Question-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
I have a 97 Buick Century. Lately, the motor blower has become noisy, like a rattling sound, as if something is loose. It's not real loud, but definitely noticeable. It does not sound like something is broken off. I am planning a long trip soon and wanted to know if this is an indication that something bad is about to happen or if it is just an annoyance. If the motor blower stops working, does that mean I just lose my AC/heat or will the car overheat? Thanks for your help
Answer -
It depends upon what your meaning is of a BLOWER MOTOR. !
Are you referring to the BLOWER MOTOR that provides air for the Heat and A/C vents in the vehicle ?.
OR
Do you mean the FAN MOTOR that cools the anti-freeze for the engine.
Either one can be a disaster and I would ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND ABSOLUTELY that you get this corrected BEFORE you go away or you may have a VERY VERY costly LONG WAY FROM HOME repair bill at an unknown repair shop who always LOVES out of towners and their MONEY.
Get it fixed BEFORE you go away and make us ALL feel better.
Thanks for the quick response! OK, I'll take another car for the trip.
It's the blower motor that is underneath the dash on the passenger side that provides air for the vents. Is it a simple enough job that I could replace it myself? It looks like there are 3 bolts that hold it on. There's also a sticker on it that says to unplug it before disconnecting because any contact with ground could start it. What will happen if/when it quits working? If I buy a replacement myself, should I get a new one or go to a junkyard? Any advice is appreciated. Naturally, I would like to save the $ by doing it myself if it's a fairly simple R&R type job. I assume that it's something that needs to be replaced and can't be "tightened" or repaired in some way? Thank you.
autohelp
AnswerNEVER NEVER EVER by junk yard parts as you have NO WAY of knowing if they are GOOD or NOT. With today's technology and computerized vehicles any FAULTY part that is part of a computerized system can and will destroy expensive electronic components that it is connected to.
Buy a NEW blower motor and it should come with a new blower cage with it.
Cost varies at about $45.00 to $90.00.
Installation is simple 30 minute maximum time.
NOTE: If the blower motor shorts out BEFORE you get it replaced, It usually destroys the PCM (Power Control Module) and that will cost you an additional $235.00 to purchase along with the blower motor.
Problems, let me know.
autohelp
