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.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 long should a blower motor resistor last?
The blower motor resistor is designed to last for the car's lifespan. In most cases, these resistors will wear out long before the car does. Usually, the wear that the blower motor resistor has is due to the constant use that it gets and the heat that it is exposed on a regular basis.
Why does my blower motor keep failing?
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.
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.
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.
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.
What are the signs of a blower motor resistor going out?
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.
Should I replace the blower motor and resistor at same time?
We do suggest that you replace the resistor at the same time. It may not be critical, but this will keep the system more uniform. 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.
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.
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.
Can a bad blower motor resistor cause no heat?
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.
Can you repair 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.
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.
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.
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 much is a heater blower motor resistor?
How Much Does a Blower Motor Resistor Replacement Cost? 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.
Can a bad blower motor resistor cause no heat?
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.
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 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.
Is there a fuse for the heater blower?
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.
How do you test a blower motor with a multimeter?
Turn off your vehicle, set your multimeter to Ohms, and check for resistance between the blower's positive and negative terminals. You may also turn the car key to run without starting the engine, put the cooling system at full blast, and check for DC voltage. If none of these produces a reading, the blower is bad.
What relay controls the blower motor?
The blower motor relay controls the current used to power the blower motor, and is subject to the constant on and off switching.
Does a blower motor have a relay?
In a blower motor, the relay supplies the power that allows the fans to circulate warmed air. Essentially an on/off switch, the blower motor relay's reactions start and end the heating process in HVAC systems by controlling the flow of current between the power source and the motor.
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 long does a car blower motor last?
Can you repair 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.
What happens when a blower motor resistor goes bad?
Blower motor resistor problems. 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. In most cases, a blower motor resistor fails due to corrosion or overheating.
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.
How do blower fan resistors work?
Other car makers reverse that and run power to the blower motor first and terminate ground at the blower fan speed switch. By it’s very nature, resistors resist the flow of electricity, much like a flow restrictor in a pipe.
How does a blower motor work on a car?
To run on the slowest speed, the power runs through all three resistors. For each higher speed, power flows through one less resistor. Some car makers run blower motor power through the fan speed switch first, then through the blower motor resistor and then to the blower motor and ground.
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