Fan speed fluctuating?

2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE
162,000 MILES • 1.8L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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ANDREW2005
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Last year the blower fan speed started acting up, occasionally when the speed was set to high, the fan would slow down to the next speed. I replaced the HVAC control panel and the problem persisted. So, I put the old one back in as it worked better than the replacement. Then yesterday, the fan didn't turn on when starting the car. I fiddled with the controls a bit and it came on. It did that again today. I don't want to be without a blower in the MN winter. Could this be the resistor, the motor or both? Which is most likely?
Jan 11, 2023 at 12:38 PM
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STEVE W.
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The description sounds more like the motor itself. I would pull the motor out and see if it spins freely. To do that you remove the duct under the dash on the passenger side. Then you remove the blower cap and then remove the blower motor itself. Once it's out you can test it. Plug it back in and then try turning the blower with your hands first, if it's stiff in any amount or feels rough it's likely the motor bearings are bad. That would call for a replacement. If you wanted to try it you might be able to get some oil into the bearings and keep it working for a bit longer if you don't want to replace it now, or if you can't find one.
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Jan 11, 2023 at 11:18 PM