
Posts: 681
Received 79 Likes on 57 Posts
s550
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.

Last edited by just1time; 12-13-2015 at 02:56 PM.
Old 12-13-2015, 12:35 PM
  #6  
Super Member
 
Nickthegreek's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 806
Likes: 0
Received 18 Likes on 18 Posts
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
Old 12-13-2015, 02:57 PM
  #7  
Super Member
 
just1time's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: ToRonTo, OnTaRiO, Khanaadah
Posts: 681
Received 79 Likes on 57 Posts
s550
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
Old 12-13-2015, 06:55 PM
  #8  
Super Member
 
Nickthegreek's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 806
Likes: 0
Received 18 Likes on 18 Posts
2009 S550 AMG sport pckg. 2014 Ford F-150 Lariat Supercrewcab
Nice im going through there next time it craps and if i still have the car
Old 12-13-2015, 11:44 PM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
jadeethan's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: New York
Posts: 480
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
Old 02-15-2016, 03:14 AM
  #10  
Newbie
 
raider213's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2016 S400 4Matic
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.
Old 03-08-2016, 10:02 PM
  #11  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
xpl0sive's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 1,230
Received 32 Likes on 29 Posts
CLS55 AMG
my blower motor quit today. gonna give this a try. thanks for the write up, I don't have to look it up in WIS
Old 03-09-2016, 02:26 AM
  #12  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
xpl0sive's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 1,230
Received 32 Likes on 29 Posts
CLS55 AMG
photo of my blower motor. very dirty inside. cleaned it up, works like a dream again

Old 03-09-2016, 04:05 PM
  #13  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
rsr911's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Indiana
Posts: 1,289
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
2003 AMG SL55, 2002 AMG CLK55, 2002 AMG ML55, 2005 ML350, 1995 S320 LWB - totaled
My blower motor has just started squeaking recently at low speeds. I bet this will fix this issue.
Thanks for this.
Old 03-14-2016, 09:29 PM
  #14  
Member
 
kiddkynetik's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: DFW
Posts: 131
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
S550
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.
Old 04-11-2018, 04:09 PM
  #15  
Newbie
 
donllmor's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
S500 4matic
Originally Posted by BrentC5C
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.
I just wanted to say thanks man. Not sure how many people have used this or not but it was super helpful to me. For anyone else looking to do it, definitely pull the carpet down to get the back screws. I changed mine but these steps are obviously exactly the same. Thanks again! Anyone who needs help just reply and I’ll offer what I can as well.
Old 10-23-2018, 10:10 AM
  #16  
Newbie
 
mdwatson1957's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2008 S550 4MATIC
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.

Last edited by mdwatson1957; 10-23-2018 at 10:15 AM.
Old 04-21-2021, 07:47 PM
  #17  
d9b
Newbie
 
d9b's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2008 S63 AMG
Is this DIY available somewhere else on this site? It seems the links to the photos are no longer working. Thanks!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: HVAC blower motor not working S550 fix



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:33 PM.