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

Author of the blog (work in a car repair shop)
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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.The blower motor switch is the actual switch or button on the dash that you use to increase or decrease the fan speed. The blower motor IS the fan. The blower motor resistor is what allows the fan to work at different speeds as opposed to just off and on.

Is it the blower motor resistor or blower motor?

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.

What happens when blower motor resistor goes out?

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 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.

Should you replace the resistor when you replace the blower motor?

If the blower motor resistor fails, the blower motor will still work, but it will be stuck on one speed in most cases. If you remove the resistor completely, the blower motor fan will still work at one speed, in most car models. This is because usually the resistor is not used for the highest speed setting.

How do you know if your car blower motor is bad?

You might also hear ongoing whirring noises, or noises that change or get louder if you increase the fan speed. These are all signs of problems with the blower motor. In some cases, you may even notice smoke or smells of burning while driving, in which case you should pull over immediately.

Is it the blower motor resistor or blower motor?

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.

What happens when blower motor resistor goes out?

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 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.

Should you replace the resistor when you replace the blower motor?

If the blower motor resistor fails, the blower motor will still work, but it will be stuck on one speed in most cases. If you remove the resistor completely, the blower motor fan will still work at one speed, in most car models. This is because usually the resistor is not used for the highest speed setting.

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.

Is there a fuse for blower motor?

Can a bad blower motor cause no heat?

Problems with Your Blower Motor or Blower Motor Resistor Without it, there's no circulation of air—hot, cold, or otherwise. The blower motor resistor is the part that controls the fan speed of the blower motor. Both of these components can fail, resulting in the heating system simply not working.

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.

How do you test a resistor?

To test individual resistor values (outside a circuit), connect the multimeter probe wires to the resistor's two terminals—it doesn't matter which way round, as resistors are not directional components. Make sure the multimeter dial is in resistance measuring mode. Then check the value on the multimeter.

What does a bad blower motor sound like?

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.

Where is the blower motor reset button?

Locate the reset button on the furnace and press it to reset the furnace. It is usually located inside the blower compartment on the side of the blower motor. Be cautious as the housing may be hot. If the button is popped up, press it down.

How much does it cost to replace a 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 is the blower motor in a car?

The blower motor is the fan that pushes heated or cooled air through dashboard vents based on the climate system settings and the fan speed selected. Adjusting the fan speed sends a signal through a resistor to the blower motor to either pick up the pace or slow it down.

Where is the blower resistor located?

The blower motor resistor is usually extremely easy to access, but the hard part can be positioning your body inside the car to remove the part. The resistor is at the bottom of the HVAC housing or just behind the glove compartment.

Is it the blower motor resistor or blower motor?

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.

What happens when blower motor resistor goes out?

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 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.

Should you replace the resistor when you replace the blower motor?

If the blower motor resistor fails, the blower motor will still work, but it will be stuck on one speed in most cases. If you remove the resistor completely, the blower motor fan will still work at one speed, in most car models. This is because usually the resistor is not used for the highest speed setting.

What makes a blower motor go bad?

Blower motor breakdown can be the result of anything from old age to failed bearings, high amp draw, electrical failure in the windings, dirt accumulation, and more. “The most common cause is dirt accumulation due to lack of maintenance,” said Tom Beaulieu, president of Bay Area Services Inc.

How do you know if a resistor is bad?

A good resistor should test within its rated range. A bad resistor will either show infinite resistance or a measurement far higher than its rated resistance. In either case the resistor is no longer functioning properly.

What happens when a blower motor relay goes bad?

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.

How much does it cost to replace a blower motor?

Why is my car blowing cold air when the heat is on?

Low Coolant Level The coolant (usually a mixture of water and antifreeze) in your engine doesn't just work to keep the engine from overheating: It's also the source of heat supporting the heating system. If there isn't enough coolant in your system, the heater core will blow cold air into your car.

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:

Where is the blower motor resistor on a car?

The heater blower motor resistor is often found beneath the dashboard. It is located in the heater and air conditioning compartment. It’s connected to the air conditioning system, where it can adjust the speed of the blower motor fan. It can also be found behind the glove box of some vehicles. Either way, you will find it close to the blower motor.

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.

Below you will find two interesting articles on a similar topic 👇

What causes a blower motor to fail in a car?

How much does it cost to replace HVAC blower motor?

Tired of looking for a video for your question?

Video Answer below 👇

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