2011 Mini Cooper Blower Motor Repair

[@AlanCleggYouDoAV]

Oh. My. Gosh. Perfect!!! I didn’t even take my motor out. I just removed the little cover and sprayed one blast of PB Blaster on the bearing and it worked immediately. Thank you for the video!!!

[@cobravids]

You are welcome. We are glad we helped. Stay safe, stay free.

[@SaltydogNC]

Our 2015 MINI Countryman's blower started blowing intermittently. I just assumed it was going to require ripping the dash out. Thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to create this video. I hope I can get to the blower motor the same way on the Countryman. As you mentioned in the comments, I tried a spray and pray with Liquid Wrench Dry Lube with the fan running. .The dry lube has no smell once the carrier evaporates. The fan immediately picked up speed when I sprayed it from the cabin filter side. The spray and pray operation has the fan running 95% of the time, but every once in awhile I hear it drop RPM then pick back up. I'm sure I need to lube the bearings properly like you did. If anyone tries the dry lube approach with the fan in place, it helped a lot to manually wiggle the fan on the spindle after spraying -- just be sure the fan is off before putting fingers up there. Thanks again! Super helpful!

[@cobravids]

Thank you very much for stopping by and commenting. Ours worked for about 8 months, and my daughter traded it in. It was still working. These fans are pretty pricey OEM. May be worth the extra money. That's what I was going to buy if it went out on her again. Please come back once you get done and tell us if you got it working 100% You can do this. Stay safe, stay free.

[@Synnovations]

Thanks a lot for creating this video! I noticed some weird noise from the ventilation system a couple of days ago and this morning after I defrosted my windshield, I noticed that the blower motor was not working. I spend some hours on the internet trying to find a root cause and found other videos indicating that I had to remove my entire dashboard... It really depressed my already doing this stuff in a cold garage.... Than I stumbled upon this video where you demonstrated and alternate method! I had it removed in 20 min.! My deepest respect for you for doing this, heads off for you and I'll will bring a toast to you when this is finished! Cheers, from the Netherlands!

[@cobravids]

Thank you so much for the kind words. You are the reason I do my videos on my channel. I read that same information and I thought, no way. Please consider subscribing to further advance our channel. I am jealous I miss my Mini.

[@Synnovations]

Sure it's fun driving Mini! She starts to age like fine wine at the moment, my replacement will be a recent JCW.. Maybe a helpful recommendation for others, I put the blower motor in the oven at 70°C and used PTFE oil to get the bearing loose. The heat helped to penetrate into the bearing, it runs smoothly again! Cheers again!

[@mattmylonas1]

You sir, are a top dad. Thank you! Fixed mine after step 1 :) .. after faffing around with ecu, battery, fuses and relays etc!!

[@cobravids]

Thank you sir, I am so glad you were able to get it back running. When I discovered what mine needed I didn't see much on it. So I wanted to do a video with details. These fans are expensive, well to most of us lol. I miss my Mini so much. Give yours a good detail for me will ya? Tell her it's from CobraVids.

[@joelarama]

I’m SOOO grateful to you. I just fixed my blow fan after watching this video!!!! THANK YOU!!! 😁

[@cobravids]

I am very glad you gained from my video. That is the reason that I do these. I want to help people and entertain with other videos. Since I did this to my daughters blower it still works fine. I hope your keeps working too. Thanks for watching and for the comment.

[@winfriedschultz9429]

Thank you. Just finished my job, a 100% coincidence. Exactly the same. I never would have attempted it without your video. Excellent, and thanks again!

[@cobravids]

Thank you very much. I am glad this helped you. Ours worked until my daughter traded it in. Good luck, stay free.

[@brandonbelk5559]

Great video! Mine just stopped tonight and now I know what to attack. Thank you!

[@cobravids]

Nearly every motor I have heard of continues to work after putting some good lubricant on it. Some.even work for a long time just by manually spinning it and breaking it free. Thank you for watching. And thank you for taking the time to post your awesome comment.

