In this day and age, a car without a working HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning) system is unthinkable! In a high-end car like a BMW, no cool air in the summer and no heating in the winter, is something no one is willing to accept. Unfortunately, BMWs seem to have problems with their HVAC blowers, but the good news is this is a situation a trained car mechanic can fix quite easily. In today’s article, we will discuss the reasons a blower can go out and some symptoms of a bad blower.
What Does the HVAC Blower in a Car Do?
The HVAC blower of a car is also called a blower motor or a heater blower. It is a fan that blows cooled or heated air through the vents in the dashboard to cool off the cabin. Depending on the setting, it pushes cool or hot air into the cabin. It helps keep the air inside the cabin at a comfortable temperature. The blower is also used for defogging or defrosting the windshield.
- Cooling: When you turn your AC on, the blower motor forces air through the air conditioning system, where it cools off. Then, it blows the cool air into the interior of the car through the vents.
- Heating: When you turn the heater on, the blower motor sends air through the heater core, where the air warms up. Then, it propels the warm air into the cabin via the vents.
How Does the HVAC Blower Work?
In older cars, the blowers were controlled manually. Nowadays, in modern cars, the blower is regulated electronically and automatically controlled. You set the temperature, and the fan speed is calibrated accordingly with a signal to the blower motor.
Reasons For an HVAC Blower Not to Work
There are some factors that lead to a malfunctioning blower motor.
- Normal Aging: It’s expected that over time, fatigue will set in. The belt and bearing of the fan will wear out due to use, friction, heat, grime, and other reasons.
- Degrading Electrical Components: The electrical parts can fail, fuses can blow out, and wires can fray, all of which will affect the proper function of the blower motor, or make it stop completely.
- Manufacturing Defects: Sometimes, the HVAC blower resistors are incorrectly calibrated and can overheat, in which case the blower can fail.
- Clogged Filter: The filter is there to trap dust, grime, lint, and other undesirable debris. If the filter gets clogged, air will not flow through it.
Signs That the HVAC Blower May Not Be Working
If you notice any of these problems in your Beemer, make sure you bring it in for a check-up.
- You notice not enough air is flowing through the vents, even when the AC or heater is on.
- You detect air has completely stopped blowing out of the vents.
- You note that the fan is stuck on one speed.
- You hear rattling, whirring, or squealing noises coming from the general direction of the vents, i.e., from the blower motor.
- You realize the HVAC system might be overheating.
- You see smoke or perceive a burning smell from the vents. If this happens, immediately turn off your cooling/heating system.
Regular Maintenance
The easiest way to keep your Beamer running smoothly is to have it checked and tuned up on a regular schedule. Bimmers are known to have HVAC blower issues. During a routine maintenance check, our trained mechanics can easily diagnose these problems and fix them before they become a huge headache. Ignoring these issues leads to bigger and more expensive challenges.
Visit Motor City Euro Repair for Your BMW’s Care
At Motor City Euro Repair, we have 
your back! We are specialists in European car repair. Our highly trained mechanics can help you with all of your car’s needs. Our friendly staff is attentive and listens to you. We create a plan and work with what is most convenient for you. Our top-notch facility boasts modern, state-of-the-art equipment and diagnostic tools. Give us a call or book an appointment and stop by. Find out for yourself, how we are different and why coming to us is your best option! We have multiple locations in Michigan. Visit us in any of our shops in Ann Arbor, Brighton, Detroit, or Farmington.
