Buick Encore - Blower Motor Replacement

[@SouthMainAuto]

You think this is a stupid design.... check out the other most common car sold by Ford. The 3rd Gen Ford Escape puts this one to shame haha

[@draeger4652]

For reference, when Ford owned Land Rover for a bit, they used that same design on the Range Rover Evoque and the Discovery Sports, however, on the discovery sport they decided that there needs to be a screw that also holds the blower in on the same side that the release tab needs to be held down on. I had one come in from another shop that never put the screw back, told the customer to kick rocks when it came back with the blower inop. A bad day was had by me

[@82_KID]

04 Ford Taurus ready to be sold over how much is involved for AC

[@jimhaines8370]

I remember early 2000 caravans dash out blower motor some kind of EUROTRASH design and Mazda and ford probes blower miter backwards once again everything out because put in back side of hvac box and so and so on The Brembo clear coated rotors are even worse have to drive it twice as far as others

[@billmonroe8826]

The Ford Escape is junk! Try replacing a simple alternator! I guess I won't stop in and say hello when I'm coming through since you Tubers take up your time. lol

[@digitalrailroader]

It’s why I’ve called the 3rd Gen Escape the most maintenance unfriendly vehicle in ford’s ENTIRE portfolio. The engineer responsible for burying the battery halfway under the windshield cowl needs to be beaten with his own crappy design.

[@LMacNeill]

GM Engineer: "Let's permanently mount the blower-motor into the air-box so it'll be cheaper and easier to assemble." Other GM Engineer: "Don't blower-motors have moving parts, and wear out over time?" GM Accountant: "So? By the time it wears out, it'll be past the warranty period -- not our problem." Guarantee you this conversation took place. 100%

[@Papa-vq3fv]

Hell yes!

[@wallebo]

I wouldn't doubt one bit if this was actually a verbatim conversation.

[@throttlebottle5906]

I bet it never came up and was a streamlined design that nobody thought twice about. possibly done by the hvac assembly manufacture, if it's not gm directly.

[@bmw803]

That's what happens when accountants run companies instead of getting input from front line service guys at STEALERS.

[@robertsmith2956]

Interm: Not if we use a brushless motor, and controller. Clean out your desk, do you know how much that would cost....We are not wasting 3 cents.

[@creamsicle8888]

Firstly, Love the content. As a GM dealer tech I have seen many of these issues on the encores and chevy trax. sometimes the fan fixes it but be mindful of the harness that plugs into the blower motor, it only runs about a foot and a half back towards the center console and then it plugs into another connector, and what I have seen is poor pin tension on the ground side of the connection further back, had a couple of them. keep up the good work! from a neighbor in PA!

[@MusicandMachines]

Used to keep a golf club in my truck to whack the blower motor when I got in. You’d be surprised how long it will still work. Even trained my wife to kick it when we got in. Didn’t even have to remind her after a while. Made me proud every time 😢❤

[@hikerJohn]

My 02 Jeep Wrangler manages to eat leaves and then chew them up and then spit them out again . . .

[@davepompea]

Pretty much the same as my LeSabre. Had to kick it to get it going. Ordered a replacement but it cogged at low speed. So I removed the brush assembly in the original one, cleaned out the brush dust and put it back together. Worked great for another 6 years and would still be going strong if not for the NYS winters / salt eating the frame.

[@happycommentator6773]

I keep a hammer in my 98 Wrangler for those impromptu blower motor repairs. 😂

[@The98deville]

My 86 Ford Ranger had the blower motor under the hood, didn't even have to bend down to change it, then again it worked till almost 2002 when I sold it.

[@mod_incllc3235]

But then Dr. O would have no dumb customers!

[@officialsophiajanelle]

My husband and I just replaced our blower motor using your video as our instructor. Thank you so much! AC is blowing perfectly!! (took us 3 hours and 2 trips to the hardware store but we did it!!)

[@htownblue11]

When you’re 8 minutes into the video and Eric O is at the point of dog cussing a Chevy you know you’re in for a good ride.

[@wim0104]

followed up @9:45 "is this going to be done by a particular time?" oh boy, I'd effing at 5 fps!

[@ozzierabbit587]

And that's a simple explanation of why I never chose to become an auto mechanic.

[@demonknight7965]

😂

[@demonknight7965]

​@@ozzierabbit58720+ years as a used car dealer once everything started going full electronic and enginess being mounted sideways. I knew shit was going to be stupid and went nope

[@bobniehaus5053]

Lmao!

[@Redial2416]

Thank you for being a real mechanic and not covering up the bs that poor designs cause.😊

[@billziegmond4943]

My Dad worked for GM metal fabrication 56 years. I worked there while in school. Both of us asked the same question. "What idiot thought this was a good idea."

