Blower it not working I need to replace it?

Tiny
CUB96
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 SATURN ION
My blower seems to have conked out. I see it under the glove compartment, under dash, but I can't figure how it can be removed from underneath. Do I need to go through top dash? It looks like a large plastic assembly instead of what I expected as just the blower and 3 nuts for removal.
Monday, December 8th, 2008 AT 1:49 PM

14 Replies

Tiny
BRIAN 1
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,030 POSTS
This guide can help test it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/blower-fan-motor-works-on-high-speed-only

Blower replacement

Disconnect the blower motor electrical connector.

Notice: Cut through the case as straight as possible because the blower motor cup must be replaced. In order to prevent damage to the blower motor and/or lower case, do not cut any deeper than necessary to remove the motor cup.

Remove the blower motor and blower motor cup from the lower case by cutting through the case between the circular ribs around the motor with a sharp utility knife.

Remove the two blower motor nuts (3). Retain these nuts for installation of the new blower motor cup.

Using a flat-bladed screwdriver, release the blower motor retaining tab and remove the motor from the cup.
Using the new lower case, P/N 15226515, repeat step 2. (The blower motor cup from the new part will become the service repair part. Once the blower motor cup is cut out of the new lower case, the remainder of the case should be discarded.)
Installation Procedure

Install the blower motor (1) into the blower motor cup (2) that was cut out of the new lower case.
Install the two blower motor nuts (3).
Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 2.4 N Â m (21 lb-in).

Attach the service ring (4) to the blower motor cup (2) with three screws (5) included in the blower motor bracket kit, P/N 52495750.
Tighten
Tighten the screws to 1.8 N Â m (15 lb-in).

Install the blower motor and service ring into the HVAC module using three screws (5) included in the blower motor bracket kit, P/N 52495750. Make certain blower motor electrical connector is pointing rearward in the vehicle.
Tighten
Tighten the screws to 1.8 N Â m (15 lb-in).

Install the new lower blower motor cover, P/N 15226511, taking care to align cover with alignment pin on motor housing

Install the two lower blower motor cover retaining screws, P/N 52466167.
Tighten
Tighten the screws to 1.8 N Â m (15 lb-in).

Connect the blower motor electrical connector.
I 've done a few of these,last 2 I had to cut with an air saw. the new blower motor should come with directions on how to install.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 10:38 AM
Tiny
JENNISEANN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
  • 2003 SATURN ION
I have a 2003 Saturn Ion. The a/c blower only works on high. Where and how do I fix this?
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Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 9:28 AM (Merged)
Tiny
PROTECH1980
  • MEMBER
  • 901 POSTS
Suspect blower motor resistor.
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Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 9:28 AM (Merged)
Tiny
PROTECH1980
  • MEMBER
  • 901 POSTS
Blower motor resistor will be next to blower motor, behind right side of dash.
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Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 9:28 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JENNISEANN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Is this accessed on the passenger side from underneath?
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Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 9:28 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DANLESABRE
  • MEMBER
  • 230 POSTS
Yes, it is in the bottom of the dash on the passenger side.
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Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 9:28 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DAVENJESS
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2003 SATURN ION
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 7,269 MILES
Hi - my Saturn heater/fan system stopped working yesterday. It had originally made a 'tweeting' noise when on any setting other than the highest, but now it simply doesn't blow air on any setting other than the highest and the tweeting noise is there and the highest setting is NOT even close (it responds as if it's on the lowest).

I don't think it's related, but we just had the gas line fixed, as we had a leak - but this happened within 3 days of that repair.

Could it be something fuse related that we could fix on our own? (Please say yes) We have spent more than 1k on repairs lately and this is just too much!
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Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 9:28 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,896 POSTS
Based on what you have described, it sounds like the following has happened. The noise made by the blower motor leads me to believe the motor itself was going bad. As a result, it was most likely drawing more amps than it should have. This type of an issue usually will cause the blower motor resister to burn up and ONLY allow power to the motor on the high setting.

If I am correct, the blower motor and blower motor resister will need replaced.
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Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 9:28 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DAVENJESS
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Is this a typically expensive process?
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Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 9:28 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,896 POSTS
The parts are not that expensive. I'm not sure where you are located, so any price I give may be off. However, here, in PA, the blower motor would cost in the area if 75.00 and the resister would be around 25.00. The problem with this type of repair isn't the parts, but rather the cost of labor can be high. The blower motor requires part of the dash to be taken apart and it can take a couple hours for the repair. With labor costs being so high, it can add up.

Let me know if you have other questions. Also, please keep in mind that I am not there to physically check the components for you, so I could be wrong. However, based on your original description, I feel somewhat confident that I am correct.
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Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 9:28 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DAVENJESS
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Oh, of course - that goes without saying! I appreciate the feedback. We're in NJ - so cost would likely be close to the same.

We also did just have to replace the battery within the past 3 months - so battery, all new tires, the gas leak and now this is just a lot!

I truly appreciate you taking the time! Thank you!
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Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 9:28 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,896 POSTS
I'm happy to help. And yes, the prices should be close, but a shop may mark them up to make more. If you have a mechanic that you trust, maybe he will let you go to a place like auto zone or other parts store and get the parts yourself. It would help save a few dollars. Based on everything you have done to the car, I'm sure you would be happy to save a little. Lol

Take care and let me know if you have other questions.

Joe
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Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 9:28 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MARINE4LIFE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 SATURN ION
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 38,500 MILES
The heat blower will not work on any speed. It comes and goes at times.
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Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 9:28 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Start by turning the fan on high and checking for power and ground to the motor and make sure the terminals are closed on the connector the motor is under the glove box area. Let me know what u find.
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Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 9:28 AM (Merged)

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