My blower fan/motor has broken six times

HOLLI JOREN

MEMBER
1999 BUICK LESABRE
3.8L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
210,000 MILES

In the past five years, my blower fan/motor has broken six times. Each time, it will suddenly stop blowing while it’s on and always when I’m either idling or driving very slowly (under 20 mph). I take it in, they replace it, and it works for 6 months to about a year and then goes out again.

There’s obviously something going on that’s causing these to keep breaking. I’m tired of paying labor to get this replaced (part is lifetime warranty).

Anyone know what could be causing this, in relation to the low speed or idling? It always seems to happen right before summer starts or during summer.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

Honestly, the engine speed is unlikely to be the cause. There could be issues if a voltage regulator fails and allows excessive amperage/voltage to other components, but this is the only part that is affected.

As far as the fan motor, is it a re-manufactured part? Is it always the same brand that is installed? Also, when it fails, does it fail at all speeds? For example, does it work on high and no other speed? I ask because that would be related to a blower motor resister.

Last, if you wanted, the part is really easy to install yourself. There are only 4 bolts that hold the blower motor in place. There are a few things that need removed, but they are easy to access.

____________________________

Here are the directions for replacement. I'm simply adding them so you can see what is involved and determine if it is something you can or want to do yourself. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

___________________________

1999 Buick LeSabre V6-3.8L VIN K
Blower Motor and Fan Replacement
Vehicle Heating and Air Conditioning Blower Motor Service and Repair Procedures HVAC System - Manual Blower Motor and Fan Replacement
BLOWER MOTOR AND FAN REPLACEMENT

pic 1

REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Remove the cross car support brace.
2. Remove the rear spark plug wires and bracket and set aside.
3. Disconnect the electrical connector (5) from the blower motor (2).
4. Remove the cooling tube (4) from the blower motor (2).
5. Remove the screws (3) that attach the blower motor (2) to the blower module assembly (1).
6. Remove the blower motor (2).

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1. Install the blower motor (2).

NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

2. Install the screws (3) to the blower motor (2).

Tighten
Tighten the screws to 6 N.M (55 lb in).

3. Install the cooling tube (4) to the blower motor (2).
4. Connect the electrical connector (5) to the blower motor (2).
5. Install the rear spark plug wires and bracket.
6. Install the cross car support brace.

__________________________________

Let me know if this helps or if you have questions.

Take care,
Joe

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Monday, March 22nd, 2021 AT 1:24 PM

HOLLI JOREN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for the reply JACOBANDNICKOLAS! My responses to your questions are below:

"As far as the fan motor, is it a re-manufactured part?"
- I'm not sure if they're using a re-manufactured part or a new part. I always assumed it would be new, but that may not be the case, if that's a common practice.

"Is it always the same brand that is installed?"
- I believe they may be using the same brand since they're not charging me for the part, only for the labor, as it's under warranty. I know they mentioned potentially using another brand if it happened again, but I'm assuming they didn't once it broke again.

"Also, when it fails, does it fail at all speeds? For example, does it work on high and no other speed?"
- Before it stops working, it works perfectly fine at all fan and engine speeds. It's just that when it does decide to go kaput, it tends to always happen when I'm idling or driving slowly. At that point it won't blow at all, no matter what. It'll be on and then suddenly it stops and won't start again. I just thought it was too much of a coincidence that it would always fail at a low engine speed or when idling, as if it could have to do with how the car operates at those speeds (battery/alternator).

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Monday, March 22nd, 2021 AT 1:24 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Your reasoning is relevant as far as speed. However, if it was overcharging, chances are it would damage other things as well.

Interestingly, re-manufactured part are used quite often on vehicles because of price and the warranty. I would ask if they are using a re-manufactured part. Since the parts store warranties the component, they should allow him to add a few more dollars to get a new part if that is the case. In all honesty, I would try a different brand and confirm it is new.

Let me know if I can help in anyway.

Take care,
Joe

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Monday, March 22nd, 2021 AT 1:24 PM