Replace the HVAC blower motor on a 2024 Tesla Model S Long Range AWD. The blower motor is accessed from the passenger-side footwell beneath the glovebox/lower dash trim — no HV system interaction required.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• HVAC Blower Motor Assembly (Model S 2021+ refresh) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified blower motor for 2021+ Model S refresh — verify by VIN before ordering
• Cabin air filter set (recommended replacement while open) × 1 — OEM Model S 2021+ refresh dual cabin filter set

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place the vehicle in P, and engage the parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with the key fob/phone key carried 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 low-voltage battery (located under the front nose cowl panel on 2024 Model S). Isolate the negative terminal so it cannot spring back into contact.
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. Confirm the HVAC has been off for several minutes so the blower wheel is not spinning down.
7. Move the front passenger seat fully rearward and recline the seatback for footwell access.
8. Place a soft mat in the footwell to protect the door sill and carpet.
9. Have the replacement blower motor on hand and verify it matches the unit installed before disassembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove passenger-side lower dash trim
   Working in the front passenger footwell, release the lower dash close-out panel below the glovebox using a plastic pry tool. Disconnect any courtesy/footwell light connector before fully removing the panel. Set the panel aside on a soft surface.
   ⚠Pry only at designed clip locations. The 2021+ Model S dash trim is one-piece and cracks easily.
2. 2

   Remove the cabin air filter housing (if obstructing access)
   Locate the cabin filter access cover on the passenger side of the HVAC housing. Remove the cover fasteners and slide the filter(s) out. Inspect and replace if due — these are interval items at 2 years (3 years for HEPA-equipped cars).
3. 3

   Locate the blower motor
   The blower motor is mounted to the underside/passenger side of the HVAC plenum, behind the lower dash near the firewall. Identify the cylindrical motor housing with electrical connector and three retaining screws. Visually trace the harness back to the blower control module/resistor before disconnecting anything.
4. 4

   Disconnect the blower motor electrical connector
   Depress the connector latch and unplug the blower motor harness. Inspect the connector pins for melting or discoloration — a burned connector indicates the harness may also need replacement, not just the motor.
   ℹ️Do not pull on the wires. Only pull on the connector body after releasing the latch.
5. 5

   Remove blower motor retaining screws
   Support the blower motor with one hand. Using a Torx bit (typically T20), remove the retaining screws securing the motor to the HVAC housing. Note screw locations as they may differ in length.
   Torque spec

   Blower Motor Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Extract the blower motor
   Rotate the blower motor in the direction indicated by the housing arrows (commonly a quarter turn) and lower it out of the HVAC plenum. Inspect the housing interior for debris, leaves, or rodent nesting and vacuum out as needed before installing the new unit.
   ⚠The squirrel-cage fan is fragile plastic. Do not set the motor down on the fan blades or lever it against them.
7. 7

   Compare old and new blower motors
   Set the original and replacement units side-by-side. Confirm matching mounting flange orientation, fan rotation direction, connector pinout, and overall housing dimensions. Stop and verify part number if anything differs.
8. 8

   Install the new blower motor
   Seat the new blower motor into the HVAC housing in the correct orientation, then rotate to lock. Verify it is fully seated with no gap at the housing flange (a gap will cause air leaks and noise).
9. 9

   Torque blower motor screws
   Install the retaining screws hand-tight in a star/cross pattern, then torque to specification. Do not overtighten — the housing is plastic and will strip.
   Torque spec

   Blower Motor Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect the electrical connector
    Plug the harness connector into the new blower motor until the latch clicks. Tug-test gently to confirm full engagement.
11. 11

    Reinstall cabin filter and lower dash trim
    Install the new (or original) cabin filter(s) noting the airflow direction arrow on the filter frame. Reinstall the cabin filter cover and torque the cover screws. Reconnect any footwell lighting harness, then re-clip the lower dash trim panel firmly into place.

Reassembly

1. Verify no tools, fasteners, or trim clips have been left in the footwell or HVAC intake.
2. Confirm the cabin filter cover is fully seated and all clips engaged.
3. Confirm the lower dash trim panel sits flush with surrounding trim — no gaps or popped clips.
4. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal in the frunk and torque to the manufacturer-specified value (refer to Tesla Service Manual).
5. Close the frunk and reinstall the nose cowl panel if it was disturbed.

Verification

• Power on the vehicle by sitting in the driver's seat with the key fob/phone key present.
• Open the touchscreen HVAC menu. Cycle the fan from speed 1 through maximum — confirm smooth ramp with no squealing, ticking, or rubbing.
• Verify airflow at all selectable vent positions (face, feet, defrost, and combinations).
• With the fan on high, listen at the passenger footwell for air leaks around the blower housing — none should be present.
• Check the touchscreen for any HVAC-related alerts or service notifications. Clear cabin overheat protection / preconditioning schedules if they were set.
• Test cabin overheat protection and remote climate via the Tesla mobile app to confirm the blower responds.
• If the cabin filter was replaced, log the replacement date — next service due in 2 years (3 years for HEPA-equipped cars).
• While servicing climate components, verify brake fluid (2-year interval) and battery coolant (4 yr / 50,000 mi inspection) are not also overdue.

More procedures for this vehicle