Blower Motor Replacement

[Finallyflying]

I’m replacing the blower motor on a 2001 LeSabre. Can someone tell me if this two-piece blower motor (on the right in the photo) is supposed to be a replacement for the older one on the left in the photo?

The screw holes all line up on the new housing, but the fan itself is quite different.

I don’t know if this is a new and improved design replacement or if the wrong one was shipped. The parts house supposedly confirmed fit from my VIN number.

Thanks!

 

[02LTD2.0]

It's CORRECT. The new one is the UPDATED design that allows for quick replacement of the JUST the blower motor.
The original design is horrible because it doesn't allow access to change just the blower motor. Unfortunately this is what you have to deal with. I did mine 2 years ago and it was a royal PITA.

 

[Finallyflying]

Thanks for the info! The new shroud has a much taller side on it that doesn’t look like it will fit. Any tips on getting the shroud into place?

Motor looks easy after that, but the side of the new shroud is even taller than the fan on the old motor. Did you have to take more of the dash apart?

 

[02LTD2.0]

No, you don't have to remove more dash....at least I didn't have to.

 

[Finallyflying]

OK, got this installed today and am sharing a few tips that I figured out. First, the replacement housing has a tall sidewall that just won't quite fit up into the blower cavity (see circled area in first photo). While trying to force it into the cavity, I actually broke the bottom edge of the new housing. But it broke right in between two mounting screws. After putting the screws into place, they provided all the structural support that is needed. Putting the motor itself in was very easy with this new design and everything is working perfectly.

If I ever had to do this repair again, I think I would seriously consider making a nice clean cut in the housing right where mine broke before installing it. That would allow the tall sidewall to flex forward enough to easily fit into the cavity. There's just not really any structural support provided by that thin edge. Also, I used one of the mounting screws for the electronic module to hold it up out of the way while I was working which kept it out of the way.

Hope this is helpful!

 

[imidazol97]

I see carpet in the picture. I recall wehn I replaced the blower motor on my 2003, I had to pull the carpet and pad down toward the seat. That gave me extra vertical room to rotate the motor housing.

This may not be applicable in your case with the adapted earlier design. But I posted it to help someone else working on a blower motor.

 

[Finallyflying]

I see carpet in the picture. I recall wehn I replaced the blower motor on my 2003, I had to pull the carpet and pad down toward the seat. That gave me extra vertical room to rotate the motor housing.

This may not be applicable in your case with the adapted earlier design. But I posted it to help someone else working on a blower motor.

Yes, you’re right, good point, I did have to pull the carpet back to get the old original design out. But I noticed when putting the new one in that the carpet wasn’t interfering so I left it in place for comfort while laying on it. Arms and shoulders still hurt this morning though 😂. Definitely the most aggravating repair I’ve ever had to do on this car which normally is very easy to work on.

 

[02LTD2.0]

Yep, like I said.....a royal PITA.😉

 

[imidazol97]

I recall using a wadded up towel or piece of wood as a third hand to help support the new motor while trying to get bolts started. I'm too old for that stuff now.