Furnace Blower Motor Reset Button Guide

The furnace blower motor reset button can be a simple fix for a non-running blower or an indicator of deeper issues. This guide explains how the reset button works, step-by-step troubleshooting, safety precautions, common causes of tripped motors, replacement options, and when to call a professional.

Topic	Quick Takeaway
What The Reset Button Does	Protects motor from overheating or electrical faults
How To Reset	Power off, wait, press button, restore power
When It Trips Repeatedly	Indicates motor stress, airflow problems, or electrical issues
Cost To Replace Motor	$300–$1,200 Typical In The U.S.

How The Furnace Blower Motor Reset Button Works

The blower motor reset button is a manual thermal or electronic trip that interrupts power to the motor when it overheats or detects a fault. It is often a small red or yellow button located on the motor housing or integrated into the motor control module.

Purpose: The reset button protects the blower motor from damage due to overheating, overcurrent, or stalled bearings. After cooling or clearing the fault, pressing the reset restores power.

Where To Find The Reset Button

On most residential furnaces, the blower motor reset button is located on the side or top of the motor housing inside the blower compartment. Access requires removing the furnace front panel or blower compartment door.

Some modern furnaces use integrated electronic controls without a visible reset button; in those systems, the reset may be automatic or require a control board reset via the power switch or thermostat.

Safety Precautions Before Resetting

Always turn off power to the furnace at the service switch or breaker before opening the cabinet. Disconnecting power prevents electrical shock and accidental motor startup.

Allow the motor and surrounding components to cool for at least 10–15 minutes before pressing the reset button. Hot components can cause burns or mask thermal issues that need attention.

Step-By-Step: How To Reset A Furnace Blower Motor

Tools And Materials

• Screwdriver or nut driver to remove access panels
• Multimeter (optional) to check power
• Flashlight for visual inspection

Reset Procedure

1. Turn Off Power: Switch off the furnace at the breaker or service switch.
2. Open Cabinet: Remove the access panel to reach the blower compartment.
3. Locate Button: Find the small reset button on the motor housing or control module.
4. Inspect: Check for visible signs of damage, soot, or loose wires before proceeding.
5. Wait: Allow at least 10 minutes for the motor to cool if it felt hot.
6. Press Reset: Firmly press the button until it clicks. Some buttons must be held for a few seconds.
7. Restore Power: Replace the panel, turn the power back on, and test the blower by running the furnace or fan setting on the thermostat.

If the blower runs after reset, monitor it for abnormal sounds, odors, or recurrent trips.

Common Reasons The Reset Button Trips

Understanding why the reset button tripped reduces the risk of repeated failures. Common causes include poor airflow, mechanical binding, electrical faults, and aging motors.

• Restricted Airflow: Dirty air filters, closed vents, or blocked returns cause the motor to work harder and overheat.
• Worn Bearings Or Shaft Issues: A motor with bad bearings or an obstructed blower wheel creates excessive friction and heat.
• Capacitor Failure: Start/run capacitor problems can make the motor draw high current and trip thermal protection.
• Electrical Problems: Loose wiring, short circuits, or voltage irregularities can cause repeated trips.
• Overloaded Motor: Incorrect blower wheel size or ductwork issues can overload the motor.

Diagnosing Repeated Tripping

If the reset button trips more than once, further diagnosis is required. Use a methodical approach to find the root cause.

Basic Checks

• Replace the filter and ensure vents are open.
• Inspect blower wheel for debris or imbalance.
• Listen for unusual noises that indicate bearing or belt issues.

Electrical Tests

• Measure line voltage at the motor with a multimeter to confirm proper supply. Voltage below or above nominal can stress the motor.
• Check capacitor microfarads and voltage rating against nameplate specs.
• Inspect wiring connections and the control board for burnt terminals or corrosion.

When To Use A Professional HVAC Technician

Call a licensed HVAC technician when electrical testing, motor replacement, or control board diagnosis is necessary. Professionals have the tools to test current draw, capacitor health, and motor insulation resistance safely.

