Replacing the AC/Heater Blower Motor

For some time now I've been noticing a change in the sound of my AC blower motor. Then the other day, the resistor pack for this motor blew out. I have ordered a new resistor pack from a Toyota dealer, but I am wondering if it might be a good idea to replace the blower motor as well (as I think since it is now almost 7 years old, it's the likely cause of the resistor pack dying.)
My question centers on the blower motor itself. I got a price from the dealer of $165. But I see some compatible blower motors on Amazon for something like $30. Has anyone on here used a third-party blower motor? What is your opinion of these low-cost third-party parts?

 

Na. Send it

 

Unplug the connector to the blower motor.
See if it’s scorched or melted. Some times this can happen.


If it looks good, run it.

 

My wiring harness had fried so I replaced my resistor, wiring harness and fan at the same time.

Recommend you check your connector. If it shows no sighs of burning/arcing bueno.

The fan itself is super-easy to replace. 3 screws, 15 minutes out and back in.

I too looked at the $30-ish units on Amazon.

Personally I put a Toyota fan back in. I did use a Dorman wiring harness and resistor.

My decision was based on reviews of the cheap units being noisy. For $30 bucks and 15 minutes you may want to just give it a try.

 

I put a tyc brand in when my motor was doing the annoying tick tick sound. The tyc brand was very loud . The oem is so much quieter. Spend the extra coin for the OEM

 

Thanks to everyone for their replies and advice. I examined the wiring going to the resistor unit and to the motor itself and found no evidence of overheating. So I guess for now, I will replace the resistor pack and continue to use the stock Toyota blower motor. If the new resistor unit burns up in the future, I will replace it (again) and replace the blower motor at the same time.

-- Thanks again!

 

Have a 2011 tacoma. Rarely use the AC except when really hot. The other day fan wouldn't start. So, I did the same, resister and Dorman wire harness. After that fan still didn't come on consistently. I look at the connector going into the fan and found This. Another $15 to Amazon. Got 12 Gage wire. Can't believe this hasn't started a fire and a lawsuit yet.

 

That looks serious. I have inspected the connector going to my resistor pack and the one that plugs into the motor and both look pretty much like new. After much back and forth on this, I've decided to replace both the resistor and motor. I don't want to have to deal with this again. I have found that motor online (an original Toyota OEM unit) for the $120 range - which is still expensive - but worth it not to deal with this problem anymore.