Hi there- this is my first post. I found the PriusChat while searching on line for answers about why my 2008 a/c is not working. My 2008 Prius has about 120,00 miles on it and this is the second time I have had problems with the a/c and the fan. The first time was soon after I purchased the car and we had to have the fan replaced...I think this was around 60,000 miles (when I first bought the car, I had about 1 1/2 hour commute to work and home for a total of 3 hours and probably about 180 miles...) Anyway, my husband took my 2008 Prius in today for an overdue oil change (yes, I know, I should not ever have an oil change that is overdue...anyway, life happens...), but he was told that the fan needed to be replaced and that the fan had probably melted because it had gotten too warm...or something to that affect...Regardless, I am thinking it's ridiculous that the fan will likely need to be replaced again...Do you think I should take it to the dealer?? It was looked at by a Mr. Tire (which supposedly has Prius Certified staff)...Please let me know that there is another, easier, cheaper solution!! I live in the South and it's still pretty warm here...so, a/c is very important. Thanks in advance for any help anyone can provide. Take care!
This is the first post I have read about a melted fan. I can only imagine that such would happen due to the fan motor not turning. I would make sure that both motors are turning when the a/c is on, and that the air flow through both is from the front of the car towards the engine. The two fan motors counter rotate, and so there can be a problem where the fan blades are reversed, and the air goes the wrong way.
Are you talking about the blower motor fan under the glove box inside the car? If so, I replaced the one on my '07 at around 80,000 miles. It happens...
So had you or your husband noticed anything unusual about the fan or aircond operation prior to taking it in for an oil change?
Thanks floor all the posts. I guess it's the blower motor under the glove compartment. I had noticed on and off some hesitation with the a/c previously, but it usually started working on its own...
Ah so. Skip the info in my previous post. The blower motor does go intermittent. The problem is due to the DC brush type motor. The brushes get stuck, or just worn. Some have found a judicious tap in the right place will get it to work for a while by reseating the brushes. You don't need to take it to the dealer. Get a used part from the junk yard, or online, and give it to a trusted mechanic to replace. There are instructions on PriusChat from those who have DIY'ed it.
