2012 Blower motor issues

[Isotope9]

Wouldn't you know it, 6 months out of warranty and my wife's 2012 Mazda 3 is having blower issues. It sounds like a baseball card in the spokes.

I've replaced the cabin air filters (I already replaced them once about a year and a half ago) and vacuumed out where they sit, no change. I ran the fan with no filters hoping maybe I installed the filters incorrectly, same thing.

I've been all over the internet looking for a shop manual or a link that shows what's involved, but haven't found anything. I'd rather not have to pay the dealership to do it if it's simply a matter of removing some dash panels and replacing the part...but if it involves removing the dash/steering column, etc, etc, then I'll likely have to take it somewhere.

Any help is appreciated

Thanks,
Rob

[ryan2.3]

it will involve removing the dash board, and depending on your experience, it could take you the better part of a day
i have one i pulled from my 2011 if you need a replacement.

[Isotope9]

The whole dash has to come out? That's what I was afraid of.

Well...the fan still works, it's just noisy, so I guess my wife will have to learn to live with it, and I'll have to learn to live with a noisy wife.

Thanks,

Rob

[Superchargedx]

Pretty sure second gen 3's don't need to remove dash!!!
If I recall you can remove gas pedal along with much of the under dash trim on both sides.... Still takes fighting but way better than dash removal lol

[Isotope9]

OK, thanks...I'll see if I can locate a shop manual/DIY write up.

[Pocky]

My 2011 had the same problem. But it was on and off. It would be noisy for like a day then it went away, never figured out what it was. Maybe it's just a leaf or something that got in there.

[Canadianbacon]

My 2011 had the same problem. But it was on and off. It would be noisy for like a day then it went away, never figured out what it was. Maybe it's just a leaf or something that got in there.
Happened to my 2010 also, these Mazda blowers have some issues i guess

[Noisy Crow]

My 2011 had the same problem. But it was on and off. It would be noisy for like a day then it went away, never figured out what it was. Maybe it's just a leaf or something that got in there.

Probably worth trying pulling out the filter and blowing compressed air backward through the blower.... it if a leaf or similar debris you might be able to dislodge it.

[Milan96]

Happened to my 2010 last summer... Happened for a few minutes, I blasted the fan, then turned off the car and waited a bit and it went away. Hasn't come back yet, fingers crossed