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What happens when a blower motor resistor goes out?

Author of the blog (work in a car repair shop)
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What happens when a blower motor resistor goes 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.When the resistor goes out, you might not be able to get any air to come out of the 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.

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 does a heater blower motor 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

Is there a fuse for blower motor?

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.

Can I run my car without a blower motor?

Your car's blower motor is not only necessary for the operation of your air conditioner. Without a functioning blower motor your engine runs the risk of overheating.

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.

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.

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.

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 a blower motor resistor be repaired?

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 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 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.

How much does it cost to fix a heater 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.

How do you test a resistor?

Where is the blower resistor located?

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.

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.

How much should 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.

How often do blower motors go out?

Where is the blower motor fuse located?

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.

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 stuck on one speed?

1. Blower motor stuck on one speed. A common symptom of a faulty blower motor 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.

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.

What happens when a blower motor relay fails?

Since the blower motor relay is essentially the switch that directly controls power to the blower motor, the entire AC system will be left unable to distribute its cooled or heated air if the relay fails.

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