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AC/Heater Blower Motor

222K views 164 replies 87 participants last post by  FatguyRacer  
#1 ·
AC/Heater blower motor on my 2005 Touareg stopped working. Dealer estimate $1,000+ to replace. Motor cost around $250. Another dealership ripoff

Anyone have experience with replacing the blower motor. Easy access to motor under the glove box by removing plastic panel. Don't want to attempt the job without knowing what I am getting into.
 
#2 ·
Moved to Problems and Bugs. The DIY forum is not for questions.
 
#3 ·
The job is really easy and no where near what the dealer is charging you. I've taken the blower motor out several times now and it takes me 30 minutes to take it out and put it back in. Remove lower panel as though you are replacing the cabin filter, unplug connector to blower fan. Remove 8 5.5mm screws. Snake the blower fan out. Snaking it out is the toughest part because of the tight confines but it can be done!
 
#4 · (Edited)
Heater Blower Motor

Hi there, I am a Treg owner for 12 months now, 2005 model R5. I love driving her! Had her chipped and loving extra horespower and MPG.
Anyway, thought I'd post a note regarding the fan heater blower. Mine started to sound ropey a few months ago, didn't do anything about it, but noticed fan blower started operating more and more eratically. Eventually it just packed in altogether. I did my research, found Club Touareg to be very informative. I removed the fan unit, and took it to my local vehicle electrician. I asked him to bench test, which he did, and informed me that the motor needed new brushes. He replaced the brushes, and cleaned up the motor. I have just installed it back in the Treg - it works better than ever. I was quoted ÂŁ185 plus VAT for a new motor from VW - no other supplier I spoke to could quote for a replacement ("VW only part..."). I was charged ÂŁ55 plus VAT for the work done on my motor. Bargain!! You do not always have to pay dealer prices, even when they seem like the only option.
 
#49 ·
Hi there, I am a Treg owner for 12 months now, 2005 model R5. I love driving her! Had her chipped and loving extra horespower and MPG.
Anyway, thought I'd post a note regarding the fan heater blower. Mine started to sound ropey a few months ago, didn't do anything about it, but noticed fan blower started operating more and more eratically. Eventually it just packed in altogether. I did my research, found Club Touareg to be very informative. I removed the fan unit, and took it to my local vehicle electrician. I asked him to bench test, which he did, and informed me that the motor needed new brushes. He replaced the brushes, and cleaned up the motor. I have just installed it back in the Treg - it works better than ever. I was quoted ÂŁ185 plus VAT for a new motor from VW - no other supplier I spoke to could quote for a replacement ("VW only part..."). I was charged ÂŁ55 plus VAT for the work done on my motor. Bargain!! You do not always have to pay dealer prices, even when they seem like the only option.
I appreciate that this quote was back in 2009 but I was wondering if someone could give me step by step instructions on how to remove the heater fan from my T2 R5 2.5TDI Altitude as it is working intermittently and making a loud scrapping vibrating noise before stopping and I think the brushes may have gone. If it is an easy job to remove I may have a go myself as I have been quoted over ÂŁ150 for a new motor by a non-VW dealer

Thanks
 
#6 · (Edited)
Just replaced my in 20 min.

Following directions on the forum on how to remove the lower panel to replace the cabin filter, I removed the 5-6 screws on the blower motor, sliped it out, put the new one in and I have A/C again. Awesome. Took 20 minutes. $200 fan from online source.

Lot better than driving an hour to the dealer, waiting around all day and then getting a jar of K.Y.

Thanks for all the good info here!
 
#14 ·
Following directions on the forum on how to remove the lower panel to replace the cabin filter, I removed the 5-6 screws on the blower motor, sliped it out, put the new one in and I have A/C again. Awesome. Took 20 minutes. $200 fan from online source.

Lot better than driving an hour to the dealer, waiting around all day and then getting a jar of K.Y.

Thanks for all the good info here!
Hey ya's Ive looked through alot of the threads for blower motors. Mine had the bearings making an odd noise and then it just cut out one day all together. For a bit it would cut in and out, now, just nothing. I am seeing people are finding sources for it for around 200USD. Can anyone give me a link or contact info for this source? I found it for 400ish in Canada and 320ish in USA.
Thanks
 
#8 ·
AC/Heater blower motor on my 2005 Touareg stopped working. Dealer estimate $1,000+ to replace. Motor cost around $250. Another dealership ripoff

Anyone have experience with replacing the blower motor. Easy access to motor under the glove box by removing plastic panel. Don't want to attempt the job without knowing what I am getting into.

