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Heater Blower Motor Replacement Cost Estimate

Worried you might overpay for your heater blower motor replacement? Use Jerry's GarageGuard to get fair cost estimate for your heater blower motor replacement.
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John Davis
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Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content
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Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

How much does a heater blower motor replacement cost?

The average total cost for a heater blower motor replacement is $229, including $97 for parts and $132 for labor. The exact price will depend on your vehicle’s year and model.
The parts cost will include a new heater blower motor, but your car might also require a fresh resistor, heater core, or condenser. As for the labor costs, it takes around 1.1 hours for a certified mechanic to inspect your vehicle, determine whether a repair is necessary, and then perform the heater blower motor replacement. 
Here’s how much it’ll cost to replace the heater blower motor of some popular vehicle models:
Estimate DateCustomerCarFair Cost EstimateParts CostLabor CostLabor Time
October 10, 2024
Volvo S40
$100
$57
$43
0.4 Hours
October 8, 2024
Mini Cooper
$99
$57
$42
0.4 Hours
October 7, 2024
Lexus IS
$109
$57
$52
0.4 Hours
October 1, 2024
Oldsmobile Cutlass
$103
$57
$46
0.4 Hours
September 30, 2024
Mazda MX-5
$107
$57
$50
0.4 Hours
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How did we estimate these prices?

Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

What parts do you need for a heater blower motor replacement?

Your car’s heating and cooling systems have three things in common: they make your cabin comfortable, they help you defrost the windows, and they can’t work without the heater blower motor. If there’s no airflow coming from your vents, the total parts cost could include:
  1. A replacement heater blower motor ($40-$855): Your car’s AC unit supplies cold air, while the heating unit supplies hot air. However, neither heat nor cold will reach your cabin unless you’ve got a working, multi-speed heater blower motor to push air through the vents. Recommended brands are TYC, Four Seasons, and ACDelco.
  2. A new
    heater blower motor resistor
    ($9-$1,250): The electrical resistor controls the speed of the blower motor fan. When you turn the right knob or press the right button, the resistor increases or decreases the voltage it sends to the variable-speed fan, producing different levels of airflow. We recommend brands like Standard Motor Products, Dorman, and ACDelco.
  3. A new
    heater core
    ($30-$725): The heater core repurposes the heat generated by the engine to make the car cabin nice and toasty. In doing so, it cools down the coolant, which races back to the engine to continue cooling your car so it doesn’t overheat. Recommended brands include Spectra Premium, TYC, and APDI.
  4. A replacement
    air conditioning condenser
    ($70-$880): The condenser looks like a miniature radiator. The warm, liquid refrigerant passing through its coils cools down before moving through the expansion valve or orifice tube. We recommend brands like Spectra Premium, TYC, and Four Seasons.
You can buy heater blower motor replacement parts for your cars from auto parts stores like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts, as well as online retailers such as Amazon and RockAuto. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle’s specific year, make, and model.Today
Keep in mind: A faulty heater blower motor could also conceal a broken motor resistor, heater core, or AC condenser.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts cost more than their aftermarket counterparts, but they often include better warranties. For example, a new genuine Toyota heater blower motor includes a 24-month/25,000-mile warranty if it’s installed by a certified Toyota mechanic.That being said, some aftermarket performance parts are just as good as OEM parts.
You can buy replacement parts at automotive body shops, parts shops like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and NAPA Auto Parts, dealerships, or online stores like Amazon and RockAuto. If you don’t mind paying a higher blower motor price, you can also try your vehicle manufacturer’s official website. Ford, Nissan, and just about every other car maker sell OEM parts online. Check your owner’s manual for any crucial specifications so you don’t buy the wrong type of blower motor or motor size.

Where can I get a heater blower motor replaced?

