my car has recently developed a noise when fan is turned on.. the noise is heard inside the car.. kinda like cricket sound. something's wrong w/ fan motor right? is it still under warranty? the car has 48000 miles and purchased in 7'98.. tia.

 

Idea #1) A cracked A/C housing.
The blower motor is mounted to a plastic duct or housing. There may be a small crack in that housing which squeaks under certain conditions. Test for this possibility by running the blower on speed 1 or 2 and when the squeak is heard, use your hand or foot to press gently on the blower motor. If the sound immediately vanishes that is a sign of a crack. The remedy is to find the crack and goop it up real well with a sealer of some kind. Products such as silicon rubber RTV or Welder or Shoe Goo would do the job.

Idea #2) The blower motor needs lubrication.
Remove the blower motor so you can bench test it. Use a pair of fused test leads to supply 12 volts directly from the battery. If the blower motor shrieks, it probably has dry bearings. Being a thrifty sort, I would always try to rehabilitate the old motor rather than install a replacement. Blower motors typically don't have ball bearings; the armature shaft spins in sintered bronze bearings. You may be able to lubricate them and give that blower motor a new lease on life. Use a light lubricant such as 3-in-1 electric motor oil.

 

tks for the prompt response.. i think the motor needs lubricating.. there's no crack in housing... is this still covered by factory warranty?

 

No.