[@Lugnut64052]

An engineer who has never twisted a wrench.

[@dchawk81]

I don't really hate the guy who suggested it. I hate the guy who approved it.

[@Fullchaos40]

@@dchawk81 You'd be surprised how much blind signing off there is sometimes

[@PayNoTaxes0GetNoVote]

@@Fullchaos40 - Virtually all legislation presented in the US has entered the chat....

[@7700jessie]

The person who thought this was a great idea is probably related to the former VP of Bud Light.

[@hillbillyinpa2317]

What a great video Eric. First and foremost, I have always wanted a bulldozer too. Crane my neck to look at them since I was a kid. The bigger, the better. I’ll probably never get one though. So the reason I feel compelled to write is that I was a “Serviceability Engineer” at GM a long long time ago. Programs that I was most involved in were 95 Riviera/Aurora and 95 J car. GM had an entire group devoted to Service Readiness called STG (Service Technology Group). During engineering tradeoff discussions, we were generally last in line to get our desires for better serviceability. Piece cost, mass, buildability always had a much bigger voice. Watching this video transports me back. I can imagine being the Service guy in the engineering discussions about this blower motor. The Release Engineer probably had to be persuaded to even get the cutout molded into the case so that you could cut it out with a knife. Lots of negotiations would have happened around the costs involved and the serviceability guy would have to show how it could save warranty dollars just to get it to happen. Back in 1991, we found that 95 J car was not towable with some tow trucks. The stinger of the tow truck would actually break through the oil pan and into the crank during testing. Spent an entire summer at Milford Proving Grounds working with the team to convince engineering management to put several dollars into the car so this would not happen. I am a long time mechanic too (not professional). I appreciate the language conversion that you do in your head while working on stupid designs. I have trouble doing that conversion and rarely call things “Mother Lovers”. I left GM in 2007 and am now long retired. My memories there are of some incredibly brilliant people who really wanted to create great cars but were throttled by bean counters and bureaucracy. Thanks for all you do. Love your videos.

[@davidcamp4507]

Don't stress it Eric, if those cable tabs weren't "optional" they wouldn't have been molded from crapolium

[@shadowthesi]

The fact that they gave you two extra holes shows that even GM knew the part was cheap.

[@notsureigaf]

@@shadowthesi let's not give those clowns credit where it isn't due - chances are that crappy blower module is used in multiple models which may have additional wiring harnesses that clip into the additional mounts. This was likely just GM failing their way into accidental success thanks to their cheap parts-bin approach.

[@tetedur377]

@repentandbelieveinJesusChrist1 Reported as spam.

[@billylane6602]

Best mechanic on the internet by far. I watch all your videos and love the humor and experience.

[@robiecarmichael9958]

Only Eric can curse a repair and never say a curse word. Love your videos and the information. Keep up the great work. Belated happy Fathers day

[@fredcarroll5859]

Back in the mid-1970’s, automotive writer Tom Cahill (look him up) wrote for Mechanix Illustrated. He once interviewed a Detroit engineer and asked about service issues like this. They answered that they designed cars to be built, not to be repaired.

[@Mountain-Man-3000]

This is the kind of thing that production engineers and accountants live for. Probably saved a dollar per car by making that POS nearly unserviceable!

[@ua7pyro591]

and they will all burn

[@MrShobar]

One dollar per car is a huge amount of money over the course of a production run. It's not "unserviceable". A replacement was performed here.

[@mod_incllc3235]

more like .02 Cents per car. To save a dolla a car they'd delete a window.

[@spencers4121]

It also comes down to time on the line, if they can shave off a min here and there with a design.

[@MookieMan1]

@@MrShobar found the GM engineer.

[@josephchamberlain9129]

The ultimate torture- under dash work of any kind. As always you handled it well. I would have been tempted to remove the front passenger seat.

[@matthewmahoney6018]

I have a theory that the engineers who come up with these designs are usually promoted to management where they can make really bad decisions.

[@spencers4121]

All they care about is time on the line and cost, they don't care anything beyond that.

[@pjimmbojimmbo1990]

Not just Engineers, all Management appears to have been Incompetent in their earlier jobs

[@CraigGrant-sh3in]

@@pjimmbojimmbo1990 , My father worked in IBM. The moto was ,Fk Up,Move Up

[@Bill-xc8le]

@@CraigGrant-sh3inlol, I wonder if they taught Joe Biden that trick?

[@jeffreygoss8109]

At GM she made it all the way to CEO.

[@Diagnosedan]

I've never seen a design like this before, but now we know its out there. I stuck with you the entire time Eric. I even took the trip round town with you😂

[@aussiefirestorm]

Always stay for the toot round town, it is the highlight of my week!

