No air moving through vents

HANDBONE

MEMBER
2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
2.7L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
283,000 MILES

After replacing the original blower motor even though the fan speed switch was the issue, there is now no air moving through the vents. All of the speed settings work, the blower is moving air, the cabin air filter isn't the issue because even after removing it there is still no air moving through the vents. You can place your hand on any of the vents and feel cool air as well as heat but there is no actual airflow. I got home one day, everything working fine, turned my car off, 15 minutes later, got back in my car, and the switch stopped working. After replacing the blower motor and realized the switch was the issue, put everything back together and the issue of no air still stands. Would like to know what the heck is the problem because it seems there is an issue after the air gets past the cooling thing right after the cabin air filter.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Hi,

Does the air come out anywhere? For example, from the defroster. If it does but won't change to the vents, that is likely related to the mode door actuator.

The mode door actuator is what determines the airflow direction. It is located under the dash above the steering column. I attached a pic below showing the location.

Make sure it is connected. If it is, you may want to remove it and see if it is operating when you change airflow direction.

Let me know. Also, if there is no airflow at all and you hear the fan running, make sure nothing was left disconnected as far as vent ducts.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

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Saturday, August 28th, 2021 AT 11:16 PM

HANDBONE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

There is no air coming out of any vents, including the defrosters. Like I said earlier, with the A/C on, you can feel the cool air if you put your hand right up to the vent, but that's it. I'm almost positive no vent ducts were disconnected either. Thank you for the help so far.

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Sunday, August 29th, 2021 AT 7:26 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Hi,

If you feel cool air but it isn't blowing through, that doesn't make sense. The blower motor forces air past the evaporator cooling the air. If you feel the cool air and hear the fan running, the air needs to be blowing in the wrong direction. I say that because if the ductwork was blocking it, you wouldn't feel the coolness.

When you purchased the new motor, did you have to remove the fan from your old motor and reinstall it on the new motor? Was any wiring repaired?

Let me know.

Joe

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Sunday, August 29th, 2021 AT 7:18 PM

HANDBONE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Got it all figured out! The blower was spinning the wrong direction, just had to flip the polarity and now everything’s working. Thank you for the help!

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Monday, August 30th, 2021 AT 4:50 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Hi,

First, you are very welcome. I had a feeling that is what happened. That's why I asked if any wiring was done. LOL Also, I have seen the fan installed backward and cause little to no airflow.

Regardless, reversing the polarity isn't hard to do. It can happen to anyone. I'm glad to hear you got it working.

Please feel free to come back anytime in the future if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe