Repairing Guides

how to repair blower motor resistor

by Mohammed Witting Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Instructions

  1. Disconnect Your Negative Battery Terminal. Start by disconnecting your negative battery cable. ...
  2. Remove the Glove Box. Next, you’ll remove the glove box. ...
  3. Replace the Old Resistor. Remove the screws that secure the blower motor resistor to the housing, and put them someplace safe.
  4. Reinstall Your Glove Box. ...

Part of a video titled Blower Motor Resistor Replacement Tips - YouTube
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3:21
Don't ever just plug in a new resistor. And allow it to hang by the wiring to see if it solved theMoreDon't ever just plug in a new resistor. And allow it to hang by the wiring to see if it solved the problem the resistor needs airflow across it to keep it.

Full Answer

How much does it cost to replace blower motor resistor?

The average cost for blower motor resistor replacement is between $114 and $125. Labor costs are estimated between $44 and $55 while parts are priced at $70. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

How do you replace a blower motor resistor?

  • Disconnect negative battery cable.
  • Remove right lower instrument panel insulator panel.
  • Disconnect blower resistor connector located behind right side of dash.
  • Remove blower resistor screws and blower resistor.

How to find replacement blower motor?

Tools you needs

  • Shut off the electrical power supply to the blower motor.
  • Remove the panel covering the blower motor on your furnace.
  • Locate and remove the bolts/screws securing the motor housing to the frame.
  • Disconnect motor wires from main unit.
  • Slide out motor housing.
  • Loosen the set screw next to the motor shaft.

More items...

How do you replace the blower motor?

  • Insert the blower motor into place
  • Tighten the 1/4 inch screws to the blower motor
  • Connect the wiring harness
  • Press the harness bracket into the blower motor
  • Insert the panel into place
  • Tighten the two 7mm screws to the panel

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Can you fix blower motor resistor?

The average cost to replace the blower motor resistor at a repair shop is between $44 and $55 in parts and $70 in labor costs, for a total cost of around $114 to $125. On the other hand, you can easily fix the blower motor resistor at home in about an hour (even if you're a beginner) and for around $70.

Can I bypass the blower motor resistor?

If you really just want to bypass everything, its just a DC motor, a couple wires and and a stout switch, or relay would really be all you need, just unplug it from the truck and wire the motor up to your own activation system, just make sure to fuse things accordingly to keep it all safe.

How do you fix an AC resistor?

0:276:22DIY Blower Motor Resistor Fix - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo underneath the dash of the passenger side you have the blower motor right here. And then theMoreSo underneath the dash of the passenger side you have the blower motor right here. And then the resistor that you're going to be taking out is going to be this one right.

What happens when a blower motor resistor fails?

If the resistor shorts or fails, it may cause the blower motor to remain stuck on one fan speed. The heating and air conditioning systems may still function at one speed, however the resistor will have to be replaced in order for full functionality to be restored.

How do I test a blower motor resistor?

Place one lead of the Ohmmeter on terminal 1 of the resistor. Place the other lead on terminal 2 and check against specifications. If this circuit is open, showing infinity on the Ohmmeter, the blower resistor must be replaced. Move the lead from terminal 2 to terminal 3 and check this reading against specifications.

Why does my blower motor resistor keep burning out?

I finally found the simple solution and ultimately the actual cause to the issue of the blower resistor burning out and over-heating the plug wiring - The blower motor itself is the culprit! After years of replacing the blown resister module 3 to 4 a year, I finally bit the bullet and bought a new blower fan/motor.

How do I know if I need to replace the blower motor or the resistor?

The most common symptom of a bad blower motor resistor is the blower motor will only work at one or two speeds. It can also cause the blower motor to stop working completely and you will notice no air coming from the vents.

When should I replace my blower motor resistor?

If the fan setting gets stuck in one and you're unable to change the setting, then it's probably due to a bad blower resistor. If you're unable to use all the settings and only a handful work, it could be because of a faulty blower resistor.

How much is a blower resistor?

A blower motor resistor costs anywhere between $1 and $400. Factors that can affect its price include its condition, configuration, material, and set or kit inclusions. Labor may cost you an extra $45 to $55, depending on your area.

How do I know if I have a bad blower motor relay?

Blower motor relays tend to wear out over time from the stress of constantly flicking back-and-forth. These signs indicate a possible issue with the blower motor relay. When the blower motor does not respond at all, it may not be due to mechanical failure within the motor itself.

Is there a fuse for the blower motor?

Fuse Protection To protect the blower motor power circuit, a 20-, 25- or 30-amp fuse is usually located in the fuse panel under the dash. The rating of the fuse will depend on the vehicle application and how much power the blower motor requires at full speed.

What happens when blower motor relay goes bad?

Blown fuses If the blower motor relay develops any sort of problem that hinders its ability to properly limit and distribute power, it may cause the blower motor fuse to blow. Any sort of electrical spikes or excessive current from a bad relay will blow the fuse and cut power in order to protect the system.

What is a blower motor resistor?

The blower motor resistor is an electrical component that controls the blower motor speed. The blower motor is the equipment that sends air – both...

What are the signs of a faulty blower resistor?

Here are the symptoms of a faulty blower resistor: The fan gets stuck in one setting If the fan setting gets stuck in one and you’re unable to chan...

What causes the blower motor resistor to burn out?