Finding cheap car repairs is easy with Jerry's
GarageGuard™
! The GarageGuard™ app makes it easy to search for a trustworthy and top-rated mechanic. Just enter “heater blower motor replacement” into the app and get connected to a network of over 2,500 vetted car repair shops across the country.
You’ll be able to compare fair pricing estimates* and cost factors like diagnostics fees and real hourly labor rates, plus see verified user reviews. With Jerry's GarageGuard™, you can be confident that your car and your budget are in the right hands.
Download the app today to start shopping for car repair quotes from vetted shops like the ones below.
142 Reviews
North Raleigh Automotive
address
5312 Atlantic Springs Rd, Raleigh, NC
Heater Blower Motor Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$219
(Parts - $90, Labor - $129)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$120
139 Reviews
Richmond Brake Service
address
3306 Almond St, Philadelphia, PA
Heater Blower Motor Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$186
(Parts - $90, Labor - $96)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$45
158 Reviews
Just Tires - Yorba Linda
address
17005 Imperial Hwy, Yorba Linda, CA
Heater Blower Motor Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$242
(Parts - $90, Labor - $152)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$90
146 Reviews
Pep Boys Auto Parts & Service - Costa Mesa, Bristol St #660
address
2946 Bristol St, , Costa Mesa, CA
Heater Blower Motor Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$244
(Parts - $90, Labor - $154)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$100
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How did we vet these shops?

Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic do a heater blower motor replacement?

If you decide to leave your vehicle’s heater blower motor repair for the pros, your mechanic will:
  1. Disconnect the car battery and remove the dashboard to access the heater blower motor
  2. Remove the old blower motor using a screwdriver and pliers
  3. Inspect the surrounding circuit board and power supply for further faults
  4. Install a replacement motor
  5. Reinstall the dash and reconnect the battery
  6. Test your car’s heating and cooling systems, vent airflow, and the different speeds of the fan

Can you drive without a blower fan motor?

If your car’s cooling and heating fails, you might be tempted to just tough it out, but the blower motor serves more than just your comfort. Without a properly functioning blower motor, your vehicle could be prone to:
  • Overheating: The blower motor helps divert hot air from the engine. If the engine overheats, you could have a repair bill that dwarfs the installation cost of a new motor.
  • Reduced visibility: Without airflow, you won’t be able to direct your car’s cooling or heating system to defrost the windows.
  • Malfunctioning AC or heating: Leaving your car’s heater or AC sitting for a long time could cause them to malfunction later.

What is a heater blower motor replacement?

The car heater blower motor allows you to control the air coming through your vents. With this motor, you can turn the airflow on and off or change the speed and intensity of the fan. A heater blower motor replacement replaces the electronic unit that drives the blower wheel (which functions like the blades of a fan). 

What are the signs of a bad blower motor?

Identifying which of your car's components might be malfunctioning isn't always easy, but here are a few signs the heater blower motor isn't working:
  1. Your car’s AC seems to be working, but there’s no cold air coming from the vents
  2. Your car’s heater seems to be working, but there’s no hot air coming from the vents
  3. You can’t change the speed of the airflow through the vents
The damage may be caused by a bad heater blower motor, a failing resistor, or a faulty power connector. Or the blower motor might be undamaged but malfunctioning due to a poor connection. Visit a mechanic who can help you get to the bottom of the problem.

What is the life expectancy of a car blower motor?

In theory, blower motors should last the lifespan of the car, but this doesn't always happen. The wear of a blower motor can't be accurately predicted by car manufacturers, because it depends on how much and when you use it. A lack of maintenance, high mileage, hot temperatures, and age will shorten its life.

Can I replace a blower motor myself?

Installing a new blower motor is a great DIY project. If you have the right tools, safety equipment, and the correct set of instructions, it should be fairly easy to complete. Your biggest challenge will probably be finding repair instructions (and the right part) for your particular vehicle. Check your owner's manual for hints or search online for your model's repair manual.

FAQs

It’s worth replacing the heater blower motor because a broken one won’t let you use your car’s climate controls, even if its heating and cooling units are intact. And while a malfunctioning AC or heater can be very expensive to replace, a fan is a simple job. Furthermore, the blower motor keeps the refrigerant and cooling running through your AC and heater and allows you to use your vehicle’s defrost function.
Your car’s heater blower motor might break down due to old age, electrical surges, or a simple lack of maintenance. The last is the easiest to prevent: make sure to
clean your AC condenser
and replace the
air filter
of your car’s HVAC system regularly so that dust doesn’t accumulate behind the dash.
At a low RPM, the car blower motor can drain the battery, but once you rev up the engine, the alternator will supply the motor with more than enough energy. In case you don't remember, a vehicle’s alternator converts Rotations Per Minute (RPM) into Direct Current (DC) power. DC powers the electronics in your car, including the headlights, the radio, and the blower motor.

Meet Our Experts

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John Davis
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Car Expert
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Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience
John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.
Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.
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Jessica Barrett
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Car Expert
Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.
Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.
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Kathleen Flear
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Car Expert
Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through  best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.
*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.