Blower Motor

Replacement of the HVAC blower motor in a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range. The blower is located in the passenger-side footwell area and is accessed from under the dash without major disassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• HVAC Blower Motor Assembly (Model 3 2024) × 1 — Tesla-spec blower motor for Model 3 Highland — confirm by VIN
• Cabin air filter (recommended replacement during access) × 1 — Model 3 cabin filter set — OEM or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with key fob away from the vehicle. Wait at least 2 minutes for HV systems to fully de-energize, even on this non-HV job.
3. Disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery. On 2024 Model 3, the 12V (Li-ion) is typically located under the rear seat or under a floor cover — refer to the Tesla Service Manual for your specific build before disconnecting.
4. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
5. If at any point you encounter an orange cable, an HV component, or are unsure if a system is de-energized: STOP and consult a Tesla-certified technician.
6. Set HVAC to OFF before powering down to ensure flap doors are in a neutral position.
7. Move the front passenger seat fully rearward and recline for working room.
8. Have a clean tray ready for fasteners; Model 3 uses a mix of plastic and metal screws of similar appearance.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove passenger-side lower dash trim
   Using a plastic trim tool, gently release the clips on the lower dash panel beneath the glovebox area on the passenger side. Work from one corner outward. Disconnect any courtesy light or footwell lighting connector before fully removing the panel.
   ⚠Pull straight down — clips break easily on Highland-refresh interiors.
2. 2

   Remove glovebox assembly
   Open the glovebox (via touchscreen). Remove the manufacturer-specified glovebox retaining fasteners around the perimeter. Support the glovebox while removing the final fasteners, then lower it and disconnect any electrical connectors (glovebox latch motor, lighting). Set aside on a padded surface.
3. 3

   Locate the blower motor
   With the glovebox out, the blower motor housing is visible on the passenger side of the HVAC plenum, typically toward the lower-center of the footwell. It is a round, drum-shaped assembly retained by screws into the plenum housing.
4. 4

   Disconnect blower motor electrical connector
   Locate the wiring harness connector on the side of the blower motor. Depress the locking tab and pull straight off. Inspect the connector pins for heat discoloration or melting — a common indicator of why a blower failed.
   ℹ️If pins are charred, the harness pigtail may also need replacement to prevent repeat failure.
5. 5

   Remove blower motor retaining screws
   Remove the screws securing the blower motor to the HVAC plenum housing. Note their length and location — they may differ. Support the blower as the last screw comes out so it does not fall.
6. 6

   Extract the blower motor
   Rotate the blower motor as needed to clear the plenum opening and lower it out of the housing. Inspect the inside of the plenum for debris, leaves, or moisture; clean as needed before installing the new unit. Inspect the seal/gasket on the new motor — replace if damaged.
   ⚠Do not allow debris to fall into the evaporator area below — this can cause odors and drainage issues.
7. 7

   Install new blower motor
   Position the new blower motor into the plenum opening, ensuring the seal seats evenly and the wiring connector is oriented correctly. Hand-start all retaining screws before final tightening to avoid cross-threading the plastic housing.
   Torque spec

   Blower Motor Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Torque blower motor screws
   Tighten the blower motor retaining screws evenly in a cross pattern to the verified specification. Do not over-torque — these thread into plastic.
   Torque spec

   Blower Motor Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Reconnect the harness to the new blower motor. Ensure the locking tab clicks fully into place. Route any wiring back into its original retainers.
10. 10

    Replace cabin air filter (recommended)
    While the area is open, replace the cabin air filter(s). Tesla recommends replacement every 2 years on Model 3. Note the airflow direction arrow on the new filter before installing.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the glovebox: reconnect electrical connectors, lift into place, and install fasteners. Torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
2. Reinstall the lower dash trim panel, reconnecting any lighting connectors before fully seating the panel. Press all clips home.
3. Verify no tools or fasteners are left in the footwell.
4. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery. Torque the terminal bolt to spec.
5. Allow the vehicle to wake fully (touchscreen boot complete) before testing.

Verification

• Power on the vehicle and set HVAC to ON. Cycle fan speed from 1 through max — confirm smooth, linear ramp with no clicking, ticking, or buzzing.
• Confirm there are no HVAC-related alerts on the touchscreen.
• Check airflow at all vents (face, floor, defrost) by cycling modes — confirms blower output is full and plenum was reseated correctly.
• Listen from both inside and outside the passenger footwell for any air leaks around the blower housing.
• If the cabin air filter was replaced, log the date/mileage; Tesla recommends cabin filter replacement every 2 years on Model 3.
• Recheck the 12V battery terminal torque after first drive cycle.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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