Blower Motor Control Module

Replace the HVAC blower motor control module (blower speed controller) on a 2024 Model 3 Performance. The module mounts to the blower housing under the passenger-side dash and controls fan speed via PWM signal from the HVAC ECU.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Blower Motor Control Module (HVAC fan speed controller) × 1 — Tesla Model 3 (2024) OEM blower motor control module — verify by VIN at parts counter

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, and engage the parking brake (via touchscreen).
2. Exit ALL doors with the key fob and any paired phone-key device kept well away from the vehicle. Wait at least 2 minutes for HV systems to fully de-energize, even on this non-HV job.
3. Open the frunk and disconnect the 12V (or Li-ion low-voltage) battery. On 2024 Model 3, the low-voltage battery is typically accessed under the frunk apron/cover — refer to architecture notes; some 2024 builds use a lithium 12V unit. Disconnect the negative terminal first.
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. Slide the front passenger seat fully rearward and recline the seatback for access to the passenger-side footwell.
7. Place a clean shop towel or fender cover over the passenger door sill and floor mat to protect interior surfaces.
8. Confirm climate control is OFF and the touchscreen is dark before proceeding.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the passenger footwell
   Lie on your back in the passenger footwell with your head facing the firewall. Locate the lower trim panel/kick panel beneath the glove box. The blower motor and its control module are mounted on the passenger side of the HVAC case, accessible from below the dash.
2. 2

   Remove the lower dash trim / knee bolster
   Using a plastic trim tool, gently release the lower dash trim panel beneath the glove box. The Model 3 dash uses hidden push-clips along the lower edge — work the tool around the perimeter and pop clips one at a time. If fasteners are present behind the panel, remove them with the appropriate Torx or socket driver. Set the panel aside on a soft surface.
   ⚠Do not yank the panel — it may have a wiring harness for ambient lighting or a footwell lamp. Disconnect any connectors before fully removing.
3. 3

   Locate the blower motor control module
   Look up into the HVAC case. The blower motor is a cylindrical assembly on the passenger side of the case. The control module is a finned aluminum heatsink with a PCB, mounted into the airflow path on the side or bottom of the blower housing — it relies on blower airflow for cooling. Identify the module body, its electrical connector, and its mounting fasteners (typically 2-3 small screws).
4. 4

   Photograph harness routing
   Before disconnecting anything, take clear photos of the connector orientation and any harness clips/routing around the module. This prevents pinched wires on reassembly.
5. 5

   Disconnect the module electrical connector
   Depress the connector lock tab and pull the connector straight off the module. Do not pry on the wires. Inspect the connector pins for corrosion, melting, or pushed-back terminals — a failed module is often caused by (or causes) connector damage. If any pin is discolored or melted, the harness pigtail must be addressed before installing a new module, or the new module will fail.
   ⚠Melted connector pins indicate excessive current draw — likely a failing blower motor itself. Installing only a new module without addressing the blower will result in repeat failure.
6. 6

   Remove the module mounting fasteners
   Remove the small screws securing the control module to the blower housing. Support the module with one hand as you remove the last fastener so it does not fall. Withdraw the module from the housing, noting the orientation of any sealing gasket or foam — this seal must be preserved or replaced to prevent unfiltered air bypass.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Inspect the blower housing and heatsink fins
   With the module out, inspect the inside of the blower housing for debris, leaves, or rodent nesting material — common contamination that can overheat the new module. Clean the housing with a vacuum. Verify the heatsink fin area is clear so blower airflow can cool the new module. Spin the blower wheel by hand to confirm it turns freely and is not seized or rubbing.
   ℹ️If the blower wheel is hard to turn, noisy, or wobbles, replace the blower motor at the same time. A binding blower draws excess current and will kill a new control module.
8. 8

   Compare old and new modules
   Place the new module next to the old one. Verify the connector pinout, mounting hole pattern, heatsink shape, and gasket are identical. The Model 3 has had running production changes — the parts counter must match by VIN. If anything differs, stop and reverify the part number before installing.
9. 9

   Install the new control module
   Position the new module into the blower housing in the same orientation as the original, ensuring the gasket/foam seats fully and is not pinched. Hand-thread the mounting fasteners first to avoid cross-threading the plastic housing, then snug them in a star pattern. Torque to specification — these threads are in plastic and will strip if over-torqued.
   ⚠The module mounts into a plastic blower housing. Use a calibrated torque wrench — these are easy to over-tighten by feel.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect the electrical connector
    Align the connector squarely with the module receptacle and push straight in until the lock tab clicks audibly. Tug gently to confirm it is fully latched. Reseat any harness clips into their original positions per your reference photos.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the lower dash trim / knee bolster panel, reconnecting any footwell lamp or ambient-light connector first. Press around the perimeter to seat all clips fully — listen for each click.
2. Confirm no tools, fasteners, or trim tabs are left in the footwell.
3. Return the passenger seat to its original position.
4. Reconnect the low-voltage battery (positive first, then negative). Torque the battery terminal hardware to the Battery Terminal Bolts spec — do not overtighten.
5. Close the frunk and any access covers.

Verification

• With the driver in the seat and the touchscreen awake, open Climate controls.
• Cycle the fan speed from 1 through 10 (or maximum). Confirm the blower responds smoothly at every step with no skipped speeds, no buzzing, and no sudden jumps — a properly functioning PWM module produces linear, stepless airflow change.
• Set the fan to AUTO and verify it modulates correctly with temperature changes.
• Run the system on MAX A/C for 5 minutes and listen at the passenger footwell — no rattles, whines, or air leaks should be present.
• Check the touchscreen Service menu for any active HVAC fault codes; clear historical codes after confirming none reappear.
• Note: While performing HVAC service, verify the cabin air filter age. Tesla recommends cabin air filter replacement every 2 years on Model 3 — if due or unknown, replace now while access is convenient.
• Note: Confirm brake fluid service interval (every 2 years, DOT-spec) and tire rotation interval (~6,250 mi) are current — these are commonly missed on Teslas due to the 'no scheduled maintenance' marketing.

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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