[@ItchyFinga369]

2009 hardtop. My blower stopped, in August, far from home, with no way to troubleshoot. Got home after a 12 hour drive with no AC and took out the blower. I sprayed some WD-40 on the bearings and it spun right up! Hoping this will last a few years. Thanks for this video!

[@cobravids]

Thank you for the comment. I used breakfree and it lasted until my daughter traded it in. I dont know what is up with these blowers but it is very common. Good luck and I'm crossing my fingers for you.

[@jessepower1995]

Big thanks man! Just fixed the air conditioning in my girlfriend's car after she was quoted a $400 repair. Just in time for Valentine's Day too!

[@cobravids]

No problem buddy. I am glad I could help out. I do these videos with guys like you in mind. Stay safe, have a great night.

[@mortimmer9327]

Thanks for your video! inspired me so much and i found an easier solution. after i have seen your video, i just opened the filterbox, took the filter out and sprayed directly wd40 into the fan. it worked perfectly! thanks again!

[@cobravids]

@mortimmer9327 Your welcome. Thank you for the comment. I have heard some folks having luck doing just that. My luck i would have emptied a can and still have a stuck motor. Stay safe. Stay free.

[@Tannk42]

As others have said, this video was super helpful. Been researching online for a while about diagnosing the issue. Tested my final stage resistor, fuses, etc. Then saw this and decided to give spinning the motor over by hand a shot as you did. Similar issue it seems to old starter motor failures, where rapping on them can get them past a bad winding and get it freed up. Anyway, after spinning mine over by hand, I tested it and it's running again, albeit with a bit of a chirp. Glad to have narrowed it down and now I can pull it out/lube those bearings

[@cobravids]

Awesome. Glad we could help. Ours ran well until my daughter traded it in.

[@Tannk42]

@Dan The car guy It was, I pulled it apart and cleaned/freed things up but it failed again after about a year. I just installed a new one a month ago or so and would probably just do that again next time vs messing around with it.

[@patrick7639]

Good video very helpful, show me exactly what I’m not going to do. Time to go to the shop

[@cobravids]

It can be a difficult job to remove. Come back and let us know what they charged you for the job. Could help others with their choice of shop or do it themselves.

[@neilhampson2843]

Your a brave man. making a video under the dashboard on a Mini. Great job.

[@cobravids]

It was an adventure. We made it out with only a few scratches. What a ride. Lol, Thanks for watching. Stay safe out there.

[@anthonyhope6479]

2010 hardtop, fan was seized. I used PB spray and now it works. Thank you for the video

[@cobravids]

Awesome my friend. I am very glad to hear its spinning again. Stay safe out there. Thanks for watching.

[@anttiraninen7839]

@@cobravids Thanks for a very educational video. Ps. I was just wondering if there is any change to spray the PB to fan without disconnecting it at all? I mean by using the passenger side of the car.

[@cobravids]

@@anttiraninen7839 There are people who say they soak the inside with it and get it to work. However I think it may have been coincidence because of how the fan blades cover one of the bushings. All I can say is try it. Can't hurt. Thanks for the question. Stay safe.

[@anttiraninen7839]

@@cobravids Ok, that was just a wish after I looked the cramped area where the fan is located. But I have to think if it is worth trying... 😁 Thank you! 🙂

[@ironman27567]

Thanks for the vid! I just shoved my hand inside and spun it around a bunch and it worked!

[@cobravids]

Great glad to hear it. This is a very common issue with these. The motor/bushings get sticky. You may find that you need to remove the dam like I did and lube them up. Stay safe

[@jean-lucblaison8293]

Merci pour ton aide. J'ai réussi à réparer ma "R56 -Année 2007- 120 CV"

[@cobravids]

Vous êtes le bienvenu mon ami. Je suis très heureux que notre vidéo ait aidé nos amis du monde entier.

[@michaelbeazley2033]

What size torx bit was it for the three screws in fan? Anyone know?

