HOW-TO: Blower Motor Resistor Repair
(Or, How to Fix an HVAC Fan than only blows on HIGH...)
A new blower motor resistor will cost you around $20 at the dealer. Within the
blower motor resistor assembly is a non-user serviceable thermal fuse. The
fuse is what usually blows. Most of the time, simply replacing the blower
motor resistor assembly will take care of the problem. If you continue to
experience a failure, you may need to replace the blower motor as well. One
thing I have learned after blowing 3, is to not use the blower motor control in
the low position, as this is the position that has the highest resistive load.
Since I have stopped using the low setting, I have not blown a BM in 18 months.
Before you begin, make sure that your battery is disconnected or at least the
blower control is in the off position and they key is removed from the
ignition.
The blower motor resistor is located under the passenger side ducting cover
that is under the dash (right above the passenger floorboard area). There are
3 or 4 push-pin type plastic clips that hold the cover in place. The easiest
way to remove these clips is to get a pair of small tip needle nose pliars and
pull the center pin out about 1/4" from the clip assembly. Once the pin is
pulled, you should be able to remove the clips with little effort. Once you
remove all retaining clips, move the ducting cover to the side.
If you get your head down on the floorboard and look up, you will see the
wiring harness that is shown above. The wire harness (2) plugs into the blower
motor resistor assembly. Remove the two screws (8mm?) that hold the blower
motor resistor assembly in place. Once you have removed the resistor assembly
from the blower box, unplug the connectors from the blower motor resistor
assembly by gently pressing the plug release clips and pulling away from the
assembly. Plug your replacement blower motor resistor assembly into the
appropriate wire connectors until they snap into place. Place the assembly
back into the blower box and secure it with the 2 screws, do not over tighten.
Place the ducting cover back into place and re-insert the clips.
You're done!
For the first few minutes of operation, you will notice a slight burning odor
coming from the vents. This is normal, and is caused by the burning off of
anti-corrosive chemicals off of the resistor coils.
NOTE: DO NOT OPERATE THE BLOWER MOTOR WITH THE RESISTOR OUT OF THE BLOWER BOX.
WITHOUT THE COOLING PROVIDED BY THE BLOWER, THE RESISTOR WILL REACH CRITICAL
TEMPERATURE AND MAY CAUSE BURNS AND WILL DAMAGE THE RESISTOR!
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