[atikovi]

It's not working unless I jiggle/press in on the connector. Then it works for a few minutes. Any idea what causes this and how to fix? Replace the connector or pins? Or is something loose on the blower?

 

[Miss Mercedes]

Sadly, bad blower motors are quite common with the second gens. Mine recently stopped working as well. There are about three things you can do about it. This sorta explains what happens.

As for what to do, you can either replace it, clean/repair it (from that same link above), or modify it to take a blower that's less likely to break.

 

[atikovi]

I don't think it's the motor itself. When I wiggle the wiring and connecter that plugs into it, it will work again. Think the problem is with the connector or pins therein.

 

[smark]

Had mine replaced twice, once under warranty. Didn’t last 2 years. The Second one I paid mister MB.

 

[atikovi]

Well, maybe it is the motor. I took it out and powered it up with alligator clips in the connector. Still running erratically. Looks like Rock Auto has replacements from Nissins at $109 or Hella for $119. China vs. France.

 

[atikovi]

Had a closer look at mine. The housing is dated May 2008 and the fan, Dec. 2007. The car is a 2011. Hard to believe it sat 3 years before being put in a car at the factory. Maybe somebody put in a used one at some time.

 

[Miss Mercedes]

Most likely. That's how I replaced mine. You can get used ones for like $35 and if you clean it before putting it in, you'll probably get the same life out of it as you would a $100+ new one.

 

[atikovi]

Used one could be just as bad and this isn't an easy to replace part. Ordered a new one for $120 from Rock Auto. Hopefully it's been upgraded from the original part.

 

[Miss Mercedes]

They never updated the design, so if it's another motor from Behr you're basically just restarting the clock.

With that said, mine lasted seven years and 155k miles, so not all of them are complete garbage.

 

[atikovi]

The design may not be updated but the components may have been. Better brushes, springs, armature etc. If they were going bad so often, Mercedes would get on Behr to make improvements or they would use another supplier. Don't really care as I'm selling the car soon.

 

[jimvw57]

I bent the contact spades on mine so they have a bit of a twist to them and it seemed to help make better contact. If I could fit under there, would replace the wiring harness connector. If it has been making bad contact, it may have been burnt and might not make a good connection.