Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Blower Motor Switch

The blower motor is the electrical switch on the interior of a vehicle that allows the driver to control the vehicle’s heating and air conditioning system. It is usually built into the the same control panel that houses all of the AC system controls, and is labeled with numbers and symbols to indicate blower fan speed.

Since the blower motor switch is the direct control for the blower motor speed, when it malfunctions or has any problems it can affect the functionality of the entire AC system and should be serviced. Usually, when the blower motor switch has failed or is beginning to have a problem, the vehicle will display a few symptoms that can alert the driver that a problem has occurred.

1. Switch only works on certain settings

One of the first symptoms commonly associated with a bad or failing blower motor switch is a switch that only works on certain settings. If any of the electrical contacts on the inside of the switch wears out or breaks, then the switch may be disabled in that position and that particular setting for the blower speed will not work.

2. Switch is stuck

Another symptom of a bad or failing blower motor switch is a switch that is stuck, or frequently gets stuck. If the switch or any of its contacts becomes damaged, this may cause the switch to jam, or get stuck when you trying to change the setting. In some cases, the switch may completely seize into one position, which will lock the AC into place.

3. Broken knob

A symptom that is a bit more obvious is a broken knob. It is not uncommon for the knobs on the blower motor switch to break or crack, as they are usually made out of plastic. If the knob breaks, the switch may still work, however, it may be difficult or impossible to change positions on the switch if it is broken. Usually when this happens, only the plastic knob needs to be replaced, not the entire switch.

The blower motor switch is the physical control switch for the AC blower settings, and is therefore critical to the overall functionality of the AC system. For this reason, if you suspect that your blower motor switch has a problem or fault, have the vehicle’s AC system diagnosed by a professional technician, such as one from YourMechanic. They will be able to replace the blower motor switch or make any other repairs that are appropriate.


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Ben

42 years of experience
1589 reviews
Ben
42 years of experience
Kia Soul L4-1.6L - Heating AC Inspection - Houston, Texas
Ben is the consummate professional - knowledgeable, but additionally friendly and personable. I appreciate his honesty and willingness to help.
Volkswagen Beetle - Heating AC - Houston, Texas
i am well satisfied with Mr Smith working on my car(s). He replaced the Jaguar fuel pump like an expert, and then he diagnosed the VW bug ac compressor and fixed it on the spot. I would recommend him to anyone with a car issue

Diana

19 years of experience
130 reviews
Diana
19 years of experience
Hummer H2 V8-6.0L - Heating AC - Brooklyn, New York
Diana is a pro. She made sure everything was ready beforehand, and arrived early, ready to go. She knew her stuff and took the old headers off my Hummer H2 in half the time any other mechanic quoted me. Highly recommended!
Saab 9-3 - Heating AC - Fords, New Jersey
Very professional, prompt and courteous. Knowledgeable in her trade, thorough and informative in description of diagnosis.

Peter

44 years of experience
1397 reviews
Peter
44 years of experience
Saab 9-3 L4-2.0L Turbo - Heating AC - Phoenix, Arizona
He knows what he's doing. Very polite and explained everything. I would no doubt use him again. I highly recommend him.
Mazda Miata - Heating AC - Peoria, Arizona
We are so thrilled to have found Peter as our new mechanic. He is very thorough and knowledgeable. He is also friendly, professional, and extremely honest. He explained to us exactly what services were needed on our vehicle to repair the air conditioner and provided us with an written estimate of the cost. He literally saved us thousands of dollars in repair costs. A local major competitor quoted us a repair cost of a minimum of $1,400 and said that the cost would go up to $2,400 if they discovered an additional part was required. Peter charged us only $202, plus performed the work at our home. The air conditioner in our 2004 Mazda Miata has honestly never worked so great--it always blew out warm air. We just assumed it was how that particular car was manufactured. We would highly recommend Peter to anyone who is in need of an experienced and honest mechanic.

Johnny

34 years of experience
392 reviews
Johnny
34 years of experience
Honda Accord V6-3.5L - Heating AC - Sacramento, California
Johnny showed up early to the appointment and was very thorough in his inspection. He promptly recommended the service to fix the items that are needing repairs. He was very professional and knowledgeable. I would recommend him for service.

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