One of the most important systems of your Toyota RAV4 is the HVAC system. This system controls the heater and air-conditioning system of your car. If you live in a region with cold temperatures, then you need your heater to work properly.
The heater fan is a very important aspect of the heating system of your car. If it isn’t working properly, then the rest of the system wouldn’t work. In this post, we will tell you likely why the heater fan is not working and how to fix it.
Let’s drive straight in.
Background info on how the heater fan works
Before we go ahead, let’s discuss how the heater fan works. This will help us fix the problem a lot easier. The heater fan helps to direct the heated air so that it can circulate through all the vents. This way, it can go around the car interior properly.
Without the heater fan, the heater will end up blowing cold air instead of hot air. Just so you know, the failure of the heater fan is the chief reason why the heater will stop functioning. This fan receives its power from a motor and a number of fuses installed within the dashboard. Now that you know how the heater fan works, let’s look at some reasons why it has stopped working.
Toyota RAV4 Heater Fan Not Working: Possible Reasons and How to Fix
We cannot emphasize it enough that the heater fan is integral to the heating system of your RAV4. From the way the fan operates, we can tell that certain components must be in place for it to work. They include:
- Fuses
- Motor
- Wires
- Sockets
If any of these has a problem, then the heater fan will not work properly. Let’s look at the common reasons why the heat fan will malfunction and how to fix it.
Dysfunctional motor
As we mentioned above, the heater fan runs on the power that it derives from the electrical motor. The motor helps to convert electrical energy into mechanical kinetic energy that causes the fan to move or rotate.
If the motor is dysfunctional, automatically, the fan cannot receive power to function. In the end, not just the heater fan will stop working, the heating system will also shut down. You may not be able to check the motor by yourself so we suggest that you seek help from a professional.
Sometimes, they may need to clean the motor and check it for corrosion, dust, or other items that may clog it. After doing this, it should start functioning optimally. If it doesn’t, then you need to replace the motor.
Blown fuses
There are a number of fuses associated with the heater fan. These fuses are at the core of the way the fan operates. A fuse blows when there is an unusual electrical surge that could damage the fan. This protects the fan from damage.
Usually, when a fuse blows consistently over time, it means that there is an underlying problem. You can easily check the fuse by opening your car’s fuse box. To locate the associated fuse, simply check the fuse map on the lid of the box. You can also check the car owner’s manual to find it.
Firstly, you need to check if the fuse is dislodged before concluding on whether it is bad or not. If it is out of place, simply remove it and place it properly. After doing this, check the fan to see whether it is working or not. If it isn’t working, then the fuse may be blown. Remove the fuse and replace it.
Loose wiring
If you have changed the fuse and the heater fan is still not working, you should check the wiring. Don’t forget that the fan is powered electrically. This means that if it is not working, it could be a case of a couple of loose wires.
It may be difficult to locate loose wires if you don’t have prior experience. We suggest that you reach out to a mechanic to help check for loose wires when the problem persists.
Broken switch
Sometimes, the problem may not be the fuses or loose wires. It may just be a case of the switch being broken. Several things cause the heater fan switch to stop working. The most common of these reasons is wear and tear.
While your mechanic is checking the wires, you should remind them to check the switch as well. If it is broken, there is only one solution. You have to replace the fuse.
ACCS problems
The ACCS stands for the Automatic Climate Control System. In most modern RAV4s, the heater fan is controlled by the ACCS. If this is the case, then when this system fails, the heater fan will stop working automatically.
There are several reasons why the ACCS can fail. One of them is a broken thermostat. Another is loose wiring and blown fuses. Whatever the case is, you need professional help to fix the issue.
Mechanical issues
The heater fan is not all electrical. There are mechanical parts as well. If the mechanical parts develop faults then the fan will not work properly.
Some of the common mechanical issues that can affect your fan include:
- The fan is stuck.
- Dust and debris.
If any of these occurs, it could prevent the fan from moving. Once the fan doesn’t move, then it affects the rest of the heating system of your car. A little cleaning and servicing could solve the problem in this case. Your mechanic can help deal with the problem.
Broken fan
You have tried all the solutions above yet the heater fan is not working? Probably, your problem is pretty straightforward. The heater fan is broken and needs a change. Solving the problem is no longer complicated, just tell your mechanic to help replace the fan.
Conclusion
Great job! Now, you know why your Toyota RAV4 Heater Fan is not working. We have also shown you several ways to fix the problem. If you try all these tips and still don’t succeed at getting a fix, you might want to consult your mechanic.
