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.
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.
What do blower motor resistors do?
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.
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 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 do I 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 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 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.
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.
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 there a fuse for blower motor?
Should you replace blower motor and resistor at the 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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
Can a bad blower motor resistor cause no AC?
No Air Coming From 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.
How do I know if a resistor is burnt?
Connect resistor to multimeter and measure voltage drop across the burnt resistor. Now measure the current flowing into the resistor. Multiply both values and you will get the wattage of Resistor (As P = VI i.e. Ohm's law). This wattage must be less than the wattage of the resistor being replaced.
What causes resistors to fail?
A fixed composition resistor normally fails in an open configuration when overheated or overly stressed due to shock or vibration. Excessive humidity may cause an increase in resistance. A variable composition resistor may wear after extensive use, and worn away particles may cause high resistance short circuits.
What is the main function of a resistor?
A resistor is a passive electrical component with the primary function to limit the flow of electric current.
Why is my car blowing out 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.
Why is my heat blowing cold air?
If your furnace is blowing cold air in your home, this is a sign of an issue with the flame detector, gas supply, air filter, pilot light, or condensate lines. Many of these issues are able to be easily solved on your own by sanitizing or replacing components in the gas furnace.
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.
What causes blower motor failure?
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.
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.
What is a blower motor resistor?
The motor that runs the fan in the heating and air conditioning system in a car is called a blower motor. It's located inside the dash, often on the opposite side of the steering wheel or inside the engine compartment on the firewall. A blower motor resistor or a blower motor control module is the part that controls the speed of the blower motor.
What part controls the speed of the blower motor?
A blower motor resistor or a blower motor control module is the part that controls the speed of the blower motor. How the speed of the blower motor is controlled. See also:
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.
What does the resistor do on a car air conditioner?
Your air conditioner is made up of many parts. The motor that operates the fan in the air conditioning setup is known as a blower motor. It may be located in one of several places depending on the make and model of your car. The resistor is one of the parts of the blower motor. the resistor dictates the speed of the blower motor.
Below you will find two interesting articles on a similar topic 👇
How long should blower motors last?Does the blower motor resistor control heat?
