Sometimes the blower motor won't run when I first start my 2009 XD. I figured the motor was going, but it spins freely when I pull off the glove box and filter and hand turn it. Then over time I came to realize that with one stiff rap of my fist on the top of the dashboard on the passenger side, and the motor will start right up. So that seems more like a loose connection than a bad motor, but none of the wires I've found seem to cause intermittent operation when I move them. Now from watching videos I realize it might be a relay too so maybe that's the problem? I don't have a schematic or parts location diagram. Can anyone help me troubleshoot or find these parts? If I could get to the actual motor power connections and clip on a DVM, at least I could see if the motor was getting voltage, and if it comes back when I bang on the dashboard. Any help appreciated.

 

You ever hear when someone turns the ignition on their car and there's a grinding sound because the teeth on the flexplate are worn out?....then after grinding a few times, the engine spins and fires up. The reason this happens is because engines tend to stop spinning in the same rotational position when turned off and the teeth get worn out after the starter engages these same teeth after years & years of use. The same thing happens with a blower motor.......sort of.

It takes more amperage to get a blower motor to begin spinning than it does to maintain it spinning. The older a blower motor gets, the more amperage it takes to get it to begin spinning. And just like an engine, the blower motor is part of a system. An engine system retains heat which helps it start easier.....a blower motor system retains electricity which helps it start spinning when all power capacitors associated with the electrical system are full of electricity (warmed up).

If there is no visible heat damage to the wires/connectors and this no-spin situation only happen after the blower motor has not been used for many hours, the blower motor needs to be replaced.

I've replaced countless blower motors where the vehicle exhibited this same situation.

Additionally, the air conditioning and defrost feature also get their power supplied thru the same relay which powers the blower motor. If the blower motor doesn't spin BUT you hear the A/C clutch engage momentarily, you know the blower motor is also getting power sent to it.

 

Thanks!!! Do you happen to know exactly which relay I'm looking for and where it is? Seems I've read at least one similar case on an XB where the owner rapped on the relay case with the back of a screwdriver and the motor started right up, so I'd like to at least eliminate it. Come to think of it, I don't think I was hearing the AC compressor cycle when the blower was not moving, so if the relay controls both that would be an easy fix! The motor itself looks pretty easy to change, but still requires a limber back to get to , so wish me luck.

Then once this is dealt with, I sure would like to see if any folks have modified the resistor. Since day one I always wished the last speed setting before max speed was just a little faster.

 

The blower motor relay can be in a few different locations depending on which electrical options came on your xD. Most commonly though, it's the blue relay located in the fuse box near the headlight in the engine compartment. I believe it's labeled R3........It's not labeled "blower motor".

 

Thank you!

 

Well its definitely the blower motor, and looking back I need to offer kudos for such a perfect description of the problem, which really was just like that flexplate you mentioned, Pulling out the glove box and the cabin filter so I could see the motor, I set it to low so I could easily stop it. But turning to different positions and releasing, sure enough there is a spot along the rotation where it just won't turn, regardless of speed setting. I suppose this is motor with brushes and a DC commutator, that is now either missing a copper segment, or its just badly fouled.So thanks again for a super accurate description of the problem! My DIY instincts would be to take the motor apart and attempt repair, but my evolving common sense tells me that if I'm going to the trouble to get it out, to just replace the damn thing! LOL.They don't seem very pricey as long as I don't buy it from the dealer.

Could I pick your brain a little more for guidance on the physical replacement? I can't find a complete youtube on my model, and the other SCIONs seem too different for the videos I found to be useful. There seem to be two large screws holding the whole assemble to the front of the dash, once the glove box is removed. But I doubt its going to be THAT simple right?

 

You could try searching videos for "Toyota Urban Cruiser" and "Toyota Ist" as these cars are same as Scion xD and sold under those names in different countries. However, these other cars are "right hand drive" not left hand drive like here in North America.

There will be three screws which secure the blower motor to the HVAC box. Unplug the blower motor electrical connector, remove the three screws, pull the blower motor straight down to remove it.

 

Hey Tony, I've watched enough videos now, and with your helpful advise I'm ready to replace that blower. But... it seems like finding a replacement part that's any good is going to be a challenge! Two videos I've seen now suggest I look for blowers with balancing clips somewhere on the fins, and to look for a lifetime warranty because most are only guaranteed for a year. But I'm not seeing ANY like that on line! Even the parts company that produced the video didn't respond when I asked why none of their stock has the balancing fins or a longer warranty. Even the dealer's replacement offers only 1 year warranty. I just started having trouble with my blower this year (2022), and this was a 2009 Scion! It would be nice is I could get a decent replacement. Who do you recommend?