How to Fix the Blower on a 1998 Ford Escort

With the Escorts redesign in 1997, the maker also axed the GT trim level from the lineup, which left a huge void in the Escort lineup. In 1998, Ford realized that cutting the higher-performance Escort GT was a mistake and released the sporty and performance-oriented Escort ZX2. The 1998 Escort came in four models: LX, SE, ZX2 Cool and ZX2 Hot. Replacing the blower motor on all four trim levels follows the same procedure.

Instructions

1

Adjust the passenger seat as far back as it will go and position yourself so you can see behind the passenger side of the dashboard. Find the motor assembly bolted to the heating and air-conditioning box, which is the blower motor assembly.

2

Remove the three bolts securing the blower motor assembly, using a ratchet and socket, and pull the motor from the heating and air-conditioning box. Pull the blower down until you can reach its wiring harness.

3

Pry upward and hold the locking tab on the wiring harness with a flat-head screwdriver, then unplug the wiring harness. Remove the blower motor from the Escort.

4

Remove the blower fan-retaining clip securing the blower fan to the motor by pulling it off with needle-nose pliers. Pull the blower fan from the blower motors shaft.

5

Align the hole in the center of the fan with the shaft on the new blower motor; the shaft and the hole in the fan each have a flat spot to assure correct mounting. Slide a new blower fan-retaining clip down the shaft of the blower motor until it seats in the groove on the shaft.

6

Plug the wiring harness into the blower motors pigtail-wiring harness. Insert the blower into the hole in the heating and air-conditioning box and hand-thread its three retaining screws. Torque the three retaining screws to 2 foot-pounds with a torque wrench and socket.