Blower motor does not turn on?

ALINOUREDDINE

MEMBER
2001 HONDA ACCORD
3.0L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
240,000 MILES

A while back, the blower motor in my car would only work on high. I replaced the blower motor resistor, and it resolved the issue for a few months. Then the motor completely stopped working on all settings. I replaced the blower motor after I saw the connector was slightly melted. I also replaced the resistor again, neither worked. I checked the motor, and it worked when I plugged it directly into a battery and then I used a voltmeter to check the connector and I was getting 12v out of it. There is a clicking noise that happens when I turn the fan dial too high but it's not coming from the motor because it also happens when it's not connected. I've checked all the fuses and relays, and everything is perfect. Not sure what do to now.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Hi,

Chances are you hear the relay clicking. First, I need you to have a helper turn the fan on and off so the clicking happens. While the helper does that, place your finger on the blower relay in the under-hood fuse box to see if you can feel it actuate.

If you do and there is power to the blower motor (yellow wire with a black tracer, then either we have a faulty switch, a bad new resister, or a faulty ground.

Here is how the circuit works: From the relay, 12v is sent to the blower motor and from there is sent to the resister and switch via blue wires with different color tracers. Once the power reaches the switch, you complete the circuit by selecting one of the speeds. However, for the circuit to be complete, there has to be a ground. If the ground is bad, the fan won't work.

Since the resistor is new and does the same as the old one, chances are that isn't the issue. Also, since the motor is good, either the connector is bad, the switch, or the ground.

So, start by disconnecting the fan motor and the resister to confirm there is no damage. You mentioned the connector looked like it was overheated, so check that one closely.

If that is good, go to the switch. As mentioned, there are blue wires with different color tracers for the different fan speeds. I attached a pic below, so you have a visual. Check those wires for power. In reality, each one should have power when the fan is turned on. You determine which wire completes the circuit when you select a speed.

If you do have power, confirm the ground (black wire) located behind the left kick panel is not damaged. Actually, it would be easier to disconnect the switch and check for continuity to ground via the black wire in the connector.

Try this and let me know the results. Also, let me know if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)

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Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 AT 7:20 PM

ALINOUREDDINE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hi, thanks for getting back so quickly. I have taken the cover off the relay and seen it open and close, I also cleaned the contact points, so I know that’s not the problem. The clicking sound is coming from under the kick panel around the blower motor. I can feel it with my hand when I turn on the switch, but I can tell exactly where it’s coming from. I’ll double check that connector and make sure it’s clean and also look at the wiring like you said. Thanks, Ali

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Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 AT 7:31 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Ali,

You are very welcome. I'm a little confused about where you are hearing the click. The idea that it is near the blower motor leads me to think it is a connection issue. Once the load is placed on it, it fails. Pay attention when looking. Don't laugh but check under the dash where you hear the sound. Turn lights off and then turn the fan on and off to see if there is anything sparking due to a poor connection.

Also, let me know if this has automatic climate control or manual control.

Let me know.

Joe

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Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 AT 8:29 PM

ALINOUREDDINE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Okay, I’ll try that as well. The climate control has both an automatic setting and manual controls. On the dial, there is an “auto” setting all the way to the left and then a line that gets thicker as it moves to the right to indicate faster can speed. There is technically no “off” setting on the dial but there is a separate button. I’ll attach an image.

Image (Click to make bigger)

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Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 AT 9:41 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Hi,

That looks like it does have automatic climate control. Let me know if you can determine where the noise comes from. If not, we'll try something different.

Take care,

Joe