[@user-mg4yw9yc7l]

@@aussiefirestorm yes I also enjoy the round town trips

[@markallen8434]

Integrity is all about what a real mechanic is about. You fit the bill.

[@BigDaddy_MRI]

Love those Wiha tools. I have 2 sets of the electronics screwdrivers and they are both about 6 years old and WOW! Talk about durable. Sorry the KZbinrs are bugging you. I’m just glad you take us along for the adventure. And, I might be 70, but I learn a lot of great info from your channel. Cheers and Happy Belated Father’s Day to you Mr. O! All the best to your family.

[@nhala04]

Thanks Eric! You've, been a lot of help, don't ever stop posting your very helpful videos!

[@RudyRudolph]

As someone that does about 95% of my own mechanic work, watching these videos lets me know which vehicles not to buy based off of repairability.

[@billchestnut6519]

That's pretty much everything isnt it?

[@snoopy5736]

Audi is da best

[@hansjansen7047]

Eventually you'll end up with a '93 1500 Chevy like me.

[@RudyRudolph]

@@billchestnut6519 The older I get, the more I appreicate the older vehicles. No fancy software, easy to work on, less plastic. And things just work. You don't have to worry about your cruise control not working because a button on the touch screen stopped responding.

[@justing9902]

@@snoopy5736 a man who doesnt work on cars for a living lmao

[@4b131]

It never ceases to amaze me that people, no matter how well intentioned, just want to disturb others that are working not realizing that you have a business to run and time is money. Nice repair Eric, hope the smoke from up hear in Canada has left you alone recently. First generation Mazda 3's also have a brutal design, blower motor, resistor and cabin filter are all a nightmare to access.

[@brianstefko8951]

I used to ride my bike in front of your shop many years ago and I'm so happy I found your channel

[@npsit1]

I'm reminded of a quote from a movie.. "The price of fame, Don. Now you've got the glory. You've gotta take the little heartaches that go with it. Now look at me. I got no glory. I got no fame. I got no big mansions. I got no money, but I've got.. What have I got? - I dunno, what have you got? - I gotta get out of there." You're a good man Mr. O. Keep up the great work.

[@boinger1988]

I love when Eric is all fired up and sassy!

[@lloydprunier4415]

Mega respect for your patience and ability! The more I watch you and other mechanics I know I made the right decision when I left the automotive repair profession. I still do almost all of my own maintenance and repairs, but never stop learning from your videos. I would bring my vehicle to you if I was in your neighborhood. I know you could diagnose my electrical problem with a BCM. No worries though I'm around 2,000 miles away!

[@The98deville]

I've said it for years, engineers should be required to fix their stuff after the car is assembled

[@bmw803]

They should be required to work as a mechanic at their Dealers for at least 5 years.

[@kennycunningham8721]

Thank you for a real video in the life of a mechanic it's not glamorous and the people wonder why it cost so much.

[@KRTube75]

I've done this in a 2015 encore 3 times now. My daughter kept saying the a/c would stop working so I grabbed the scope and multimeter and spent a couple hours troubleshooting this three different times. Never found any issues. The problem ended up being a bad connector elsewhere in the hvac system. I was always surprised that the rear screw for the cover always went in perfectly first try.

[@scrappy7571]

Went in perfectly to the garbage can. Nobodys gots time for dat...

[@1EagleDave]

your the best Eric alot of your videos esp. the Pacifica with the puss on the underside of the fuse box was the best thanks for yet another awesome video Canada

[@yvonnejohnson1557]

Engineers are so wonderful drawing it up but they don't have to worry about working on it thanks Gary

[@Latarian_HoodRat]

Hey Eric! Upon recommendation from you I bought a Wera kit for myself, and two more for the kids! They're great!

[@hikerJohn]

Your suffering through this and complaining is helping me suffer through similar situations with *less* complaining because if YOU can do it, I can do it too.

[@tjevans3025]

Great video. We have guest with the same issue, and when my tech told me we had to literally cut the motor out I was astonished. After seeing what a hassle this job is, it may be better for my tech to let our guest take it elsewhere. The guest came in stating the ac blower motor wasn't working. He never said intermittent. I told him it was $21.99 to diagnose it, and if he went with our repair recommendation the $21.99 would be credited. My tech verified that we had power going to the motor, which pretty much let us know we had a bad motor. The tech explained we had to literally cut the motor out. The guest left and agreed to come back the next morning. We quoted him like $398 for the job. He goes back to his car, then comes back in the shop all upset saying his fan motor wasn't working???? You did a great job on this, but honestly what a crazy design. And I have a crazy guest on my hands.