Repair Or Replace: How To Decide

Deciding whether to repair a blower motor or replace it depends on age, cost, and extent of damage. A motor older than 10–15 years or one with seized bearings often warrants replacement.

Minor issues like replacing a capacitor or cleaning the blower wheel can be cost-effective repairs. Replacing the motor is sensible if repairs approach or exceed 50% of replacement cost.

Estimated Costs For Replacement In The U.S.

Item	Typical U.S. Cost
Replacement Blower Motor	$150–$700
Labor For Installation	$150–$500
Total Typical Range	$300–$1,200

Costs vary by motor type, furnace model, and local labor rates. High-efficiency ECM motors are more expensive but can save on energy long term.

Types Of Blower Motors And Reset Behavior

• PSC Motors (Permanent Split Capacitor): Common in older furnaces, these motors often have external reset buttons and simple thermal protection.
• ECM Motors (Electronically Commutated Motors): Found in newer systems, they use electronic protection and may not have a manual reset. Resetting may require power cycling or control board procedures.
• Synchronous Or Multi-Speed Motors: May have more complex controls and require professional calibration when replaced.

Maintenance To Prevent Trips

Regular maintenance reduces the chance of the reset button tripping. Recommended actions include scheduled filter changes, annual HVAC tune-ups, and keeping registers and returns clear.

• Change or clean filters every 1–3 months depending on use and filter type.
• Schedule annual professional inspections to check motors, capacitors, belts, and the control board.
• Keep the blower compartment and circulation area free of dust and debris.

DIY Troubleshooting Checklist

1. Ensure thermostat fan setting is correct and power is on.
2. Replace dirty air filters and open supply/return vents.
3. Turn Off Power and inspect the motor for dust buildup or debris in the blower wheel.
4. Press the reset button only after the motor has cooled.
5. Monitor performance after reset; note noises, smells, or repeated trips.

If problems persist beyond basic checks, stop DIY work and hire a technician to avoid damage or safety hazards.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Repeatedly pressing the reset button without diagnosing the issue can mask a serious problem and lead to motor failure.
• Working on electrical components without disconnecting power risks shock and injury.
• Ignoring unusual sounds or burning smells that indicate mechanical or electrical failure.

When The Reset Button Is Not Accessible

Some furnaces do not have an obvious reset button. For these models, power cycling the furnace at the breaker or using the service switch can reset electronic protections.

If a control board indicates fault codes via LED blink patterns, reference the furnace manual or the manufacturer’s website to interpret codes and recommended actions.

Warranty And Manufacturer Support

Check the furnace and motor warranty before replacing components. Some motors and control boards carry multi-year warranties that can cover part or all of the cost of replacement.

Contact the furnace manufacturer or authorized dealer for guidance when fault codes persist, or when the furnace is under warranty to avoid voiding coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What If The Reset Button Won’t Stay Pushed?

If the button pops back out immediately, the motor may still be hot, or the fault persists. Do not force it; further inspection and testing are needed.

Can A Tripped Reset Button Cause No Heat?

Yes. If the blower motor is disabled by a tripped reset, the furnace may fire but shut down due to lack of airflow, or the thermostat may show no heat because air isn’t being circulated.

Is It Safe To Run The Furnace After Reset?

Running briefly to test is acceptable, but prolonged operation without identifying the cause of the trip risks repeat failure or fire. Monitor closely for abnormal signs.

Useful Links And Resources

Refer to the furnace owner’s manual, the motor nameplate specifications, and manufacturer troubleshooting guides for model-specific instructions. Professional HVAC associations and energy efficiency sites provide additional maintenance tips and cost estimates.

Key Takeaway: The furnace blower motor reset button is a protective feature that can restore operation after an overheat or fault, but repeated trips indicate a deeper problem that requires inspection, testing, and possibly professional repair or replacement.