Weird under dash noise-Related to climate control fan/blower

[derilict]

Just wondering if anyone esle has had this issue.......

I just bought my Max on Sat., and of course it didn't make this noise during the test drive. The other morning I got in to head to work, turned on the defrost and turned the fan up, and heard this crazy loud noise coming from up under the dash, on the passenger side; sounded like it was coming from behind the glove box area. I didn't know what the hell it was, but for some reason I thought to turn off the fan, and it went away instantly. Has anyone had this happen? How much of the friggin' dash do I need to dismantle to get to the blower motor?

Thanks.

[tHe iLleSt RiCe]

what kind of noise was it?

Nissans have a habit of using bad blower resistor motors aka comp assembly module

[derilict]

Honestly, the first time it did it we thought it was a little Cessna flying overhead. It's a loud, fast rattle most of the time. This morning it kind of turned in to a "whine" later. I know, sounds dumb, best I can describe it w/out posting a video. Now there's an idea..........

[BOBCAT]

I have a noise from the fan as well. It is kind of distracting so i just turn up the stereo. If it works, dont fix it. that is what i say.

[derilict]

Ha, normally I would agree. If it ain't broke don't fix it!!

However, in the instances when the stereo isn't blasting, I can't be riding around in a car like this with a loud-*** rattling blower, just doesn't fit.

[Kristoefur]

I have this same problem with my blower motor. It's pretty common on any 02 to 03 Nissan Maxima. In fact, I think they released a TSB about the issue. Does it sound as if a squirrel or other small animal is dying under your dash? Like a screetching/grinding noise? If so, it's probably the blower motor bearings. One of them has dried up and is not moving (that's noise you hear). Mine usually does this in the morning when the car has been sitting for a long period of time. In addition, the cold weather will make it worse. To make mine stop I just turn on to the highest speed.

If it quits working its not to terribly difficult to locate the unit. All you have to do is remove the glove box. When you do this make sure not to disconnect the YELLOW airbag wire or your air bag warning light will turn on. I haven't changed my motor but I have replaced the incabin mircrofilters and checked out the motor while I was in there. Also, word on the street says a 4th Maxima blower motor will fit and is cheaper than a 5th gen one. I haven't compared the two so I wouldn't know for sure.

My adivice: Use it until is stops working......1 year and going strong with my whiny azz blower unit

[audtatious]

Sometimes mine sounds like something is hitting the fan blades. I did get rid of the noise tho as I gave the Max to my wife and I don't drive it anymore, thus I don't have to hear it

[btrantow]

I've been having the same fan motor noise for 2 years and finally can't take it anymore - does anyone know the cheapest way to fix it? Can it be done without taking to the dealer for someone with decent mechanical skills. Please help - BRYAN

[bmaxima02]

Hey Derlict. hope its not too late. I had a similar problem with my 02 max as well. if its from the passenger end, its the fan blower. you can get the part and do it yourself. its really easy. just go under the glove compartment and unscrew the fan blower and replace it. good luck

[bmaxima02]

Hey btrantow, its the fan blower. u can get a used one and replace it from the passenger's side under the glove compartment. i had a similar problem with mine. let me know if u need more help.

[trent.davis23]

Mine will get a leaf in it every once in a while, It goes away when I turn it up, however it doesn't sound like a Cessna, which would actually be kind of cool