[@autotek7930]

I have to say the engineering on today's vehicles is insane at the very least. I'm amazed everytime i get into a new one. Every now and then i run across something that actually makes sense and that just makes my day

[@Garth2011]

Yes and very not worth the money they are asking for them. Sadly, the public buys them vs. keeping their old rides and fixing them in order to send a message

[@GeekGinger]

To replace the one on my 71 Camaro you have to remove the inner fender, and it ain’t one of the modern flexible kind. Solid steel, with many bolts. It’s a PITA. It’s not a new phenomenon.

[@autotek7930]

I'm keeping my 2000 xj. In fact I spent 4 times what I paid for it to replace the engine lol. But it's a 4.7l stroker now. I went that route coz a used stock engine was expensive for what you get. A reman one was almost as much as the stroker and they ain't got forged internals

[@codo7]

It is a matter of ease of assembly at an automated plant and lack of familiarity with repair procedures...

[@Garth2011]

@@codo7 Mostly, this isn't a new idea, to design things and well as design methods to service them once put into operation. Looks like the "builders" got the authority in this idea vs. those who design for service or support once sold.

[@donaldyoast6532]

Eric, please don't stop taking other people besides who live locally. I would love to bring my GMC pickup to you and have you fix it. I've had it to 2 different dealerships and a handful of local "mechanics" they can't figure it out. The engine or transmission cuts out for a second when driving. Thanks, Eric for being honest about the work you do.

[@JT-dx1qk]

A great engineering idea , kinda like the wet timing belt design... Brilliant

[@e.b.6766]

I’ve been using that socket-screw trick with a piece of paper towel for years on helicopters while in the Army. Learned it from one of my mentors. Showed some guys in Greece that same trick when I was teaching… they loved it. Just have to make sure you don’t lose any of your materials while working on aircraft.

[@riceburner4747]

Gulf hat! I wore one in the 70's as a teen when gas was 29 cents a gallon! U are great, Eric, @ improvising. Another job well done! 👍🇺🇸

[@tomtheplummer7322]

...and ya drove around with that orange styrofoam gulf-ball or 76(same company) on your whip antenna 😂👍🏻😎

[@aigoru8718]

Those footwell spaces are something special. Took me the best part of 4 hours to change a clutch master because of the unreachable stuff and cramp inducing contortions needed to do the job. Even my mother (who never ever turned a wrench) came by and told me "just take the seat out". I hate working on cars sometimes.

[@gokblok]

I was a Dodge tech for about 5 years. The Darts had a bluetooth/wireless module under the driver dash that was basically mounted right under the windshield. I used to pull the driver seat and lay down in the floor, then fight with stuff in the way until you could finally get the module out. It paid 0.3 hours under warranty.

[@LeverPhile]

Your Ma was right ... just take the seat out!

[@stevenmoomey2115]

And you are supposed to use new bolts, to remount the seat. “Safety Requirement.” $$$$ from the dealer.,

[@Heatherder]

@@gokblokthats how you work on all instruments and controls in single engine cessnas

[@mattharper588]

My brother-in-law retired from Chrysler as a engineer and he told me that a lot of this kind of engineering happens because at certain points a lot of the vehicle has already been designed and now it gets to the point where other components have to be installed and they have to come up with solutions

[@jima3129]

You just verified my thinking, the hand doesn't know what the elbow is doing. This kind of crap did not happen back before cars were designed on computers by morons that never swung a wrench

[@jima3129]

Hey Eric, is it legal to have a cell phone stuck into your face going down the road in NY?

[@mattbrown5511]

Stupid is as stupid does to para phrase a certain movie character.

[@scannerlanier471]

You can tell your b-i-l that I can relate to what he is saying, but don't pass the buck, it still falls back on poor engineering. You can also tell him that I understand the pressures that engineers are under from higher ups in marketing and financial. Engineers have the best intentions to do things right, but marketing and financial often times handcuff them and they have to do a fast, half assed job. I used to have a service mgr that actually stood up for the techs. He wouldn't let marketing sell junk, only stuff that was engineered correctly. That's the whole trouble. Too many engineering mgrs don't have the balls to stand up to marketing and financial without losing their bonuses. So it all boils down to bad engineering. Good engineering would stand up to the pressures without folding.

[@mattharper588]

@@scannerlanier471 If my B I would have stood up to and complained to his bosses they would have shown him out the door

[@patarmitage2250]

I once went through a whole winter using the "Kick" method on my old GM

[@ralfie8801]

Don’t worry about those engineers, if they have any feelings left, it’s only one, and when your patience runs thin with their designs, it’s 100% OK to step on that last feeling and smush it really good.

