How to Access the Heater Fan Motor of a MINI Cooper
by Daniel ValladaresThe motor of the heater fan in your MINI Cooper is located next to the heater fan itself, under the dash. If the heater fan motor fails, you will not be able to use your MINI Cooper's fan. You will have to replace the heater fan motor. To access the motor to replace it, you will first need to remove the MINI Cooper's dashboard, which can be quite challenging.
Step 1
Lower the steering wheel as far low as it will go. Adjust the seats so that they are as far away from the dashboard as possible.
Step 2
Lift the hood and use a socket wrench to disconnect the negative battery cable.
Step 3
Use a slotted screwdriver to pry off the dash panels to the right and left of the steering wheel. Remove the panel underneath the radio as well.
Step 4
Remove the two Torx screws from the instrument cluster with a Torx screwdriver and pull the cluster toward you. Reach behind the cluster and disconnect its three wiring cables. Pull the cluster out of the vehicle.
Step 5
Remove the Torx screws along the edge of the dashboard. There are 10 screws.
Step 6
Remove the single screw from each side pillar with a Phillips screwdriver. Pry off the side pillars with a slotted screwdriver.
Step 7
Remove the four bolts securing the kick panels with a socket wrench. Remove the two bolts on each side of the dashboard with a socket wrench.
Step 8
Remove the two screws securing the radio and A/C unit. Disconnect the wiring cables from the two devices and pull them out of the dashboard. At this point, you will be able to lift the dashboard off and out of the MINI Cooper. You may need to have another person assist you, because the dashboard is extremely heavy. Once the dashboard is removed, you can access the heater fan and its motor.
References
- "MINI Cooper Service Manual 2002-2006"; Bentley Publishers; 2007
Tips
- As you have to remove several screws and bolts, it may be helpful to place all of the fasteners on a large towel so you do not lose them.
Things You'll Need
- Socket wrench
- Slotted screwdriver
- Torx screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
Writer Bio
Daniel Valladares began his career as a medical writer in 2008. He has written patient education brochures for several pharmaceutical companies and has worked as an auto mechanic at Kim's Speedy Auto Service since 2007. Valladares holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Rice University and is currently studying to become a personal trainer.
