The heater/AC blower comes on/off intermittently. The dealership diagnosed it as a probable short in the harness from the controls to the motor. They want my first born ($2600) to fix it, because they have to pull the dash, and they want to replace the motor (for warrantee purposes) as well because it may be damaged (BS). I suspect that the short is probably at the control end because pounding on the dash can get it to come on sometimes. Anybody have experience with this? Could I potentially get to the short/harness by pulling the control unit out of the dash? And how easy is that?

 

The diagnosis of bad blower motor is likely correct. Brushes wear out and fail to make adequate contact to provide current to start motor. When you thump the dashboard, you reseat the brushes and motor will run till next time. Thumping the dash is usual diagnosis for failed blower.

I'm not sure about 3.2TL, but 2.5TL does not require dash removal. It does require removal of a number of parts from under the dash, and pulling the evaporator (discharging AC required). It looks to be a good job, but not a $2600 job.

I would suggest getting some additional quotes from good Acura/Honda specialist shops for this job. I would estimate something like 6-8 hrs labor would be reasonable. That's still pretty hefty, but should be <$1000 including the blower. You might consider purchasing this directly and supplying. I would go OEM, even though aftermarket is cheaper. You want quality when this much labor is required to replace.

This would be advanced DIY, if you're considering yourself. Be prepared for 2 full days of DIY.

good luck

 

I suspect the dash removal is for the wiring harness (from controls to blower). The experts (Honda dealership) seem to feel it is probably the harness that is the problem, but that the blower may have been damaged as a result.