Corrosion and overheating are the top reasons for a faulty blower motor resistor. Also, the mechanical resistance caused due to a foreign object ca...

How much does a blower motor resistor cost?

To replace the blower motor resistor, it would cost you anywhere between $50 to$150 – this includes the cost of equipment and labor. However, by do...

How long does a blower motor resistor last?

The blower motor resistor is designed to last till the end of the car’s lifespan. However, due to multiple reasons, they tend to get damaged before...

What is a blower motor resistor?

The blower motor resistor is an electrical component that controls the blower motor speed. The blower motor is the equipment that sends air – both hot and cold – through the HVAC system’s vents. Therefore, the resistor needs to be working at its best to maintain the right temperature inside the car.

What causes the blower motor resistor to burn out?

Corrosion and overheating are the top reasons for a faulty blower motor resistor. Also, the mechanical resistance caused due to a foreign object can overheat the resistor and damage it over time.

How much does a blower motor resistor cost?

To replace the blower motor resistor, it would cost you anywhere between $50 to$150 – this includes the cost of equipment and labor. However, by doing it yourself at home, you can save up to $70.

How long does a blower motor resistor last?

The blower motor resistor is designed to last till the end of the car’s lifespan. However, due to multiple reasons, they tend to get damaged before. If you have a faulty blower motor resistor in your vehicle, it’s best to replace it immediately.

How to change a blower motor resistor?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to replace the blower motor resistor in your vehicle.

What is a blower motor resistor?

A blower motor resistor is a simple electric resistor. It's used in cars where the blower motor has only 4 or 5 fixed speeds, as on the left side in this diagram. See the photo of a Ford blower motor resistor. Cars with an automatic climate control system and vehicles where the blower speed can be adjusted gradually are equipped with an electronic ...

How many ohms should a blower motor resistor be?

According to the service manual, it must be around 4-5 ohms. A failed resistor tested with an ohm-meter. In our case the ohmmeter shows open circuit, which means the resistor has failed. Sometimes, a blower motor resistor might fail due to problems with the blower motor itself.

What happens if a blower motor doesn't run?

If there is a voltage at the motor (at least 4-6 Volt at low speed and 12 Volt at high speed), but the motor doesn't run, the motor is bad. Things like leaves, twigs, nuts, pieces of a ripped cabin filter can jam the blade of the blower motor. This happens often in many cars.

Why does my blower motor overheat?

Sometimes, the mechanical resistance to the motor rotation causes an excessive electric current that can overheat and prematurely damage the blower motor resistor. For example, this happens when the fan blade is jammed by a foreign object or when the motor bearings are worn out and it doesn't spin freely.

How much does it cost to replace a blower motor?

See: how to check a fuse in a car. If a blower motor is bad, it will need to be replaced. The blower motor replacement costs from $320 to $650, depending on the car.

Where is the blower motor resistor on a 2011 F150?

In the 2008-2011 Ford F150 the blower motor resistor is also located behind the glove box, but is installed in the right side of the plastic air duct. This thread at f150online.com shows where the resistor is located. The author of this blog shared his experience of replacing the blower motor resistor in Jeep Liberty.

Where is the blower motor resistor located on a 2011 Ford Escape?

In 2008-2011 Ford Escape / Mazda Tribute, the blower motor resistor is located on top of the HVAC unit air duct behind the glove box. It's held by two screws. In the 2008-2011 Ford Escape, the resistor is located behind the glove box on top of the HVAC unit air duct. It's held by two screws and is easy to replace.

What is the function of a blower motor resistor?

The blower motor resistor controls the fan speed of the blower motor and the resulting change in air pressure produced by the movement of the blower fan. It accomplishes this by regulating the electric current that powers the motor.

Why is my blower motor resistor failing?

The most likely reasons for blower motor resistor failure include: Corrosion from long exposure to air and moisture. Overheating—if a motor finds it harder to move because of jamming or worn bearings, it can raise the resistor’s temperatures to dangerous levels. Normal wear due to time and use.

What happens if a blower motor resistor is bad?

A bad or failing blower motor resistor hampers the efficiency of the heating and air conditioning system. A working resistor can shift between speed settings according to the user’s preference. If one of the resistors is burned out, the only speeds that will work are the speeds above the burned out resistor.

Why does my blower fan not blow air out of the vents?

No air comes out of the vents. There are instances where a bad resistor will prevent the current from reaching the blower motor altogether. Without any power, the motor won’t run. As a result, the blower fan stays still and silent, and no air blows out of the vents.

How does a blower resistor work?

To understand how the blower resistor works, a simple electrical principle called “ voltage drop ” is used. When a switch, a resistor, and a load are wired in series, the resistor “drops” some of the voltage passing through it, effectively reducing both current flow and volta ge at the motor.

What happens when a blower resistor gets hot?

Blower resistor terminals can develop resistance, and when they do, they get hot and begin to oxidize even further, creating large amounts of resistance where no resistance should be, heating the wire terminals and the wires feeding them until they scorch and melt the blower resistor connector. Eventually, the connector terminals become so damaged ...

What happens if a fan won't work?

Typically, if the fan will work on some speeds but not on others, the resistor is suspect. If the fan won’t work on any speeds except high speed, the blower resistor’s thermal fuse may have failed, meaning the entire resistor needs to be replaced.

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