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2013 Instructions on replacing the HVAC fan?

13K views 16 replies 12 participants last post by  sheryllee 
#1 ·
My heater blower had been problematic for a long time. Sometimes it just refuses to turn on (the heat or AC turns on, but the blower itself doesn't), and lately when it does turn on it seems like its not moving as much air as it used to, and it makes a bit of a whine. In the past week even when its set to a constant speed in the HVAC controls, the actual fan speed waivers quite a bit. I plan to just replace the blower entirely hoping to solve both problems.

My problem is that I haven't been able to find any information on how to actually do this. I've done a lot of work on older cars where you can actually see things, so I'm mechanically inclined, I'm just not sure how you actually get to the thing. I'm guessing since you access the cabin air filter through the back of the glove box, I probably need to replace the glove box door, but other than that vague idea I'm stumped.
 
#2 ·
If you open your glovebox and pull out the back of it, you can access the "door" for your cabin air filter.
(see this thread)
The fan sits just below that.
I have absolutely no idea how you'd remove and/or replace the motor though, I've never looked that hard.
 
#4 · (Edited by Moderator)
Nothing could be simpler and it's easy for someone that is comfortable with tools.
DISABLE AIRBAGS
Remove the instrument panel lower trim panel insulator - right side. Refer to Instrument Panel Lower Trim Panel Insulator Replacement.
Remove the floor air outlet duct. Refer to Floor Front Air Outlet Duct Replacement - Right Side.
Disconnect the blower motor electrical connector.
Remove fasteners securing motor.
Remove motor.
 
#8 ·
Yes, looks pretty easy according to the service manual. Sounds like your diagnosis is probably right, you may be able to lube the bearings and revive it for awhile. There is also a fan control module in there that could be the culprit, but if you're hearing a whine I'd be more suspect of motor bearings.
 
#14 ·
I installed the new blower yesterday. Its not difficult technically, but it is difficult physically. I'm relatively fit (185 lbs, 6'2"), but its pretty difficult to get under there and get your arms in the right positions. Amazingly its even harder than working under the dash of my tiny 72 MG Midget, the same "sit backwards on the seat then lay on your back with your legs in there air" trick doesn't work as well in the Volt. You'll also need a 7mm and 5.5mm ratchet socket, which is I think the only time I've ever used my 5.5mm socket.

The bottom trim panel is held in by three screws, one visible in the front, one on the front right that's partially hidden by the right rocker panel trim, and one in the back that's recessed and hard to see. You don't need to remove the right rocker trim to remove the screw, you can push the corner in enough to get to the screw. Once you have that off, there's one more screw in the floor air duct, and once that's out you have to wrestle with the duct a bit to remove it, but it'll pop out. You don't have to remove it completely to get the blower motor out, but personally I couldn't reach the blower plug without removing the duct. Installation is the reverse. Probably took 30 minutes, and I could probably do it in 10 minutes if I had to do it again.

The new blower definitely works better than the old one, more air and less noise. I am occasionally still having an issue where the fan runs full speed, but I'm not always getting as much air as I should. I think there might be an issue where the doors that control the flow of air might not be opening and closing entirely.
 
#17 ·
Follow few step if you ca use tools
1.DISABLE AIRBAGS
2.Remove the instrument panel lower trim panel insulator - right side. Refer to Instrument Panel Lower Trim Panel Insulator Replacement.
3. Remove the floor air outlet duct. Refer to Floor Front Air Outlet Duct Replacement - Right Side.
4. Disconnect the blower motor electrical connector.
5. Remove fasteners securing motor.
6. Remove motor.
 
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