[@cobravids]

I'm going to say it was a T10 or T15. It's been a few years so I can't say for sure. 8mm keeps popping in my head lol. Hope that helps. Hopefully someone who has done it more recently can clarify more.

[@michaelbeazley2033]

@@cobravids Thank you

[@seanmichael374]

Underrated video dude. Good work.

[@cobravids]

Thank you. We enjoy sharing our experiences amd helping others. Thanks for watching.

[@Gommerpile2300]

You definitely make it look easy, swapped out one on my mini Cooper and had to learn how to be a contortionist lol

[@cobravids]

100% agree. They didnt make it easy. I hate laying on my back under a car or dash. It's odd how I can lay in bed fine, but put me under a car or dash and I start feeling off. Thanks for stopping by amd commenting. Stay safe out there.

[@1MrLuar]

Thank you so much, I have fixed my blower watching your video. Super useful. 😜

[@cobravids]

Thank you for watching. I am glad it helped you. When my daughter traded hers in for her new car it was still blowing fine. Stay safe, stay free

[@rosshornby8968]

Great video , so uk cars are completely different 😢 it’s in reverse so almost impossible to remove but there is a way , you need to get a cheap borescope £20 and attach a 2mm hose which you can attach a can of wd40 (straw ) . Then use the camera and locate that plastic cap on the back , flicking of with a flat head exposing the motor bearings at the back , now you can see in the camera spray liberally . Go the the other side of the car and remove the cabin filter as shown and spray the fan from that direction , start to spin it manually to let the oil or strays on there you go it will come back to life without removal 😉 hope this helps on right hand drive cars 👍

[@cobravids]

That's some great information. Did you know you guys drive on the wrong side of the road? Here in the US we drive on the "Right" side. Lol. It's good to here from the UK. Thanks for providing some more input. There is always more than one way to skin a cat. Stay safe out there.

[@PremiumPaul007]

Bang on. Great video and agree - just fixed a UK mini as rosshornby describes. Fiddly but possible. Hardest part was getting at the rear nut to remove the electronic box housing. The right tools help.

[@sammythemod]

Ive basically just written the same comment at the top! 😂. How long did it take to soak in before it started spinning again???

[@sammythemod]

Did you remove the motor? Or just spray through the little inspection type hole on the top?

[@rosshornby8968]

@@sammythemod I just sprayed through the inspection hole , that’s why I got a borescope so I could direct the pray in the general area of the bearings . I can’t imagine it doing harm if it landed on the other parts but I just wanted to be sure , I also sprayed the other side which is through the panel filter side , I hope this helps 👍

[@sammythemod]

On uk models or right hand drive minis the motor is the opposite way and an absolute pig to remove. I’ve just been quoted £600 in labour alone to fix it as the whole dashboard needs to be removed. I’ve squirted WD40 into it by gaining access from the pollen filter. I’ve also prised the little square cap off and I’ve squirted loads of wd40 that end too hoping it’ll make its way to the bearing ? I’ll leave a few hours to soak in and hopefully it’ll start turning again 🤞.

[@cobravids]

After doing so try reaching in the filter hole and give the fan a manual spin. Also, I would request a second opinion on the labor. It's hard to believe they would be that different. Taking the dash off mine would have been easier but not required if you just work at it a bit. Definatly let us know your results. All this helps others. Thanks for watching and sharing your comments. Stay safe out there.

[@va4zis]

Thank tou so much! You just made my day, it worked just after spinning it, but i will take the blower off and lube it just in case :) thanks mate!!!!

[@cobravids]

You are welcome. It pleases me when my videos helps others. I used break free on ours and it ran for months until she traded it in. I ran the heck out of it and just cycled a bunch through the bearing areas. I would imagine a little grease or some of my motorcycle chain wax would stick around. Little better.

[@darthvader6394]

Thanks for your vedio really help me.Thanks again..

[@cobravids]

Your welcome. I'm glad I could help.