Hi,

I have a blowermotor and bitron ....80 euro...in Holland.

Arthur.
 

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#9 ·
My blower motor just went out on our family vacation in Orlando, FL. After many phone calls I found it in stock at Aristocrat VW in Orlando. $321 for the part (with tax). A quick trip to Walmart for the 6mm socket and driver and I was in business. Took about 30 mins to do the job, but I had previously removed the motor to lubricate it because it was noisy. Well I guess it wasn't just noisy it was ready to give out!

The part I got looks just like the lower two posted by user "Holland" above. What the heck is that blue thing though?

Well the new motor seemed to work well enough, but now it seems a little erratic. When I first start the car it sounds like it's blowing super hard, but then a few seconds later it slows down to where there's hardly any air coming out of it. About 10 mins later it speeds up to an acceptable level but it won't blow out at full speed. I messed with all the controls, put it on auto, manual, "LO" recirculate air, etc and the fan speed won't change. Any advice? Do I need that blue piece up top too?
 
#11 ·
Hi all,

Firstly thank you very much for the above postings! My blower motor had been playing up for a while - noises and occasionally stopping altogether. Last weekend whilst on a vacation it stopped and appeared to have died...

Followed the above suggestions by removing the panel under the glovebox (really easy as it is just clipped in), located and removed the 7 x 5.5 mm socket head screws, unplugged the electrics to it and got the blower motor out. Took the unit to an auto electrician like endubsveedub above but unfortunately they wouldn't touch it. They recommended for me to replace it and not to muck around with it. Rang two dealers and got pricing for the unit of AUD$593 (Perth) and AUD$543 (Melbourne) - OUCH! Rang another VW specialist in Melbourne and was told to buy a new one, rang a specialist in the Netherlands and was told to buy a new one.

In the meantime I had established that the brushes (one in particular) had almost worn down to the plastic holder pocket and therefore this was the only thing that required replacing. So whilst pondering over buying a new one I thought I should try and repair it myself - nothing to lose right!

So got a puller tool and managed to take the fan blade off the spindle - you will see the light gray fan blade in Holland's post above (mine is black). This will allow access to the brushes. There are two brushes which are set into a moulded plastic holders (sorry really techical terminology...NOT!) and are forced into contact with the collector of the motor by springs. Next was to find two brushes to fit - turns out you can simply use brushes from a normal power drill and slightly machine them to shape and fit into the holders. Quick test to see if the motor will work by putting some load on it (12V battery). Magic - it worked! Then just put the unit back into the vehicle - take a bit of care to locate it properly so line up all holes! Turned on the ignition and Yippee! Cold/hot air, no noises at all and controls all work. High fives all around after having just saved at least AUD$600. Again many thanks to the suggestions and tips in this forum!!
 
#46 ·
Doing it this weekend

Hi all,

Firstly thank you very much for the above postings! My blower motor had been playing up for a while - noises and occasionally stopping altogether. Last weekend whilst on a vacation it stopped and appeared to have died...

Followed the above suggestions by removing the panel under the glovebox (really easy as it is just clipped in), located and removed the 7 x 5.5 mm socket head screws, unplugged the electrics to it and got the blower motor out. Took the unit to an auto electrician like endubsveedub above but unfortunately they wouldn't touch it. They recommended for me to replace it and not to muck around with it. Rang two dealers and got pricing for the unit of AUD$593 (Perth) and AUD$543 (Melbourne) - OUCH! Rang another VW specialist in Melbourne and was told to buy a new one, rang a specialist in the Netherlands and was told to buy a new one.

In the meantime I had established that the brushes (one in particular) had almost worn down to the plastic holder pocket and therefore this was the only thing that required replacing. So whilst pondering over buying a new one I thought I should try and repair it myself - nothing to lose right!

So got a puller tool and managed to take the fan blade off the spindle - you will see the light gray fan blade in Holland's post above (mine is black). This will allow access to the brushes. There are two brushes which are set into a moulded plastic holders (sorry really techical terminology...NOT!) and are forced into contact with the collector of the motor by springs. Next was to find two brushes to fit - turns out you can simply use brushes from a normal power drill and slightly machine them to shape and fit into the holders. Quick test to see if the motor will work by putting some load on it (12V battery). Magic - it worked! Then just put the unit back into the vehicle - take a bit of care to locate it properly so line up all holes! Turned on the ignition and Yippee! Cold/hot air, no noises at all and controls all work. High fives all around after having just saved at least AUD$600. Again many thanks to the suggestions and tips in this forum!!
A couple of quick questions on this approach. What brand electric drill did you cannibalize for the brushes? Barring that, I will ask if Anyone has specs. on the motor brushes. I know, why go cheap on a 50k auto, but that me. I'd rather fix than replace so any details would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance
 
#12 · (Edited)
Hi Chuck,

Firstly to all members - thank goodness the "google advertising" disappears when you actually log in!!!

