What Causes Instrument Panel Vibration and Noise When Blower Motor Is On

In this video I share what, in my experience, is usually the cause of a vibration/ noise coming from the Instrument panel whenever the heating and air conditioning blower motor is turned on. This video also includes an audio and visual of this symptom accompanied by explanation and visual illustration as to what causes it. Typically, this symptom is caused by trash getting into the blower causing the blower motor to become out of balance. Usually trash is introduced to the blower via the fresh air inlet just behind the glove box. Spare napkins and other loose items can be sucked into the blower. Once the trash or loose items have gotten into the blower it then throws the blower motor out of balance. The fix for this is to remove foreign material from blower fan. Trash or debris can also be introduced into the blower via rodent intrusion. Rodents love warm places to nest down and what better place to do this than the HVAC case where the hot heater core is. Rodents bring all kinds of debris. This also throws the blower motor out of balance. This is repaired by removing debris from blower fan. It also should be noted that the fan on the blower motor can become damaged. Fins can break off and weights can come off too. This also throws it out of balance. This is a far less common occurrence, however. In the case where the fan, aka "squirrel cage", has become damaged it will be needed to replace the blower motor. (If the fan only comes with the blower motor. If the fan is available apart from the blower motor then just the fan can be replace. In many cases the fan only comes with the blower.)

Note: Some parts manufacturers may offer the fan apart from the blower. In this case the whole blower motor assembly will not need to be replaced. Just the fan can be replaced.

Also, it was not mentioned in the video but, bearings inside the blower motor it's self can fail throwing it out of balance. Excessive play in the shaft of the motor will usually be noticed if this is the case.

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Barbour's Auto Help is not responsible for any damage or personal injury incurred in the process of performing any auto repairs done by you the viewer. Automotive repair is extremely dangerous. Repair your vehicle at your own risk. It is the viewers responsibility to verify all information and procedures as outlined in YOUR REPAIR MANUAL AND OWNERS MANUAL FOR YOUR VEHICLE. Owning and using a repair manual suited for your vehicle is essential for correctly and safely performing ANY repair to your vehicle. Always wear safety glasses and heed all instructions for use applicable to any piece of equipment you may use. Due to circumstances out of the control of Barbours Auto Help, Barbours Auto Help makes no guarantee that by the use of the information given in this video a quality repair will be made. Barbour'sAutoHelp makes no guarantee that the information provided is totally complete, syncronized and accurate. Verify everything using an appropriate repair manual.
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