Yesterday, and last night, the weather here in central Iowa turned wintry... 20*F ...35 mph wind, wet snow turning to ice. So, that'* when the blower motor in the '95 SLE chose to quit. There was power to the connector at the blower motor, and just by wiggling the motor, I got it to run again.

So, here'* the question. Is this typical behavior for a motor on the way out? Or does the motor somehow require a ground to the housing that was re-established by my wiggling. Anyone know what the ground connection looks like when you get the motor out?

The parts store said the motor has only one terminal and grounds to the frame somehow, but my connector clearly carries both 12+ and ground conductors? And, I have some kind of strange, insulating, isolating screws that attach the thick rubber cover over the motor through the mounting holes. These allowed me to wiggle the motor position without too much effort.

So new motor, or just a grounding issue?

I'd bet mechanical binding. It'* typical when they get old to get them going by smacking the housing.

Yeah, could have been mechanical binding. Although the motor made no noises like the squirrel cage hitting anything before it stopped. Still, maybe I'll try lifting the motor a bit and tightening up those screws. Just don't want the danged thing to poop out on a long winter'* trip to somewhere.

The bearing would be the binding bastard. Not the cage itself.

on my two, hammering the motor only lasted so long. They did finally quit altogether.

I just replaced mine for the exact same symptoms. it might or might not run each time, but whacking it with the ice scraper got it running. Sounds like it'* time to get yourself a new one. Fairly cheap (less than 50 bucks through autozone if I remember right) and easy job. Just a couple of beers, and very little blood.

Definitely beats wondering if you're gonna have heat during the winter.

I'm going on my second blower motor. First died in Galveston Texas this summer (figures). This second one sounds horrible on high level. It sounds more like a food prossessor then a blower motor. The noise gets worse as it gets colder. 37'F Today in south central Texas. Ran my car while I was putting the wheels back on investigating my ABS problem, the blower motor sounds horrible but blows well. Again another mystery from GM. :P

I think this motor is toast. I fiddled with the screws but ultimately had to keep whackin' it to get it to run. Picked up a new motor this afternoon - $47.26- will install it tomorrow. With no garage, I sure wish the little bugger had pooped out in August!

Keep whacking it until you're sure it'* done. You never know. Sometimes it feels good.

Well, I don't mind whackin' the thing, but it'* the wife'* car........ so, I'll change it out. Gotta keep my sweetie happy!