To answer your question and after having read all the other posts regarding this topic it appears that the cost of a blower motor really varies depending on country and source (or both). In Australia, dealers are charging up to AUD$600 for the blower motors - new of course. I have found near-new second hand blower motors in Germany for around AUD$200 including shipping - so AUD$140 for the part itself. So the US$200 you have been quoted seems quite reasonable. I guess the point is to shop around for the best deal, but at the end of the day realise that without it you simply won't enjoy the normal comfort of your car! You can always try and fix the motor yourself - by replacing the brushes, but you really need to know what you are doing here as you have to be careful not to score the armature of the motor. IMHO, I believe that if you can pick up a new motor at a good price you are far better off....and found this out the hard way! Oh but do have a go at fitting yourself - this is actually quite an easy job! Good luck!!
 
#16 ·
#18 ·
Replaced Blower motor with some difficulty

The blower started to go out intermittently making a low rumbling sound under the dash. There seemed to be a light vibration too. Of course the brushes were worn as posted on this great forum. Ordered a replacement and 2day air shipment, hey it's hot in Houston right now, for $257.63 delivered.
It was simple enough to remove and if you back out the screw inside the glove compartment at the lower right corner under the small rubber mat/liner it will be easier to remove the blower and to install the replacement. No need to back the screw out all the way. You'll be able to see how it's in the way when you get your head underneath the dash to remove the blower screws. I just backed it out ~1/2inch.
I had a really tough time getting the replacement OEM blower (7L0820021Q-211 , $247.68 from KO Performance) lined up properly to reinstall the screws. I knew it was important to get perfect alignment to get a good seal around the edges of the blower assembly. But man I had a hard time with the two screws at the top of the blower (as viewed with your head underneath the dash.) I finally figured out that those screws had to go in first, at least for me, to get proper alignment. That made it especially difficult. Unless of course you are a contortionist.
I do plan to replace the brushes on the original blower and perhaps offer it up for sale to recoup some of my expense.
QUESTION: Has any one been able to source replacement brushes for the blower motor?
 
#19 ·
I recently "got the noise" and took the fan out. One of the plastic clips on the under tray broke... I might just leave that out as you can't see it anyway. I pulled the motor (7x5.5mm) and the brushes were fine. Hmm. I put some motor oil on the top bushing and put a squirt through the motor stator hoping to hit the bottom bushing and used compressed air to spin it up and move the oil around... seems to work ok for the moment.... We'll see how long it goes.... Should have figured that its a GM part that failed!
 
#21 ·
This is the schematic for the blower/AC motor assembly.

1 is Blower Case
2 is Blower Case Gasket
3 is Blower Case Clamp
4 is Blower Motor
5 is Control Module
6 is Adjustment Motor Fresh Air Flap
7 is Adjustment Motor Link
8 is Flap

This is for 2004 - 2010 according to Volkswagen Parts - Get VW Parts at Wholesale Prices. Blower Motor is listed at $218.57 plus shipping.

siberian
 

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#22 ·
Hey Kasperjan !

Ik heb ik mijn vorige mail de onderdelen aangegeven met foto's en deze bij een sloper in Duitsland besteld.
En idd bij de dealer in Nederland kost een Touareg een vermogen qua onderdelen en service, daarom haal ik de delen uit Duitsland en monteer ze zelf.
Met behulp van VAGCOM software heb ik al veel geld bespaard.

Groet uut Grunn.
 
#23 ·
Great to have found this thread. My blower motor was making some God-awful sounds - screetching, whining, whistling - akin to nails on a chalkboard at times. Anyway, the think died on me (kinda of thankful) so I found a used one on eBay with 100K miles on it. Only $135 with shipping so what do I have to lose? I'll post back with the results in a week or so. Let me know if you guys have any more tips.
 
#25 ·
I believe I am in the blower motor failure category. It's been making an awful howling sound that will disappear with me turning the fan speed all the way off.

I also feel a significant vibration in the steering wheel while the noise is happening and that also goes away when the noise stops. Lastly, while the sound is going, I can turn the fan speed all the way up and there is no change. Occasionally the sound will stop and if I turn up the fan, I can hear them go full speed.

It was fairly intermittant last week but it has gotten progressively worse in the last 5 days so I'm hoping it's a fan problem only.

Nancy