Can U Repair A Blower Fan Resistor?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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

.

What causes blower motor resistor failure?

In most cases, a blower motor resistor fails due to

corrosion or overheating

. Sometimes, the mechanical resistance to the motor rotation causes an excessive electric current that can overheat and prematurely damage the blower motor resistor.

How do you fix a resistor?

Can a blower motor be repaired?

There are a number of things that can go wrong with your heating system, but if the air stops blowing altogether and the same is true on cold air settings, a blower motor replacement is likely in order. The good news is that

it’s a fairly straight forward repair

.

How do I know if it’s the blower motor or the resistor?

Typically,

if the fan will work on some speeds but not on others, the resistor is suspect

. Okay, let’s say there’s no melting going on, but your fan doesn’t work on all speeds. Typically, if the fan will work on some speeds but not on others, the resistor is suspect.

Does a blower motor resistor have a fuse?


A fuse is often located on the resistor board

. The fuse only protects the low and medium blower speeds. High speed will still work if the resistor fuse is blown.

What happens when blower motor resistor goes bad?

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.

Are all blower motor resistors the same?


Blower motor resistors have several resistors with different resistances

. This controls the current that runs through the blower motor. Each fan speed selection is connected to one or more of the resistors in the blower resistor assembly.

How much does a blower motor resistor cost?

The average cost for blower motor resistor replacement is

between $109 and $140

. Labor costs are estimated between $44 and $55 while parts are priced between $65 and $84. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location.

Why does my blower resistor keep blowing?

A resistor blows because

too much current is going through it

. You could try diagnosing the circuit to work out if there’s a fault somewhere else – or you could just fit a beefier resistor.

Is there a fuse for the blower motor?


Many vehicles have two fuses for the blower motor, one in the interior fuse block and the other under the hood

. The blower motor is usually under the dashboard on the passenger side.

What is blower resistor?

What is a Blower Resistor? Blower resistors are

resistors which are used to control the fan speed of automotive blowers

. The fan speed can be changed either by switching the blower resistor resistance mechanically using a rotating lever, or electronically by the air conditioning system.

How do you troubleshoot a blower motor?

Why does my blower fan only work on high?


When a blower resistor fails

, the highest fan speed usually is the only one that still works because it essentially bypasses the resistor and receives the maximum amount of voltage. When the resistor is working, it reduces the amount of voltage going to the lower fan speeds so the fan runs slower.

How do you know if a resistor is bad?

  1. Turn off the power running through the circuit containing the resistor you need to test. …
  2. Look at the color bands around the barrels of the components for the code to determine resistor values. …
  3. Check resistor values with the color codes.

Why is my blower fan not working?

If you see or hear the fan turn on, your blower motor is not the culprit. If the fan does not start,

you have a wiring issue (circuit breaker trips) or motor problem (circuit breaker does not trip)

. While your thermostat may be at fault, only an HVAC technician can diagnose and remedy the issue correctly.

Where is the blower motor relay fuse located?


Under the instrument panel, look under the glove box. On the right side of the fender wall you will find another fuse box

. The blower motor fuse is easy to replace.

Where is the blower motor fuse relay?

The blower relay is located

near the front of the fuse block

and is labeled “Blower.” Inspect the center of the relay. If the metal rod inside is broken, the relay will need to be replaced.

How can you tell if a blower fuse is bad?


Use voltmeter or ohmmeter to check for a blown fuse

. If you find one, replace it. Start car and see if blower motor works. If fuse blows again, check for loose circuits.

Can a bad blower motor resistor cause no AC?

When the resistor goes out,

you might not be able to get any air to come out of the vents

. The blower motor resistor controls the power to the system’s blower motor. When it fails, it can cut off all power to the motor.

Can a bad blower motor resistor drain the battery?

The Blower Motor Resistor (properly referred to as the Final Stage Resistor, or FSR)

will not lead to battery draining

.

How do I test a fan resistor?

How do you test a blower motor resistor with a multimeter?


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.

Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.