[@trotva]

Had a 65 Ford wagon in high school. Needed a new blower motor. My dad's mechanic said buy part and he could install it on Monday or Tuesday. It was Thursday and freezing. I got mad and did it myself. I was so excited I got it done. Told myself who needs a mechanic when I can do it myself. On Monday morning, the transmission crashed. I really got humbled after that.

[@jimbos1567]

You are one of my most favorite video's to watch. That having been said, I need to point out that because of your personality, and your nice family, a lot of us would love to meet you. Don't worry, I'm in Michigan and 80 years old, so I'm not coming to see you, but you get the drift. With stardom comes annoying attention from some fans that perhaps mean well, but don't have a clear handle on the fact that they are invading your privacy, and if enough of them showed, it would destroy your business. Try to remember that you are a fascinating personality, and it's been displayed many times on u tube. Keep the video's coming, and do what you gotta do to protect that privacy.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Thanks Jim. I get it but just some days it gets pretty frustrating when I'm trying to get some work done. 🤷‍♂️ I'll keep on keeping on 👍🏼

[@HeyYoCopernicus]

Everytime I see Eric working on new junk I hug my 90s Toyota T100 even tighter. Love how simple everything used to be.

[@bborkzilla]

I do the same for my 1988 S-10

[@riceburner4747]

I notice how little Toyotas are in his shop🤔 .

[@mod_incllc3235]

1995 T-100 with 125K for the win!

[@HeyYoCopernicus]

@@mod_incllc3235 95 with 262k here!

[@dalemihocik4732]

@@riceburner4747 That's true, they're all in the Pull-A-Part yard rusting away.

[@emcque]

It sucks that "fans" are making BS appointments and wasting your time. I was driving from Buffalo back to PA this weekend and saw the Avoca exit. All I did was wave (you probably didn't see me). Never dreamed of going and bothering you while you worked - especially empty handed. Anyway, I hope your day got better. Nice simple diag followed by one of those crap-show repairs where things fight you the whole way. I always appreciate your "struggle" videos as much as the routine stuff. Tell Luna I said, "pspspspsps", too.

[@athenarocar]

Chevy Sonic is the same way. I used an oscillating multi tool to cut through the darn plastic. Took about 15 minutes and was much better than using a utility knife like I started to use. After I slipped the first time with the knife, I moved on to power tools.

[@johnerway7255]

Oh, yes, the old days when you took the blower motor out, from under the hood. Thanks for the overview on how to do it. And again, remember if you can do it, I can watch. lol, Love the videos Eric.

[@scrappy7571]

We use a 1/8 inch drill bit in a die grinder to cut the groove. Works like a mini router. Oh and charge extra for first time removal.

[@edwardmissouri2216]

Wow, you have some really historic homes around there. Very cool

[@ArmandoLopez-ud4hb]

Erik, you are the best!!! This one got you a little frustrated but enjoyable. I have learned a lot from you! Thank you so much!!!

[@JamesSterling]

If I am made King for a day I will declare that all engineers will be required to repair anything they design before it can go into production.

[@snoopdogie187]

Its probably not the engineer but the bean counter. They care a lot about making it as cheap as possible.

[@ogee634]

Please make it so. Although, nothing might be built because they’ll bleed out first.

[@wallebo]

Outstanding idea!

[@hmbld1]

Hey great design on GM's part. They saved 13 cents when they made it!

[@jeffm7779]

Love your honesty and you sharing your frustration. That frustration is what I go through almost every time I work on my vehicles.

[@ullrangtheviking4412]

Forgetting to step back and calm down, is what made me a world champion in the 1/2 inch ratchet throw.

[@charleskile3769]

Mr. O, Another great video. I worked dealership back in the 80s and my mentor worked dealerships in the late 40s we all had stories about engineers this and that, you do good honest repairs and I'm sure you inspire these young techs to do the same. Thank you for taking the time to make and share each one of these videos with us youtubers.

[@NikMitchell]

i sat there, slack-jawed in amazement, that anyone would make a molded blower motor. Incredible. Wow.

[@advancedleveldiagnostics]

Great Video, Thanks! As someone who recently had the privilege of changing a headlight on a 2007 Buick Lucerne, I feel your pain!

[@JT-lq4yd]

Is it worse or similar to a 2014 Chevy Traverse?

[@advancedleveldiagnostics]

@@JT-lq4yd Never done a traverse, but the whole bumper has to come off!

[@xlandros]

@@advancedleveldiagnosticsSame with a Dodge Caravan, have to take apart the whole front of the van! Must be they teach that in vehicle design school….lol.

[@JT-lq4yd]

@@advancedleveldiagnostics It is much worse then, on the Traverse I done it through the wheel well.

[@advancedleveldiagnostics]

@@JT-lq4yd Ye, you can't go through the wheel well on the Buick.

