2012 Dodge Journey

[Doyle Massey]

Made the mistake of buying used and no warranty. 2 days ago the front fan for defrost and ac started to act funny. The fan would make some noise and slow down. Since then it has stopped completely. I assume that fan went bad, way to early. Is there something else to look at before shelling out money for a new fan? Also, is the fan is to get to without having to tear the dash apart?

[Journeyman425]

There may be some debris caught in the blower wheel. It's worth a try before you replace the fan motor. It is easily accessible to check and / or replace:

24 - Heating and Air Conditioning/Distribution, Front/MOTOR, Blower, Front/Removal REMOVAL

WARNING:

Disable the airbag system before attempting any steering wheel, steering column or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the airbag system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the airbag system. Failure to follow these instructions may result in accidental airbag deployment and possible serious or fatal injury.

NOTE:

The blower motor is located on the bottom of the passenger side of the HVAC housing. The blower motor can be removed from the vehicle without having to remove the HVAC housing.

NOTE:

LHD model shown. RHD model similar.

1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
3. If equipped, remove the silencer from below the passenger side of the instrument panel.
4. 
   
5. From underneath the instrument panel, disengage the connector lock and disconnect the instrument panel wire harness connector (1) from the blower motor (2).
6. 
   
7. Remove the three screws (3) that secure the blower motor and the wire lead bracket (4) (if equipped) to the bottom of the HVAC housing (5) and remove the blower motor.
8.