What Will A Bad Blower Motor Resistor Do?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A common symptom of a faulty blower resistor is a blower motor that is stuck on one setting. The blower motor resistor is the

component directly responsible for controlling the blower motor fan speed

. If the resistor shorts or fails, it may cause the blower motor to remain stuck on one fan speed.

What are the symptoms of a bad blower motor resistor?

If

the airflow from the vents is weak

If you try to increase the air pressure and you feel no difference in the pressure blowing, then your blower motor resistor may be failing. A damaged blower motor resistor will work on one fan speed which may not be enough to keep the inside of your car cool or warm enough.

What can a bad blower motor resistor cause?

The most common symptom of a failed blower motor resistor is when the fan only runs at the highest speed setting (4 or 5) and doesn't work at low speeds. In some cars, a failed blower motor resistor can cause

a heater fan to stop working completely

.

How do you 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.

What does a blower fan resistor do?

The blower motor resistor is

responsible for controlling the blower motor speed

. In the past, this was done by varying the voltage supplied to the blower motor. In newer applications, the blower motor resistor is actually a solid state module that sends a varied signal to the blower motor.

How much does it cost to replace a blower motor resistor?

The average cost for a Blower Motor Resistor Replacement is

between $108 and $137

but can vary from car to car.

How long does it take to replace a blower motor resistor?

takes

about 45 minutes

.

What does a bad blower motor sound like?

A working blower motor will operate smoothly and inaudibly. A defective blower motor will make a continuous sound noticeable by the passengers in the vehicle. It can manifest as

a knocking, whirring, clunking, vibrating, squealing, or whining noise

that persists until the blower motor is replaced.

Will a blower motor work without the resistor?

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.

Can you fix a blower motor resistor?

The resistor module is easy and inexpensive to replace. It's then typically installed in the ductwork, near the car blower—either under the dash or under the hood. (Refer to a service manual to locate yours.) Purchase a new resistor module at the auto parts store (usually less than $25).

How do you test a blower motor?

  1. Use voltmeter or ohmmeter to check for a blown fuse. If you find one, replace it.
  2. Start car and see if blower motor works. …
  3. If the circuits are in good repair but the blower motor keeps blowing fuses, replace the blower motor [source: You Fix Cars].

How much does it cost to replace a blower motor?

Replacing a blower motor costs

$450 on average

with a typical range of $250 to $800. With a warranty, you might pay as little as $150 for labor alone. For high-end models, like those with large motors or access issues, you might pay as much as $2,000.

Is there a fuse for the blower motor?

If the fan doesn't work, before pointing the finger at the blower motor, check fuses for the motor to make sure they're still good.

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.

Can a blower motor be repaired?

Blower Motor Replacement: When Good Parts Go Bad. … 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

.

Why does my blower motor not work?

In a situation where the motor doesn't work on any speed, the most likely causes are: a

blown power supply fuse

, a bad motor ground connection, bad motor speed control module or a failed motor. On all systems, a failed blower motor is least likely. Start by checking the blower fuse and HVAC controller fuse.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.