Ruud Blower Motor Overload or Voltage Drop

Furnace starts but shuts down when blower comes on; lights dim or flicker.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Failing blower motor, Bad blower capacitor (PSC motors), Undersized electrical circuit, Loose neutral or hot connection

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Turn off power before accessing blower compartment. Capacitors can hold a charge; discharge properly before handling.

Steps to check:

  • Inspect blower wheel: Ensure the wheel is not packed with dust or debris and spins freely.
  • Check capacitor: On PSC motors, locate the run capacitor and look for bulging or leaking. Replace with the same microfarad (µF) rating and voltage if defective.
  • Listen to motor: If the motor hums but does not start, it may be seized or the capacitor is bad.
  • Have wiring checked: An electrician should verify proper voltage and tight connections at the furnace.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Blower Motor Capacitor
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