Tech Tip: Erratic 4Runner Blower Motor

Edited by Ed Dorowski, ALLDATA editor, and Jeff Webster, ALLDATA technical writer

Figure 1

Some Toyota 4Runner owners may complain of a condition where the blower motor speed does not match the HVAC display indication. A new/modified blower motor controller is available to address the condition. Follow the repair procedure described in this Tech Tip to resolve the problem.

Applicable Vehicles: 2003-’05 4Runner vehicles produced before these Production Change Effective VINs:
JTEZT14R*50021434    JTEZT14R*58006730
JTEZT17R*50021445    JTEZT17R*58006732
JTEBT14R*50049429    JTEBT14R*58023054
JTEBT17R*50049446    JTEBT17R*58023046
JTEZU14R*50056705    JTEZU14R*58033837
JTEZU17R*50056704    JTEZU17R*58033901
JTEBU14*50068373    JTEBU14R*58044478
JTEBU17R*50068397    JTEBU17R*58044471

Figure 2

Parts Identification
Countermeasure service parts are identified by the four-digit date code printed on the side of the blower motor controller cooling fins. Date code is 2 G 17 or later (see Figure 1).

Components
See Figure 2.

Repair Procedure

1. Remove the negative (-) battery terminal.
Note: Failure to complete step 1 may result in internal damage to the transfer case shifting mechanism.

2. Remove the instrument panel under cover sub-assembly No. 2 (see Figure 3).

Figure 3

  a. Remove the screw and disengage the three clips.

  b. Disconnect the wire harness from the 4WD computer.

  c. Remove the instrument panel under cover
sub-assembly No. 2.

3. Remove the blower motor controller.

  a. Disconnect the wire harness connector.

  b. Remove the two retaining screws (see Figure 4).

  c. Remove the blower motor controller from the HVAC module.

4. Install the new blower motor controller (P/N 87165).

  a. Insert the blower motor controller into the HVAC module.

  b. Install the two retaining screws.

  c. Connect the wire harness.

Figure 4

5. Reconnect the 4WD computer.

6. Install the instrument panel under cover
sub-assembly No. 2.

7. Reconnect the negative (-) battery terminal.

8. Confirm proper blower motor operation and speed control.

9. When the negative (-) battery cable is reconnected, check and reset electrical components, such as the clock, radio, etc., and re-initialize all applicable systems/functions.