Why does your Ford Windstar heater blower not work?

Answer 1

If the blower is completely dead and is not providing any air movement, the cause could be in the resistor block for the fan motor, the fuse, or the fan motor.

Check the fuse first. Refer to the owners manual for the fuse.

If you have one or more blower speeds, the problem is the resistor block.

The Ford Windstar blower has a resistor block that controls the various speeds of the blower motor. It is located on the passenger compartment side of the blower housing and can be replaced in five minutes. Unfortunately, I could only find the part at the Ford dealership who ripped me off for $20. You can find the part online for around $10.

If you do not have any speeds, you should verify the fan motor works by pulling it and connecting it to a 12 volt DC power source.

To pull the fan motor, you will have to remove the glove box to gain access to the 3 or 4 screws that hold the fan in place, although I did it without removing the glove box. The motor is attached to a large mounting plate that is at the bottom of the air plenum located behind the glove box. If you look up from the passenger floor you will see the motor hanging down. It is about the size of a soup can and is attached to a larger mounting plate. Once the connector is disconnected and the screws are out, you will have to turn the mounting plate to allow the motor to drop. Pay attention to the position as you pull it down as it needs to go back in the same twisting fashion.

I used a spare auto battery to test the motor, but you could use the one in the car, but just be careful to not short things out. Also, really brace the motor prior to connecting to battery as it has a lot of torque and could twist out of your hand.

If the motor is good and really spins up, then the problem is the resistor block is completely dead. (Replace the resistor block.)

If the fan does not spin, you can get a replacement from any junk yard. The parts guy at the yard can determine compatibility. Make sure he tests the fan before you buy it. Should cost about $10 - $15.

I repaired my fan by working it out of the housing, and freeing it up with WD-40. i then greased it up and it is fine, but I would recommend just getting a junk yard replacement. (much more time efficient!)

Answer
Blown fuse, bad switch, defective resistor pack, or a bad fan motor.

See "Related Questions" below for more

Answer

If the blower motor is the problem, it should make noise or fail to work until you hit it with a hammer.

If the blower resistor is the problem, the blower should work only when set to the highest speed.