1. Disconnect the Battery: This is crucial to prevent electrical shorts and injury. Disconnect the negative (-) terminal first.
2. Access the Blower Motor: This usually involves accessing it from behind the glove box.
* Glove Box Removal: You'll likely need to remove the glove box. This usually involves removing screws or clips holding it in place. Consult your owner's manual or a repair manual specific to your vehicle year and model for precise instructions. Some glove boxes simply pull forward after removing the retaining screws/clips.
* Other Obstructions: There may be other components obstructing access to the blower motor, such as the HVAC control unit or other ducting. You may need to carefully remove or move these components aside, taking note of their position for reassembly.
3. Disconnect Electrical Connections: Once you have access to the blower motor, you'll need to disconnect the electrical connector. This is usually a single multi-pin connector. Carefully unplug it. You might want to take a picture before disconnecting to help with reassembly.
4. Remove the Blower Motor: The blower motor is usually held in place by screws or retaining clips. These will be visible once the electrical connector is disconnected. Remove these fasteners. The blower motor might be a bit snug, so be gentle but firm when removing it.
5. Remove any shrouds or housings: The motor itself may be within a housing or shroud. You may need to carefully remove this to fully access and remove the motor itself.
6. Install the new Blower Motor: Reverse the steps above to install the new blower motor. Ensure the electrical connector is securely plugged in.
Important Considerations:
* Repair Manual: A repair manual specific to your 1999 Chevy S-10 is highly recommended. It will provide detailed diagrams and instructions, making the process much easier and reducing the risk of damage.
* Pictures: Take plenty of pictures throughout the process. This will be invaluable during reassembly.
* Patience: This is not always a quick job. Take your time and be methodical to avoid damaging anything.
* Tools: You'll likely need screwdrivers (Phillips and possibly flathead), possibly some trim removal tools (to avoid scratching the dash), and potentially a socket set.
If you're uncomfortable performing this repair yourself, it's best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Attempting this repair without the proper knowledge and tools could lead to damage to your vehicle.