Was wondering if there is a simple way to inspect and clean hybrid battery fan. I'm not having any problems, just would like to keep it maintained. My car has over 150k
It isn't easy to get at and that's the only way you can inspect it. By the way, if you do remove it to clean it and you use compressed air don't allow the fan to spin, especially in the reverse direction, as you may burn the motor out.
no, just don't power up the car. if you haven't carried fury pets and the like, there's really no need to inspect it.
You shouldn't need to disconnect the 12 volt. I've dug down to ours, 3rd gen. Didn't actually pull it out, just got close enough to see the inside was clean. The main hassle was sorting out how to pull the covers and panels off, without destroying fasteners. I subsequently put a piece of vacuum cleaner motor filter material behind the fan's air intake, and just keep an eye on that, pull it out clean it occasionally. It's looking pretty clean. Once in a blue moon we transport a dog, but that's all.
Apparently it generates a current and particularly reverse direction can cause problems. Additionally the compressed air causes serious over revving. You can damage computer fans the same way.
I burned out a laptop fan once letting it spin while I cleaned it with our air compressor. Learned my lesson on that one. I've heard that you can get pre-filters for the intake fan. We will have dogs in the car often, so would like to get some of those. Are they custom jobs I'd make for myself, or does someone sell them? Thanks.
Have had the fan out removed the bearing label and oiled the motor bearing. 3 in 1 oil made for electric motors found at Lowes. Same stuff you use on your home ac compressor fan. Never seen a fan burn out from reverse direction with air compressor and do it all the time. Go to Home Depot and buy thin filter media. Buy double sided heavy duty tape. Ring the outside filter cover with the tape. Cut media to fit. Press media onto tape. Good for years.
While filters are a good idea, be careful that you do not get an overly-restrictive filter. Especially if you live in a hot-climate area. Restricted air flow is just as bad as a dirty/clogged fan.
What kinds of filters would be recommended? I have a German Shedder and while I don't plan on toting her everywhere I go there will be a significant amount of hair in my car.
You could probably use the replacement window a/c type filter pads or the filters they sell for floor vent registers. HTC Evo 3D