[@Fix_It_Again_Tony]

Watching this is really getting my into the holiday spirit.

[@alvydasurbonas8913]

i just use soldering iron to melt plastic together, melt in some coper wire strands for more strength. Fixed a lot of headlight mounts and bumpers and a lot more.

[@familiedejonge6813]

And use CA glue with charcoal powder!!

[@joecoleman3069]

I'm sorry to hear that KZbinrs are bringing there non-broken cars to your shop. Back when there were less that 50K viewers, I stopped by with a gift and met you and Mrs. O. You guys were very nice and I'm glad we met. I would never stop in again because with 800k viewers you could spend your entire day doing nothing but talking to KZbinrs. The price you are paying for success is amazing. I wonder how many times you have wished you had named you channel something else.

[@SomeRandomHuman717]

Can't remember which, but another KZbin mechanic follows this pretty good rule: If he breaks it taking it apart it's on the customer; if he breaks it putting it back together it's on him and his shop.

[@Garth2011]

Bad idea.

[@killer2600]

@@Garth2011 If the mechanic breaks a part because they aren't using the right tools or procedures to remove something then it should be on the mechanic but if a part breaks because it's brittle, corroded, or otherwise can't withstand the disassembly process then that will be on the customer. There are many videos where Eric quotes extra replacement parts that he expects will break before even starting the job.

[@Garth2011]

@@killer2600 All good if that is discussed ahead of time with the customer so they can decide if they want to take those risks. Not everyone is aware of their vehicle condition.

[@sanchocloset5987]

I remember I would have to change a taillight bulb on an old, brittle ,cracked, falling apart taillight. Those things would disintegrate as soon as you touched it. I would always take pictures and tell supervisor what would eventually happen to cover my ass. Such a dilemma for a small repair

[@erikdukes8087]

It was funny to watch Eric O calm himself down after freaking out a bit. Just one of those days.

[@rustynails68]

When you think that you have all of the screws, that means that there is one more.

[@JoseSilveira-newhandleforYT]

Brilliant design! Created to be annoying to service and always require parts, even if only cleaning. Good job fighting the Matrix, Eric :-)

[@jblyon2]

The Buick Encore is a badge-engineered Opel designed in Germany. This was a walk in the park compared to most German blower motor designs!

[@JBOGermany]

The worst blower motor design is in the Opel Vivaro /Renault Trafic in combination with AC. A French Vehicle assembled by the Brits with a Opel badge on the Grille! That's is the reason why it's called "Eurotrash" 😂 I named it Renopel Vivafic

[@markcollins457]

If this is badge engineering the term engineer needs to be reddefined.

[@markcollins457]

redefined.

[@brand-x7049]

Sreten recently had to replace the blower motor and resistor pack in his '08 E60 M5, and it basically amounted to gutting the entire center section of the dash...

[@paulwolfe3709]

​@@JBOGermany Back in the day, I replaced a heater blower motor on a 1975 Mercedes 300D (not to be confused with the A.C.motor, which was ALSO a pain). Imagine a blower motor suspended in the middle of a room. Then imagine building an entire car around that motor. And the real kicker was every now and again, the connector would pull out during reinstallation, and the dang thing wouldn't work. Boy! I miss those days!

[@victorbellan8357]

Your frustration is understandable ! Thanks for sharing!

[@mikecopenhaver4484]

That was as exciting as cutting a 4x4 hole in housing to replace blower Module, nothing wrong with motor on Lincoln LS. Forgot to mention glueing hole back shut. Beats taking complete dash out!

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

This channel is helpful, thank you. A while back I think it was on this channel that you had a complaint about a tapping noise that went away on warm up. It was a valve lifter. I own a Subaru, with cylinders on the side - so I knew it was not that. What it was instead when I used a screwdriver to listen for it - it seems to be a timing belt tensioner. upon further research I learned that when the oil is cold the tensioner when going does not get enough oil and it makes a tapping noise on the Subaru engine. I thank Eric as his methodical methods got me thinking about how to diagnose what is going on. I won't fix it but I can tell my trusted mechanic what is wrong so he can double check my work and replace it (it requires taking the front bumper off - too much for me).

[@jbrhel]

Someday the wrench turners among us will get even with auto engineers. I hope I live to see it!

[@wim0104]

engineers need to push back against this crap. if not, that's how we end up with gas tank explosions in ordinary accidents, because Ford tried to save a buck.

[@donwest5387]

Hi Ray; "the Fonzarelli" made me smile. "Intermitants" are the most rewarding to identify.

[@KrazyGoodMods]

Working at a Chevy dealer, I see plenty of their cost cutting ideas. From roughly 2003 to 2014 they deleted cabin filters on a number of their vehicles. My 2012 Silverado was lucky enough to have a kit available to add it back in.

