Fan on Max causes Heater C/B to trip after 10min of use

[Stevemillz]

Hi Guys,

I've had this problem for a while but have never got around to looking further into it, but maybe someone here has had a similar problem. If I put the Fan speed all the way up, within about 10-15min my Heater C/B trips and I'm left without fans, a/c etc. If you leave it on the 3rd click (second highest) it works fine, only the highest setting that seems to be a problem.

Could it be a semi-blocked filter or something in the fan that's causing the system to overheat , if so can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[dwillmo]

Overheating heater

I doubt that a clogged filter would do that. I would think that to really fix that problem you will have to replace the fan motor or at least the brushes. You might be able to find another motor at the local junk yard. Just don't be tempted to put a bigger fuse in it until you find out what the problem is.

 

[2mbb]

I agree that it's either the motor pulling too much power or a worn out circuit breaker. If you can measure the amperage draw of the motor that might tell you if the motor is the problem.

 

[D'Animal]

I agree with what has been said.

 

[zuluzeugma]

Is the fan motor making any more noise than it used to? It really sounds to me like the fan motor is worn out (bearing or something associated) and the motor is just drawing too much current.

 

[Texx]

Additionally, circuit breakers make a poor switch. The more times they're thrown, the more likely they are to trip. Start by replacing it.

 

[FJ40Jim]

What Texx said.
We used to see plenty of Toyotas w/ inop heat/AC at the dealer. 4 outta 5 times the fix was a new CB. The CB rating is marginal w/ everything working perfect. If there is any slight overload, the CB trips, then it trips easier each successive time.

Current draw can be tested w/ a cheap 50-0-50 ammeter plugged into the CB location.

 

[akarilo]

Hi Guys,

I've had this problem for a while but have never got around to looking further into it, but maybe someone here has had a similar problem. If I put the Fan speed all the way up, within about 10-15min my Heater C/B trips and I'm left without fans, a/c etc. If you leave it on the 3rd click (second highest) it works fine, only the highest setting that seems to be a problem.

Could it be a semi-blocked filter or something in the fan that's causing the system to overheat , if so can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks,
Steve

Mine has the same symptoms. Easy fix (don't use #4)