I have a 2004 RX. I think I have a bad AC/Heater blower motor. This has happened in the past but occurring more frequently now. Ocassionally the fan will simply not come on. If I take the panel off and bang the motor with a screwdriver it kicks back on. So I'm assuming that its just bad starter contacts on the motor. How difficult of an install and cost will this be. Can I do it myself. Also, I have noticed this year the dreaded mildew smell coming from the vent before the motor went. Could these be related or does the mildew come more from the problems with the AC condendsor itself?

Thanks

 

There is no reason for Lexus to put in ac (alternating current) motor, so the starter part does not apply. The dc motors can be brushless or with commutator-brushes. I have not opened the AC (air conditioning) blower motor but for cost reasons, I think it will be the commutator-brush kind.

There could be physical impediment in the blower, and that can cause the commutator-brush set up to pit.

You got to open it up and see. Once can get into repair of the motor but I would suggest replacing it. [Although a better alternative is to repair and not increase the landfill ].

Salim

 

Can you tell me how difficult of a project this is? I can see the motor in order to tap it to get it to kick back on. However, is it a simple as removing the screws and unpluging the motor? Are there any diagrams anywhere for an RX330?

Thanks

 

I think you'll find it more helpful to post in the second generation section, since they are more familiar with the RX330 than we are.