Possible blower motor problem?

Tiny
JASON FESSENDEN
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 FORD TAURUS
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,000 MILES
So, the issue I have, is it seems on extended trips, at times, the blower motor will sound "louder" at the top of the dash. The speed itself does not seem to change, but when it sounds louder, nothing really comes out. This is not a switching issue, as it is already on high. Does not happen all the time, but often enough that I would like it fixed before winter sets in. I will say it is not giving the "normal" blower motor going out things I have experienced in the past. I would assume that if it sounds louder, the air should not be getting less. Just don't know. Could it be a block somewhere like a shop vac when you put your hand over the hose?
Wednesday, October 19th, 2022 AT 5:40 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Hi,

Not all of these vehicles came with one, but most did. Have you checked to see if the cabin air filter is clogged?

If not, start with that. I attached the directions below for accessing it. It is under the cowl, engine side. See the directions below for removal and replacement.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

See pics below.
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Wednesday, October 19th, 2022 AT 8:54 PM
Tiny
JASON FESSENDEN
  • MEMBER
  • 31 POSTS
Thanks, after I posted the message, I got thinking about that last night that I had never had one replaced on it. I was already going to look into it after work tonight. Because it is so intermittent, please give me some time to get back to you if that worked or not. Glad to see it could be that. I just always thought it would cause more of a bad smell than anything else, but I'm just going to replace it since it does not cost much. Hopefully, that fixes the problem.
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Thursday, October 20th, 2022 AT 2:29 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Hi,

Jason, no problem whatsoever. Let me know when you can. And yes, the filter can cause an odor but if it is cloged enough, it can cause this to happen. At least that is where I would start. Heck, I just pulled a mouse nest from my wife's vehicle. Ugh! What a mess.

Take care and I look forward to hearing from you.

Joe
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Thursday, October 20th, 2022 AT 5:59 PM
Tiny
JASON FESSENDEN
  • MEMBER
  • 31 POSTS
Thanks again! What a nightmare lol. The job itself was very easy, I took the cover off it to get to the filter and realized the guy that replaced it before me, broke it and tried to glue and duct tape it back together. The filter was so clocked that even if that is not the problem, I am glad I replaced it. Car only has 80,000 so the filter was changed at least once before. I had to go dig through my local boneyard to get another plastic piece to cover it so maybe it won't be as clogged again. We have only put 40,000 on it. I am thinking that because it was broken even though it was taped and glued, it was still falling apart so I think it just had a lot more crap in it than normal. Thanks again!
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Sunday, October 23rd, 2022 AT 4:22 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the update and you are very welcome. It was glued and taped? Good Lord. Has the change in sound stopped?

Joe
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Sunday, October 23rd, 2022 AT 4:30 PM
Tiny
JASON FESSENDEN
  • MEMBER
  • 31 POSTS
Haven't had the issue yet, but then again it only seemed to happen on extended trips. I will hopefully have a better answer after next weekend. I will be heading out of state so it will have plenty of time to give issues. Never caused problems on short trips.
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Sunday, October 23rd, 2022 AT 4:34 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the update. I have a feeling that was the problem. If anything changes, let me know.

Take care and have a safe trip.

Joe
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Monday, October 24th, 2022 AT 5:40 PM
Tiny
JASON FESSENDEN
  • MEMBER
  • 31 POSTS
Did not solve the problem. :-(
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Friday, October 28th, 2022 AT 1:03 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Jason, since it was in poor condition, by chance were you able to look down into the duct to see if anything got into it? You may need to use something like a mechanics mirror and a light, the only other thing is if we have an HVAC door moving when it shouldn't.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, October 28th, 2022 AT 9:58 PM
Tiny
JASON FESSENDEN
  • MEMBER
  • 31 POSTS
No, I hadn't, I'll try that when I get back home in a couple days. Where would HVAC door be I've never had to mess with those?
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Saturday, October 29th, 2022 AT 3:21 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Hi,

Basically, just check below where the cabin air filter is. Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, October 30th, 2022 AT 12:26 AM

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