Honda S2000 HVAC Blower Motor: A Replacement Guide (2000-2009)
If the fan in your S2000 is making noise or has stopped working, this guide is for you.
- If your fan only works on high, the problem is likely the blower motor resistor, not the motor.
- The blower motor is the same part for all 2000-2009 Honda S2000s (AP1 & AP2).
- Replacement is an easy DIY job, located under the passenger dash and held by three screws.
- Aftermarket brands like Four Seasons offer a reliable, cost-effective alternative to the expensive OEM part.
Is Your S2000's Blower Motor Failing?
A failing blower motor in a Honda S2000 usually gives you some warning. Because the part is located inside the cabin, you're likely to hear or feel the problem right away. The good news is that complete, sudden failure is less common than other symptoms that appear over time.
Common Failure Symptoms
- No Air from Vents: The most obvious sign is when no air comes out of the vents, even when you turn the fan to its highest setting. This could point to a dead motor or a related electrical issue.
- Fan Only Works on High Speed: If your fan controls only work on the highest setting, the problem is likely the blower motor resistor, not the motor itself. This is a very common issue in Hondas of this era. The resistor controls the fan's speed, and when it fails, it defaults to the maximum setting.
- Weak Airflow: If the air coming from your vents seems weak, the motor might be wearing out and losing its ability to spin at full speed.
- Clicking, Squealing, or Grinding Noises: Unusual noises from the passenger-side dashboard that change with fan speed are a classic sign of a failing blower motor. Often, debris like leaves can get into the fan cage and cause a ticking sound. In other cases, the motor's internal bearings are wearing out, causing squealing or grinding.
Don't Mistake a Resistor Problem for a Bad Motor
A very common issue for the S2000 is a failed blower motor resistor (or power transistor). If your fan only works on the highest speed, or if some speeds don't work, the resistor is almost certainly the culprit. This is a separate, less expensive part that should be diagnosed before you decide to replace the entire blower motor.
Choosing a New Aftermarket Blower Motor
For the 2000-2009 S2000, the blower motor is the same across all model years, including AP1 and AP2. When your original motor fails, you have a choice between a new OEM part from Honda or a new aftermarket part. Given the age of the S2000, a new aftermarket motor offers a great balance of cost and quality.
Aftermarket Brand Quality: Four Seasons & Global Parts
For many common replacement parts, aftermarket brands provide quality that is very close to the original. Four Seasons and Global Parts (GPD) are well-known brands in the HVAC component world.
- Four Seasons: Owned by Standard Motor Products, Four Seasons is a reputable brand for HVAC components. Many installers use their parts with confidence, and they are generally known to be quiet and reliable replacements. Some forum users have noted that in other car models, a Four Seasons motor might have a slightly different noise pitch than OEM, but it's a widely trusted option.
- Global Parts Distributors (GPD): GPD is another common aftermarket supplier. While there are fewer direct reviews comparing them to Four Seasons for this specific application, they are a standard option in the aftermarket and are built to meet original specifications.
For a car like the S2000, where the blower motor is relatively easy to access, either of these aftermarket brands presents a sensible, cost-effective repair. The original Honda motors are known to be very reliable, but at this point, any 15-25 year old motor is prone to failure. A new aftermarket unit is often a better choice than a used OEM part of unknown history.
Pro Tip: Clean Out Debris
When you remove the old blower motor, take a moment to inspect the housing and clean out any leaves, dirt, or other debris that may have accumulated. This is a common cause of noise and can lead to premature failure of the new motor.
Cost of Replacing Your S2000 Blower Motor
| Part Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Blower Motor | $63 - $83 |
| New OEM Honda Blower Motor | $400 - $610 |
| Shop Labor Cost | $95 - $150 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the blower motor hard to replace on a Honda S2000?
No, it is considered an easy DIY job. The blower motor is located under the passenger-side dashboard and is typically held in by three screws. You will need to remove a lower plastic panel for access, but the entire job can usually be done in under an hour with basic hand tools.
Do I need to replace the blower motor resistor at the same time?
You don't have to, but it's a good idea to inspect it. If the original motor failed due to high electrical resistance, it may have stressed the resistor. Given the low cost of the resistor and the fact that you'll already have the area disassembled, replacing both can be smart preventative maintenance.
Are there any recalls for the S2000 blower motor?
No, there are no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the HVAC blower motor on the 2000-2009 Honda S2000. A TSB existed for some other Honda models like the Ridgeline for a connector that could be kicked by a passenger, but this does not apply to the S2000.
Can I just lubricate my noisy blower motor?
Some owners have had temporary success lubricating the motor's bushings to quiet a squeak. However, this is often a short-term fix. The bearings are typically sealed, and once they start to fail, replacement is the only permanent solution.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 79310-S2A-A01 79310-S0A-305 79310-S0A-003
Located under the passenger side dashboard. Includes motor and fan cage assembly. Single connector plug. Compatible with all 2000-2009 model years.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Honda S2000:
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your S2000's Blower Motor Failing?
- Common Failure Symptoms
- Don't Mistake a Resistor Problem for a Bad Motor
- Choosing a New Aftermarket Blower Motor
- Aftermarket Brand Quality: Four Seasons & Global Parts
- Pro Tip: Clean Out Debris
- Cost of Replacing Your S2000 Blower Motor
- Frequently Asked Questions
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