[@bernardwarr4187]

Great video. I wonder if it’s possible to lube it up with out removing from the car? Have you seen some people on YT remove the whole dashboard to get this job done? Many thanks

[@cobravids]

Before you do anything, remove cabin filter and reach in there and give the fan a spin. See if you can get it to spin. If you cannot the motor, it could be burnt out. You know, I have heard of people putting a longer hose on a lubrication spray can and putting it up through the cabin filter hole. Now, this will make the lube go everywhere, and it's really spray and pray. But I know people who have done it. Try what is called a dry lubricant. It's more electrically friendly. Some will short out and blow fuses and cause problems. That's why I chose to remove the motor. Some have even said they removed a rubber piece from the back of the motor and sprayed it in there. Whatever you wind up doing, please come back and share what you did and if it worked or not. It will help others in the future. Thanks for stopping by, thanks for commenting.

[@bernardwarr4187]

Hi bro. I owe you one! I am in the uk, so the steering is on the other side! I removed the driver seat, the throttle pedal, the large, under dash trim panel, and lastly the pinch bolt on the lower steering column. Then, same as you, dismantled the plastic cover from the fan motor. 6 screws altogether, however you can only see 3 looking at different angles with a good strip light right up under the dash, so need to feel the others. I change my motor as was blowing fuses. When reassembling, I use a 2 meter length of wire to pull the motor back in to the cover. The motor with are at the top and the cover arrow head point to the front of the car. Cheers

[@9mmtotheMellon]

Thanks buddy, appreciated, the top screw holding the computer module was a mother to remove. Hope your daughter appreciated the trouble. J

[@cobravids]

Yes the top screw is a pain. Great to hear you had some success. And yes she did. Lol. Have a great week. Stay safe.

[@jeffro4080]

How did you start the MINI without the key in?

[@cobravids]

I had to rewatch this video to see what you were referring to. I didnt realize the key was not in the slot. As of now I do not own that car so I cannot test my theory. I believe it is more than likely a proximity key, the slot the key goes into is only a holder for the key. Any MINI owners can chime in and let us know if I am correct. Good eye there buddy. Stay safe, Stay Free

[@woodsripper]

Before removing the blower, try hitting the outside of the blower motor housing/cover. This "malletizing" sometimes frees a stuck brush or a piece of carbon or debris between the brush and commutator. Same thing can be done with starter motors or other DC brush motors. It doesn't always work but if it does, it saves some time and, in my case, swearing.

[@cobravids]

You are correct sir. I had a mustang I had to take the ford hammer to the starter. It's pretty simple to pull the filter and reach up and turn the blades. The housing has a cover below the dash which needs to be removed to get to.

[@isaacwiles212]

Thanks for this it was really helpful, just fixed mine.it was the same as yours but I just removed the filter and twisted it a bit and it started working.👍

[@cobravids]

I am glad to hear this helped out. I twisted mine as you saw in the video and it was sill jambed up. Is it still working 3 months later?

[@isaacwiles212]

@@cobravids yes it's been fine ever since 🙂

[@fionatube0]

So i have 2010 mini. The HVAC/heat seems to only blow when the blower is turned up to the highest intensity. Does that mean the resistor is faulty and need a new one/clean off any build up? I am not sure what to do but I am wary to rip open my car.

[@cobravids]

Resistor possibly. Or it could be a sticky motor that only spins up when that much power is applied. I would reach up into the air box like I do on the video and spin the fan. If it feels gritty or gives resistance when you turn it I would say motor. If it spins smooth with no problems then I would look at the other.

[@relhage100]

​@@cobravids I am having a similar issue. The resistor seems to be giving the right voltages. The motor doesn't feel gritty. Also, the AC green light seems to turn on only at highest speed. Could it be a related diode/fuse somewhere?

[@cobravids]

@@relhage100 I believe the speed knob is a contact switch that sends signals in intervals rather than a wiper type. Have you pulled the speed knob/switch off and tested to make sure the signal is being sent from it? That's where I would start.

[@c8834]

un grand merci, sa ma bien aidé.

