Fan Motor Squeaks on Speed 2 and Beyond

[orbitron3000]

My car has developed an intriguing symptom. On any of the fan modes (A/C, Vent, Defrost, etc), when I set the fan speed to 1, the fan motor (part #101273 (https://store.delorean.com/p-7597-motor-fan.aspx)) does not spin. One speeds 2-4, it spins with a horrible, high pitched squeak, like parts are rubbing against each other very quickly.

The pictures enclosed below are what what I could manage to see if there is something visibly wrong with the motor.

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I will note that once and only once during my latest troubleshooting was I able to get the motor to spin properly on Speed 1, and make no noise on Speeds 2-4.

Has anyone run into a similar issue? If I cannot repair this part, how difficult is it to replace?

Additionally, I removed the cowl (part #105047 (https://store.delorean.com/p-9326-screen-cowl.aspx)) to see if there was something getting into the motor, and found a bunch of debris in a well.

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Is this problematic? It's probably not a good thing to have in there, but will it cause the squeaking?

[Kevin]

I think I would remove the cage off the motor and see if the motor itself is what's causing the squeaking, and not the blade cage rubbing against something. At that point, I would guess a bad blower motor. It's easy to replace, just awkward lying on your back in the footwell.

At speed level 1, the motor has the least amount of voltage going to it, so it could be whatever is causing the squeaking inside is also stopping the motor from moving when being given such low power.

If there is debris in the actual evaporator box where the motor is, that's is usually more of a problem for the resistor for the blower motor, which is a few inches away from the motor. Leaves and things have been known to get in there and catch fire, so it might be worth cleaning out while you have the motor out.

[DMC5180]

Your Motor bearings are dry which is pretty common. Not sure sure if you can get spay lube in there to quiet it down. It would only be a temporary fix. The best thing to do is replace the motor.

The leaves are pretty typical but won't cause your squeaks directly. You should clean them out though. Get creative with a vacuum hose.

[orbitron3000]

I think I would remove the cage off the motor and see if the motor itself is what's causing the squeaking, and not the blade cage rubbing against something. At that point, I would guess a bad blower motor. It's easy to replace, just awkward lying on your back in the footwell.

At speed level 1, the motor has the least amount of voltage going to it, so it could be whatever is causing the squeaking inside is also stopping the motor from moving when being given such low power.

If there is debris in the actual evaporator box where the motor is, that's is usually more of a problem for the resistor for the blower motor, which is a few inches away from the motor. Leaves and things have been known to get in there and catch fire, so it might be worth cleaning out while you have the motor out.


Your Motor bearings are dry which is pretty common. Not sure sure if you can get spay lube in there to quiet it down. It would only be a temporary fix. The best thing to do is replace the motor.

The leaves are pretty typical but won't cause your squeaks directly. You should clean them out though. Get creative with a vacuum hose.

On both of your suggestions, I removed the fan motor. It was indeed the source of the annoying squeaking. I was able to peer into the motor itself, and it looked like there was a lot of rust build up inside the motor itself.

Is it possible to clean out the evaporator while the motor is out while not dismantling the entire system? I read through the process in my handy dandy workshop manual for removing the evaporator, and that seems like quite a daunting task.

[deloumis]

I had the same problem, I ended up pulling it out and taking it apart. I then cleaned it and lubed it up with some oil. I haven't had the problem since.

[DMC5180]

On both of your suggestions, I removed the fan motor. It was indeed the source of the annoying squeaking. I was able to peer into the motor itself, and it looked like there was a lot of rust build up inside the motor itself.

Is it possible to clean out the evaporator while the motor is out while not dismantling the entire system? I read through the process in my handy dandy workshop manual for removing the evaporator, and that seems like quite a daunting task.

Yes, you can clean the Evaporator in the housing. You may have to be creative with a vacuum hose and maybe a custom attachment. I know a guy in the Automotive HVAC business. He told me he cleans stuff like that all the time using a combination of things. He said a formed and folded coat hanger or flyswatter handle works well at loosening the stuff that gets packed in. Using a small diameter shop-vac hose usually gets it out (working through the Fan blower opening). You don't want to take the whole Unit out unless you had to replace the Evaporator. It's a major PITA.

This is what mine looked like when I replaced my Evaporator 2 years ago.
8420 8421

[Rich]

Had the same problem a couple of years back. Could not find a decent way to lube the motor so it was replaced. Ran like new from then on.

[orbitron3000]

Yes, you can clean the Evaporator in the housing. You may have to be creative with a vacuum hose and maybe a custom attachment. I know a guy in the Automotive HVAC business. He told me he cleans stuff like that all the time using a combination of things. He said a formed and folded coat hanger or flyswatter handle works well at loosening the stuff that gets packed in. Using a small diameter shop-vac hose usually gets it out (working through the Fan blower opening). You don't want to take the whole Unit out unless you had to replace the Evaporator. It's a major PITA.

This is what mine looked like when I replaced my Evaporator 2 years ago.
8420 8421

It appears I'm about to invest in a shopVAC in the near future. The regular vacuum that I have won't cut it I think. Comforting to know that I can clean out the Evap box without taking the entire car apart.


Had the same problem a couple of years back. Could not find a decent way to lube the motor so it was replaced. Ran like new from then on.

I checked the DMC12 Crossover list and found a suitable fan motor that I've just ordered. With luck, my squeaking woes will be over!

[seventy4burban]

I'm chasing a noisy fan myself. Mine sounds like the wheel is rubbing. It is loud, particularly on the first and second speeds. I'm thinking I am going to half to replace it. I'm kicking my feet though cause when I pull the motor out and run it it's a lot quieter.

-- Sent from my TouchPad using Communities

[DMC5180]

When your ran it outside the housing, did the fan wheel run true or was there a slight wobble. You may just need to replace the wheel if it not running smooth.

[DMCMW Dave]

I checked the DMC12 Crossover list and found a suitable fan motor that I've just ordered. With luck, my squeaking woes will be over!

Make sure it spins the right way. Some of the crossovers are backwards and you won't get much air movement.