[@shawnlee3495]

I enjoy your comedy as well as watching you work on cars. I agree, it is very frustrating doing mechanical work. I keep doing it though. It is very satisfying. Once i get it done

[@DrFiero]

Obviously in this one, the fan controller IS good - but twice now (over the course of several years) I've had the controller go out on my TrailBlazer. The 2nd time I said screw it, and just the replaced the mosfet in it for about 50 cents! Beats the $60-80 or whatever it was for a whole unit.

[@johnwsimpson3153]

I have the Chevy version of this car (2019 Trax). I hasn't needed service so far, except for oil changes and new wipers. These South Main videos will be helpful as as it gets older.

[@vwwrenchie314]

GM engineers: "we DARE you to try and service this ..." SMA Regular door rate $100.00...KZbinr door rate $425.00😂

[@SouthMainAuto]

I am seriously tempted. We pasted the stupid point....

[@braaapattack2937]

Not gonna lie. I’m only 2ish hrs from sma… if my car was having an issue that was beyond me figuring out, I’d have no problem paying that and dropping the car off for a week or two for him to look at and fix it

[@henrybucki7813]

loved your video today. almost true to life . worked all may life fitting a/c and refrigeration been there done that now , Now i get to watch you

[@richardcrouse9074]

The more I watch SMA the more I love my Volvo 240.

[@richsarchet9762]

Have you replaced the blower in a 240? I have. It took days. Apparently the assembly of 240s starts with the blower and the car is built around it. Step 1 in Chilton's is disconnect the battery. Step 2 is remove the instrument panel with a reference to that procedure. Remove instrument panel has 34 steps, the second one is lower the steering column. Step 2 of that is remove the driver's seat....you get the idea.

[@richardcrouse9074]

@@richsarchet9762 yes I have and it does take a while but I’ve found it easier to remove the whole dash. Now I have a spare complete unit to change out when the fan goes bad. I do the same with the fuel pump and filter bracket. Have new or refurbished ones ready to go in and it makes life much easier. I also want to check into the Vintage Air company to see if a similar HVAC system will fit the 240s. At best, the 240 AC is not good enough for me. I drive 04 S80 in the summer or on long trips. I like the S80 but I feel at home in a 240. Once I find an AC remedy for the 240 the S80 will be sold or donated.

[@jeffbuckles]

@@richardcrouse9074 "Easier to remove whole dash" The steps listed by richardsharchet9762 _are_ steps in removing the dash. I've done it, too. Every other car I have ever worked on (All 1993 or older): only a few screws and out comes the motor.

[@JoseMartinez-tc9pr]

I laughed when you finished and drove down the road. The radio had a Christian radio station. Your patience has served you well grasshopper. Lean on His understanding...maybe a swear jar?..love the videos and sense of humor..great mechanic.(GM)

[@philliplopez8745]

I remember removing the entire dashboard out of my fairmont wagon just to replace the heater core . They could have made it accessible from the firewall , but no you had to remove the dash to remove it .

[@paullinkins8121]

That's actually quite common with most vehicles now. You even get the luxury of discharging the A/C system as part of the deal.

[@scrappy7571]

Try doing one on a modern GM truck... Unreal how much crap is bolted to the dash. It's a 12 hour job. Those fords could be done in 3 hours.

[@clydestanley4740]

That’s the same engineering that puts the starter underneath the intake manifold. Brilliant

[@Garth2011]

This one reminds me of a Ford F 350 Powerstroke maybe 8 years back or so on another channel that needed a water pump replacement and it was under warranty. Those trucks came new with one piece plastic fan shrouds that attached to the radiator. The warranty book time wouldn't pay the mechanics to remove the fan shroud as one piece so instead, the warranty procedure was telling the mechanics to cut the fan shroud in half, leaving the lower so they could remove the upper half to perform the task. At some point, there was a customer who had an issue with that idea and demanded Ford replace the shroud like it was before the the repair. Ford fought him...but the customer finally got one after much effort. This is so very stupid...Ford wants to cut the labor times to save money but by mutilating the customers vehicle to do so. You really have to wonder if those manufacturers don't need to be policed with their methods to save money or perform legitimate support business.

[@tomtheplummer7322]

Also required when replacing the serpentine belt 🤷‍♂️😏

[@shanestrains2849]

The screw way in the back reminds me of the 99-present chevy trucks, the little 7mm stuffed up under the center console for the hush panel 😁

[@ruley73]

This isn't the only GM vehicle that requires cutting the original blower motor out. The Saturn Ion does too. Good point about debris falling into the impeller.

[@daveclark8337]

But then why make a blower motor that only last 5 years? I'll never understand how people keep buying these crappy cars.

