The A/C condenser fan motor drives the fan blades that sit directly behind or in front of the A/C condenser. This electric motor turns on whenever the air conditioning is running. It forces air through the condenser fins to cool the hot, high-pressure refrigerant gas, transforming it back into a liquid.
These motors operate in harsh conditions behind the grille, exposing them to rain, road salt, and debris. Over time, the internal motor windings burn out, or the shaft bearings seize. A failed fan motor will cause A/C pressures to spike, making the system blow warm air when the car is idling or in slow traffic.