☰
GET A QUOTE

Q: Heater making loud rumbling noise when on high 1996 Saturn SL2

asked by on March 01, 2017

Recently had my blower motor and resistor replaced by my usual mechanic I make appointments with on this site. Recently I've started hearing a kind of loud rumbling or growling noise while the heat is on high while inside the car, the noise goes away when I turn the heat down to a lower blower setting. This doesn't appear to be affecting the engine in anyway but noise only seems to happen when the heat is on high. Any help as to a possible diagnosis?

Thanks

My car has 132000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Recommended Services

Heater Blower Motor Replacement $123.29 - $975.39 Get a Quote
Or For Any Other Auto Repairs Get a Quote

Hi there - I believe the heater fan motor bearings are shot, and that’s the noise you hear - increasing noise level as fan speed goes up. These bearings are generally not serviceable, and the fan motor should be replaced. I recommend a fan blower motor replacement performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

Saturn
blower motors
1996
L4-1.9L
SL2
heating
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How Often Do Engine Motor Mounts Need to Be Replaced?
The engine motor mounts on most vehicles are designed to isolate the engine's normal movements and vibrations from the vehicle frame and body so the operator of the vehicle will not feel them. In some vehicles the motor mounts are...
Read more
What are the positions on the ignition switch?
Your Accord has four different positions indicated by numerals on the ignition switch itself (0, I, II, III). Each of these does something different. Not sure what they mean? Don’t worry. 0: This is “lock”. The key can enter or...
Read more
New cars don't have transmission fluid dipsticks Transmission fluid changing
That's a very good question. The reason they have gone with no dipsticks is because they don't want people messing with transmissions other there at the dealership. Some cars went through that a couple of decades ago. They make it...
Read more
car won't start, maybe electrical - 1995 Honda Civic
Hey there. I would start by checking the speed sensors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/speed-sensor-replacement). The plug that connects to this in the engine bay can become wet and can cause this type of problem. Also, check the alternator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/alternator-replacement), and VSS (vehicle speed...
Read more
Engine knock
Based on the sound heard in your video, I believe you have damaged some of the valve train parts. If this happened during the engine dying, it is very possible that something has broken on the inside of the engine....
Read more
Catalytic converter replacement
Hello. It's quite possible that there is no one at fault here. It may just be unfortunate timing. I'm assuming that you have had the codes read (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-read-and-understand-check-engine-light-codes-by-jason-unrau) and that is why you have decided you need to replace the...
Read more
My car won't start. Went to lunch came back out and When I crank it nothing happens.
It sounds like what you are describing may be related to a faulty starter relay. The starter relay (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-relay-replacement) directs power from the battery to the starter solenoid which then engages the starter when you turn the key. When this...
Read more
Where is the neutral safety switch on a 2003 Cadillac CTS with an automatic transmission.
On your vehicle, the neutral safety switch (also known as the "manual shift shaft position switch") is inside the transmission case. To access the switch the transmission has to be lowered (slightly) and there is some disassembly required to do...
Read more
O/d light blinking car wont accelerate
Hi Valerie. Thanks for contacting us tonight. When you have electrical fuses that continually blow, it means you have an electrical short or an open electrical relay that is the root issue. The best way to determine where the fault...
Read more

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Connector Hose Heater Control Valve
If your car's AC stops being able to blow warm air and you find coolant leaks, you may need to replace the connector hose heater control valve.
Read more
Symptoms of Bad or Failing Heater Hoses
Common signs include coolant leaking, hoses cracking, and engine overheating.
Read more
How Long Does a Heat Shield Last?
The The heat that is produced by the exhaust system of an engine is much higher than most people realize. With all of the vital and sensitive components that are on your engine, it is important to have the right...
Read more

Browse other content

Estimates
Services
Maintenance
Cities