[@ruley73]

@Jonathan They're both delta platform cars so it makes sense.

[@ruley73]

@Jonathan-mp7xg The "both" in my previous statement was obviously referring to the Cobalt and Ion. 🤦‍♂

[@kastooMcFry]

I feel your frustration and would have started cursing, just after seeing that mess. Thanks, Eric. Some days you're the windshield but today you were the bug.

[@markwatson9816]

In defense of engineers, it's often the bean counters and management who listen to them over the engineers who make these demands. "I need it sooner and cheaper!" Been there and done that- as the engineer not the other side.

[@georgescott6967]

I guess that they, in turn, are being pushed by the owners/shareholders demanding a higher return on their investment. However, this is all a consumer driven market, and they are demanding the lowest upfront cost and new models every year. If consumers demanded 'easy to repair and hang the expense' then that is what they would get.

[@markwatson9816]

@@georgescott6967 Point taken - your comment is fair enough.

[@andrewevanoff1192]

Yep. Cost Savings.

[@s.j.5850]

Then you get a product that people don't want to buy because of the repair issues ($$$). Word does get out about cost-cutting measures that eventually cost the customers more money because of a poor design.

[@rickbrodston1800]

Your hilarious even in your pain ... thanx for being human and God bless... He knows we are just dust.

[@drsethsr]

The HVAC doors can be a problem too, requiring the dash to be removed.

[@stuartbuckley6113]

I hate those days where everything fights you and your feeling 😠 😡 thanks for the laughs and video.

[@NickHappyCamper777]

A statement a mechanic hates to use...”that didn’t sound good!” LOL

[@dalemurray6834]

Another Great video. Came to see you last Friday thanks for the T shirt. Hope you and Mrs O had a great meal. Thanks again for your time and keep the video coming

[@krama2940]

Nice job Eric. Modern cars seem to be built to make repairs a challenge on purpose by the engineers. It like They pay more attention to the building process.

[@briandeschene8424]

That is exactly correct because the building process costs the manufacturer money not any future repairs.

[@scrappy7571]

Built to be assembled, not taken apart. Most repairs go faster when reassembling the mess, than taking apart.

[@marcshankin9327]

Yes I agree, just did a brake job on a Volkswagen and in order to do it you have to use your scan tool for the electric calipers just freaking retarded

[@garymeredith2441]

It is nice to see the rain where you're at their Mr O because last time we watch one of your videos you had smoke so thick it looked like fog so hopefully that Canadian smoke is gone , great video as always and yes you are allowed to gripe and complain and talk about the fine GM product that you worked on there .

[@burtbacarach5034]

Way to go GM,another great design.

[@billr6983]

Had a 2007 Pontiac G5 with an intermittent blower motor mounted much the same way. In the winter, of course. Would have had to cut it out also. Luckily for me it turned out to be a sloppy power plug connector, just bent a couple pins and it was good from then on. Watching this I'm glad I didn't have to go through all this.

[@keepcalmandfarmon5401]

The GM engineers deserve your feedback! I let the Chrysler engineers know my opinion of them when I had to change the timing belt on my 2002 PT Cruiser (a.k.a. PT Loser).

[@reweydewy]

That center engine mount is the worst part!

[@lucidbarrier]

My neighbor keeps buying those things. There's literally no room in the engine bay to do anything. How did they shove that engine in that cramped, tiny space?

[@reweydewy]

lucidbarrier there actually easy to work on. I would take a pt cruiser over many many other cars any day.... similar setup on the dodge neon 2.0 and caravan 2.4

[@keithslaton117]

First one I did in place, took 6 hours, second one I dropped the entire engine cradle on the ground, took 6 hours. The heater core on a PT is more fun, front seats, console, and entire dash has to come out. After you evac the A/C and pull the entire heater box, all you have left is a back seat and carpet in the car 🤦‍♂️

[@keepcalmandfarmon5401]

@@keithslaton117 Your comments got me laughing!!! I am happy I never had to do a heater core!!! I was happy DRIVING my PT, but working on it created unpleasant emotions.

[@HayesTech]

That is crazy that people would do that just to meet you... Or get their vehicle fixed on a video... I completely agree with increasing your rates.

[@GaJeepr]

I can only imagine what it’s like being “publicly” available. And I have that same little multiple bit set! It is awesome and is a common go-to.

[@hikerJohn]

Where can I get it?

[@mod_incllc3235]

@@hikerJohn Amazon of course

[@hikerJohn]

@@mod_incllc3235 All I needed was the brand name of the tool. I now have that.

[@MrGardman]

Reminds me of the old Pontiacs that had the indentation in the right front fender well to cut to get the blower out.