[@cobravids]

Je vous en prie. Content d'avoir pu t'aider. Merci d'avoir regardé.

[@caddy67]

That looks quite easy, thanks voor the vid! But what did your daughter get than for Christmas, since the blower motor wasn't wasted? 😊

[@cobravids]

A hard time for keeping her car dirty. Lol.

[@caddy67]

@@cobravids Well done dad 😁

[@abcxyz820]

What's the blower fan flow like when it's on full? Mine is on full, but I have a trickle.

[@cobravids]

It should be like a wind tunnel. Your fan could be restricted or the resistor malfunctioning.

[@abcxyz820]

@@cobravids thanks, i shall give the resistor a check.

[@djcalvin3047]

@@abcxyz820 Replace the blower and resistor together. there is a mini TSB on it. static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2015/MC-10147288-9999.pdf

[@christiannevola1704]

If the issue is the motor switching the airflow from my feet to my face, where would that be located? I have the part (valeo t1025902V mini 9286871) just need an installation video. Thank you!

[@cobravids]

My daughter has recently traded hers in. But, you may have to remove the glovebox and the drivers panel above feet in order to get to it. I do remember a vacuum valve in there when you have the covers off. Locate the air selector "flap" it is normally seen by a metal bar sticking out near where the blower is. Either side of that is where theb selector solenoids are located. Wish I do a video for you. I hope this helps.

[@christiannevola1704]

@@cobravids thank you brother!

[@jefffreedman9326]

Thank you, and I am working on mine now for a 2011 R60. To add to your great video - first, removing the trim under the steering wheel does nothing! The camera shots make it look like you have more room than you do - expect to be a contortionist. Second - i needed a deep socket and a small ratchet to get the computer loose. Easy once I had the right tool. Three - i am still struggling with the upper screw. The wire harness makes it harder to get to. The right length extension makes all the difference, and I am still looking for it. My motor started squeaking, and then blew the fuse, so out it needs to come.

[@cobravids]

It is a tough job. But worth it to save the cash. Ours ran for. Long time. Then my daughter traded it in.

[@jefffreedman9326]

@@cobravids adding one more comment for those it may help. This DID work on an R60, and the biggest pain once I had all the right length tools and short ratchet handles, was getting that top screw back in - the one that @cobra Vids did not show on the video. I am honestly impressed with what was shown on the video after spending time on my back to get my hands up there, and there is no way I could do it as quickly for a deadline. What helped me on the top screw on the R60 was popping out the connector that holds the wire bundle to the firewall. It is a plastic trim piece that is easy to pry out, and then you can move the wire bundle to access the right angle. It was a lot of SLOW turning of a screwdriver handle to get all those screws in while upside down - but it can be done with patience.

[@daviderickson5206]

This is a great video, although I have no idea how to contort my body to access the area in my '08 JCW. 🥴

[@cobravids]

Lol. Just morph into jelly arms and your all good. It's not to bad once you find that position that works. I had to get up a few times Just so my head stopped spinning.

[@MrPit58]

Thank you a lot very good job be safe

[@cobravids]

Thank you sir for watching. Safety is my middle name. Well its actually Freedom, well not really. Lol.

[@jnunez1203]

Good video sr

[@cobravids]

Thank you, I enjoy doing videos of every project I manage to get my hands on. I enjoy helping others and this video alone has helped so many. I am glad to see that it is still reaching others like yourself. BTW, ours ran for MANY months until my daughter traded it in.

[@RippyMcDippy]

has anyone done this with a 06 R50? if so I'm in need of some help. do I need to take the whole dash to get it out it seems stuck trying to pull it out? any input would be appreciated.

[@cobravids]

Theres something I read about this. I believe they talked about unbolting the main bolts of the dash and pulling outward while pulling the blower out. What is keeping it in? A bracket that may be removed? If its firewall then you will have to move dash outward.

