Where is the blower motor relay located?

In most vehicles, the blower motor relay is found either in the under-hood fuse/relay box or inside an interior fuse panel behind the dash; the exact spot depends on the make, model, and year. If you share your car’s details, I can give a precise location.

Where to look in cars: common locations

These spots cover the majority of modern passenger vehicles. Use the fuse box diagrams on the cover or in the owner's manual to confirm the exact relay label.

• Under-hood fuse/relay box: Many cars place a relay labeled BLOWER, HVAC, or FAN in the engine bay's centralized relay panel, often near the firewall or the blower assembly.


• Interior fuse box (glove box or driver’s side kick panel): Some models route the blower relay to a cabin fuse panel with the other HVAC relays.


• HVAC control module area behind the dash: In some vehicles, the blower control is handled by the HVAC control module itself without a separate discrete relay.


• Near the blower motor within the HVAC housing: A few designs mount the relay directly close to the blower motor inside the dash or HVAC unit.


• Central power distribution center (PDC): On certain makes, especially some European brands, the blower relay sits in the main under-hood PDC along with other relays.

Not every vehicle uses a separate blower relay; in many modern cars, the blower motor is controlled electronically by the HVAC control module without a standalone relay. In those cases, you’ll still need to check the control module and wiring for the blower circuit.

How to locate it in your specific model

To get the exact location, consult the owner's manual and the vehicle's fuse/relay diagram. Start by inspecting the under-hood fuse box and the interior fuse panel for a relay labeled BLOWER, HVAC, or FAN. If you have access to a service manual or a digital repair database, search for "blower relay" for your year, make, and model.

In home HVAC equipment (furnace/AC)

For central heating and cooling systems, the blower relay is typically part of the furnace's control system. Common locations include the furnace control board, a separate fan center relay module near the blower, or an integrated relay inside the blower housing.

• On the furnace control board: A relay on the board switches the blower motor on and off according to thermostat signals.


• In a separate fan center or relay module: Some systems use a dedicated relay box mounted near the furnace or inside the blower compartment.


• Mounted near the blower motor: In older or simpler units, a relay may be attached to the blower housing or inside the furnace cabinet near the blower.

Always cut power before inspecting electrical components in a furnace, and if in doubt, call a licensed HVAC technician.

Summary

The blower motor relay location varies by system. In cars, look in the under-hood fuse/relay box or the interior fuse panel, with some models integrating the blower control into the HVAC module. In home HVAC, the relay is usually on the furnace's control board or in a nearby relay/fan center. For precise guidance, check your owner’s manual or service manual for your exact model.

How to know if a blower motor relay is bad?

Symptoms of a bad blower motor relay include no airflow, weak or inconsistent airflow, the blower motor being stuck on or off, and strange noises like clicking or burning smells. You may also experience poor heating/cooling and the defroster not working effectively. 
This video explains the symptoms of a failing blower motor relay: 0:48Casey Services HVAC IncYouTube · Sep 15, 2025
Common symptoms

• No or weak airflow: The most noticeable symptom is a complete lack of air or very weak airflow from the vents. 
• Inconsistent operation: The fan may turn on and off unexpectedly, or the speed may be inconsistent. 
• Blower motor stuck: The motor might be stuck in the "on" position, running continuously even when the system is off, or it could be stuck at only one speed. 
• Strange sounds: A faulty relay can cause clicking or buzzing noises from the control panel or dashboard. 
• Burning smell: A burnt smell, often from the vents, can indicate that the relay or other components are overheating. 
• Poor heating or cooling: The primary function of the blower motor is to circulate air, so a bad relay will lead to ineffective heating or cooling. 
• Defroster issues: The defroster may not be able to clear the glass effectively.

Related problems

• Blown fuse: A failing relay can cause electrical spikes that blow a fuse, cutting off power to the motor. 
• Blower motor resistor: Some symptoms, particularly related to the fan being stuck on certain speeds, can also be caused by a bad blower motor resistor. 

You can watch this video to learn about the symptoms of a bad blower motor resistor: 45sTop 5 Auto RepairsYouTube · Apr 16, 2023

What is a blower motor relay in a car?

The blower motor relay controls the current used to power the blower motor, and is subject to the constant on and off switching. Over time, it will eventually wear out.

How much does it cost to replace a blower motor relay?

The average cost for a Blower Motor Relay Replacement is between $110 and $133. Labor costs are estimated between $50 and $73 while parts are typically priced around $60.

Where is the reset button on the blower motor?

The blower motor reset button is usually a small red or yellow button located on or near the motor itself, typically inside the furnace's main blower compartment. To find it, you may need to open the furnace access panel, and the button is often on the motor's housing or the control board. For older systems or specific models, the button might be hidden underneath or behind the motor, so checking your furnace's manual is a good idea if you have trouble locating it.
 
This video shows how to troubleshoot and reset a furnace: 59sQuality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & ElectricalYouTube · Aug 22, 2018
Finding the reset button

• Open the access panel: Turn off the power to the furnace and remove the front panel to access the inside components. 
• Locate the blower motor: It is typically a cylindrical component with wires connected to it. 
• Search for the button: Look for a small, red or yellow button, sometimes marked with an "R" or a flame icon, on the motor's housing or the control board. 
• Check the manual: If you still can't find it, consult your furnace's manual for the specific location.