In the scheme of air conditioning and heater parts, this is one of the least expensive to replace. The heater blower motor resistor can often go bad because of a bad heater fan, and therefore you often have to replace both the heater blower resistor and the fan. It's also not a difficult part to replace.
What causes the blower resistor to go bad?
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 I know if my blower motor or resistor is bad?
Signs of a Bad Blower Motor Resistor Loss of HVAC fan control (total or certain speeds) The fan only works on its highest speed setting. No air coming from vents. Intermittent or inconsistent fan speed.
What happens when blower motor goes bad?
If the blower motor is completely bad, then you'll have no airflow at all. Strange sounds coming from blower. Blower motors can make all kinds of sounds, depending on what the issue is. Vibrations, grinding, and high pitched-noises are some of the sounds a blower can make if it's going bad.
Should you replace the resistor when you replace the blower motor?
The issue may even be related to the resistor. If you know that it is not related to the issue, then you do not have to replace it. Although it would make sure the motor works at its prime.
What causes the blower resistor to go bad?
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 I know if my blower motor or resistor is bad?
Signs of a Bad Blower Motor Resistor Loss of HVAC fan control (total or certain speeds) The fan only works on its highest speed setting. No air coming from vents. Intermittent or inconsistent fan speed.
Will a blower motor work without the resistor?
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. There are instances where a bad resistor will prevent the current from reaching the blower motor altogether.
How do I know if my heater resistor is bad?
Common signs include the car's heater not working or getting stuck on a certain speed, or something getting jammed in the blower motor.
How much does it cost to replace blower motor resistor?
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.
What happens when a resistor goes bad?
When a resistor fails, it usually gets charred or burns. As a result, it either stops conducting the electrical current/signal or does not resist the current flow.
What does the blower motor resistor control?
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.
Can you drive with a bad blower motor?
Should you drive with a bad heater blower motor? A bad heater blower motor will not affect the safety of your car, with the possible exception of you not being able to clear the windshield of snow, ice, or condensation if the defrosters don't work.
How long does it take to replace a 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.
Why do I have to hit my blower motor to work?
Blower motor only start working after i hit a bump. In most cases that is a sign of worn down blower motor brushes not making a good contact. In some cases the blower motor/resistor pigtail could cause erratic operation of the blower motor too.
How much does a blower motor resistor cost?
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 do I know if my blower relay is bad?
If you have a faulty blower motor, you may experience low airflow from the vents, even when the fan is on high. There will be no air coming from the vents if your fan isn't working due to a bad blower motor resistor. Blown relay circuit fuses or melted relays are more serious signs of a bad blower motor relay.
What causes the blower resistor to go bad?
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 I know if my blower motor or resistor is bad?
Signs of a Bad Blower Motor Resistor Loss of HVAC fan control (total or certain speeds) The fan only works on its highest speed setting. No air coming from vents. Intermittent or inconsistent fan speed.
What is the difference between blower motor and blower motor resistor?
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.
Is it the blower motor or blower motor control module resistor?
2.2 Function in a Car A blower motor resistor, also known as a blower motor control module, is the component that regulates the speed of the blower motor. An electronic blower motor control module is fixed in cars with automatic climate control systems and vehicles where the blower speed can be gradually adjusted.
Is there a fuse for the blower motor?
How long does a car blower motor last?
The blower is supposed to last the entire lifetime of your car. However, situations vary and some climates require the fan to be used too often. Many car owners find themselves having to replace the blower after five years. The quality of the motor used to power the blower matters.
How long does it take to replace a blower motor in a car?
How Long Does It Take To Replace A Blower Motor In A Car? It generally takes about 4 hours for an experienced technician to do a blower motor replacement. If you are doing it on your own in your garage with common tools, you can expect the job to take 6 hours or more.
Why does the blower in my car only work on high?
Most car manufacturers use a series of resistors to make the heater blower motor run at different speeds. And when one or more of these resistors burn out, you're usually left with only one heater blower motor speed—high. The resistor module is easy and inexpensive to replace.
What is the common fault in resistor?
TROUBLESHOOTING RESISTOR FAULTS The most common problems to occur with fixed resistors are a change in resistance or a complete failure. A complete failure occurs when the resistor overheats and burns out.
How do I know if my blower motor resistor is bad?
Let’s begin with a look at the signs to look for. The most common symptom of a bad blower motor resistor is that you will only notice that your blower is working on the highest speed setting or that it won’t work at all. Here’s a more detailed list of the most common symptoms of a bad blower motor resistor:
Can a blower motor resistor cause a heater fan not work?
Problems with a blower motor resistor are common in many cars. The most common symptom of a failed blower motor resistor is when the heater fan only runs at high speed and doesn't work at low speeds. In some cars, a failed blower motor resistor can cause a heater fan to stop working completely.
Why is my blower motor not working in my car?
In this car, in the highest "4" fan speed setting, the resistor is bypassed and the blower motor is powered directly by the fan switch. That's why in some cars, the blower motor may still work in the "High" speed setting if the resistor is bad.
What does the blower motor resistor do on a car?
No air from the vehicle’s vents The blower motor resistor is an electrical component that is a part of the vehicle's heating and air conditioning system. It is responsible for controlling the blower motor’s fan speed.
Below you will find two interesting articles on a similar topic 👇
Why does my blower motor keep burning out?Can I drive my car without a blower motor?
