Where is the blower motor located?
In most contexts, the blower motor is located either under the dashboard in a vehicle or inside the furnace/air handler cabinet in a home HVAC system.
The exact location depends on the device, model, and system design—car HVAC units cluster the motor near the instrument panel, while residential units house it inside the furnace or air handler. For precise guidance, consult the owner's manual or a qualified technician for your specific make and model.
Automotive HVAC blower motor location
Most passenger cars place the blower motor inside the HVAC housing, typically behind the glove box or along the lower dash. In some models, it’s mounted under the dash near the passenger footwell or tucked behind panels near the center console.
Common access points across models include the space behind the glove box or underneath the dashboard; access often requires removing trim panels or the glove box to reach electrical connectors and mounting screws.
- Behind the glove box inside the HVAC housing (the most common location)
- Under the dash in the passenger footwell or near the center console
- Some larger vehicles place the blower in a rear HVAC unit or under the dash near the firewall
Accessing and replacing the blower motor typically involves disconnecting the battery, removing trim panels, and undoing mounting screws. If airbags or cruise control components are nearby, professional service is advised.
Access and replacement considerations
Before attempting any work, verify model-specific procedures from the service manual. If uncomfortable with vehicle electrical systems, hire a qualified technician to avoid damage or injury.
Residential furnace/air handler blower motor location
In most homes with central heating and cooling, the blower motor lives inside the furnace cabinet or the air handler. It’s connected to the blower wheel and driven by an electrical motor controlled by the thermostat and control board.
Typical layouts place the motor inside the blower compartment of the furnace or within the air handler cabinet, often mounted to the side or bottom and aligned with the evaporator coil pathway.
- Inside the furnace blower compartment, usually on the side or bottom of the cabinet
- In the air handler enclosure, near the evaporator coil
- On some units, the motor is modular or accessible via a service panel for easier replacement
When servicing, ensure power is turned off at the breaker and thermostat, and follow manufacturer safety instructions. If your system uses a sealed combustion chamber or high-efficiency components, consider calling a pro.
Access and replacement considerations
Home systems often involve electrical wiring and ductwork. A professional HVAC technician can safely remove panels, test the motor, and install a new component with proper alignment and wiring.
Summary
Blower motor location varies by context. In vehicles, look under the dash or behind the glove box for the HVAC blower. In homes, it sits inside the furnace or air handler where the blower wheel attaches to the motor. Always consult the model-specific manual, observe safety precautions, and consider professional help if you are not experienced with electrical and HVAC work.
What's the average cost to replace a blower motor in a furnace?
between $400 and $1,100
For most homeowners, the blower motor replacement cost for a furnace or central AC system hovers between $400 and $1,100, depending largely on the type of unit, common residential motor sizes (typically ranging from 1/4 to 1 horsepower), and how motor size impacts both installation cost and energy efficiency.
How long does it take to replace the blower motor in a car?
Replacing a car's blower motor can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours for a professional mechanic, but it can be a much longer and more complex job, up to 7 hours or more, if the dashboard needs to be removed. The time varies significantly depending on the vehicle's make and model and the location of the blower motor. Some vehicles may only take 30 minutes to an hour for a DIY-savvy person.
This video demonstrates the process of replacing a car's AC blower motor: 57scarbuyingtipscomYouTube · May 15, 2018
Factors influencing the time
- Vehicle make and model: The most significant factor is how difficult the motor is to access. Some are located under the dash and are easy to reach, while others require extensive disassembly of the dashboard.
- Location of the blower motor:
- Easy access: If the motor is easily accessible under the glove compartment, it may take as little as 1.5 hours for a mechanic or 1 hour for a DIYer.
- Difficult access: In some cars, especially those with AC, the entire dashboard may need to be removed to access the heater box, which can take 5-7 hours or more.
- Mechanic's skill level: A highly qualified technician with the right parts on hand can complete the job faster, sometimes in under 2 hours.
- DIY vs. professional: A confident DIYer might be able to complete the job in about an hour if the access is easy, while a novice might take longer and could benefit from a friend's help.
What you can do to prepare
- Disconnect the battery: Always disconnect the car's battery before starting any work on the electrical system.
- Wear protective gear: Wear eye, hand, and body protection from fluids and debris.
- Be prepared for extra parts: Have the correct blower motor and any other necessary tools, such as sockets and wrenches, on hand.
- Check for other issues: While you're at it, inspect the blower motor resistor or final stage, as these are often replaced at the same time and can be faulty.
You can watch this video to learn about the symptoms of a bad blower motor: 37sVehicle FreakYouTube · Mar 1, 2024
Is a blower motor easy to fix?
The replacement of the blower motor is common and straightforward, so most shops will perform the repair — many on the same day.
Is the blower motor inside or outside?
For most air conditioning units and heat pumps, the blower motor is located inside the air handler, which is part of the indoor portion of the AC or heat pump system.