[@RippyMcDippy]

@@cobravidsits a metal peice that runs the width of the car. i can see where its bolted was nervous to mess with it just incase of messing up wiring. is there any way you could link me to where you saw this. much appreciate the input.

[@RippyMcDippy]

So ended up taking it out and putting it in I needed to undo to motor from the housing to get it to fit got it all hooked up and still not working.... changing out the blower motor resistor next would anyone happen to know the voltages the motor should be receiving I’m reading around 7 when off and around 12 when on.

[@cobravids]

@@RippyMcDippy on highest speed it should be getting close to battery voltage. Off it shouldn't receive anything.

[@Lauralovefitnessuk]

I did this and fixed it and it’s just stopped again and now I can’t manually restart it again 😢

[@cobravids]

@Lauralovefitnessuk This is a sign of a bad motor, not just stuck. I would recommend replacing it.

[@Lauralovefitnessuk]

@@cobravidsthank you is it a simple fix

[@EvikeAirsoftGuns]

god bless you sir

[@cobravids]

Thank you for that. Were you able to get your blower working?

[@andrewhawkes9085]

Could you not just hit both side bearings with wd40?

[@cobravids]

I never use wd40 for things I want lubed a long time. You ever use wd40 in your doors of your car? It attracts all the dirt in the world. Using breakfree prevents much of the dirt build up and it last much longer. When I removed it I used the breakfree. Some have said they have gotten it freed up by spraying into the filter box. But removing it you can get to it easier and lube it over and over until your happy. You can even go further and remove the bushings and pack them with bearing grease. Thanks for watching. Stay free

[@denzelcrocker4956]

Mine begin rattling at 2+ speed. Time to clean that. Thanks

[@cobravids]

Thanks for posting. I was thinking what type of rattling? What I would do is remove the cabin filter and reach up into the hole and wiggle the fan. If you can feel play or hear it you will have to replace the fan. But could there have been something that made it through the cabin filter? Twig, acorn or other debris? Send your phone up in there to get a really.good video of what's up there. Please come back and share what you find.

[@denzelcrocker4956]

@@cobravids i will do this Task when it gets warm again. I think ITS something like Dog Hair. BC i already got so many out of the Car when i bought it. I will post again, when i saw what was in there

[@christophep4577]

Great, thanks !

[@cobravids]

You are very welcome sir. Thanks for watching.

[@iannang]

I did what itchyfinga369 did , remove filter , spray wd40 into blower unit turn back on replace filter close up ,hot car now happy days

[@cobravids]

Very cool. That has been known to work. Your lucky. Mine was gritty and need a good washout. Either way your up and running. Wd40 tends to dry out. You may have to do it again once summer hits. Thanks for the comment

[@wills7894]

Howd you get the smell from the lubricant out once it was unstuck?? I can still smell the liquid wrench when I turn it on lol

[@cobravids]

@@wills7894 That should go away. I used Breakfree which has very little smell and smells a little nice

[@iannang]

Yep give it a short drive with blower on the smell soon disperses

[@automotiveingenuityinc.9275]

Nice Guns.

[@cobravids]

Thanks. I have many videos involving firearms. Have a great weekend.

[@AliA-jr3iv]

Just fixed mine with WD40 and oil

[@cobravids]

I tend to use more of a penetrating oil to help make the oil stick around. Break free is great and is used in firearms and other heat related areas. My experience with wd40 is that it seems good for freeing things up but does attract dirt and grim easy and doesn't stay wet as long. I am glad you got it spinning. I didn't want to buy a new motor.

[@alm7707]

I quit watching when I saw you being a big showoff with your gun. 19153 views, can I take mine back? I have nothing against guns, just people who feel big while holding one. I just wanted the video.

[@cobravids]

Are you referring to our intro? Yes we do videos with guns. We are freedom loving americans. We share our adventures with our viewers. We do not show off anything my friend. I am sorry that firearms scare you to the point you turn off videos. I hope your mind broadens a little. This intro is an old one. We expanded In our newer videos because we went away from only gun videos. Keep watching you will see the drift away from firearms.