'91Q blower motor troubleshooting

[timatt]

I'm having intermittent trouble with my blower for the climate control. The symptom is that control console shows that the motor should be operating (by illuminating the fan blades on the blower icon), however the blower does not actually go on. No fan noise and no air flow. Again, this is an intermittent problem. This occurs under manual control of the blower or automatic.

I've performed the self diagnostic on the control console and all sensors and functions are OK. I've also swapped control consoles (I have a spare) with the same result. I have to get to the blower itself and see whether it is receiving voltage.

Has anyone else had this problem? Any component that I should be looking at first?

Tim

[Q45tech]

Fan motors wear out and need replacement every 10 years or so. The commutators wear and get dirty..............junkyard take outs are risky because of age.

[timatt]

OK so last night the fan wasn't working so I removed the glove box to expose the blower motor. I set the fan control to High (4 blades) and the fan didn't go on. I tapped on the motor and voila, the fan came on. Problem must be the fan motor.

I pulled it out and took the motor apart. The brushes looked worn along with the armature at the point of contact with the brushes. Also lotsa dust inside there. Blew out with compressed air to remove dust, sanded the armature and stretched the springs for the brushes. I lubricated the motor bushings, reassembled and reinstalled. The fan seems to work properly, but I don't know for how long since the problem was intermittent before. Not sure how long.

Does anyone know if new brushes can be obtained for the fan motor? Also, does anyone have a spare manual rocker switch to control the glove box light? Mine exploded and I lost the spring when I was trying to remove the f#*@&%$ connector.

Tim

[Jesda]

I had the same problem on an Altima. I took the blower out and smacked it a few times, releasing a pile of dirt large enough to grow a few trees in.

We reconnected it but turned it on its side, tapping it with a hammer on occasion, essentially allowing it to blow itself out until it spun normally. It should be good for another year.

[goody90q45]

Also, does anyone have a spare manual rocker switch to control the glove box light? Mine exploded and I lost the spring when I was trying to remove the f#*@&%$ connector.

I've got one I can pull off my '91 parts car. Email me with your address and I'll send it to you.