It’s time for a blower motor resistor repair. So, how much will you be shelling out to get this part fixed? According to the latest data we received, the average blow motor resistor replacement cost lies between $115 and $141. The final costs will depend on the vehicle that you are driving. For a 2009 Dodge Caravan, we found the approximate costs of parts to be around $22.00. Labor for the task was around $112.00. A blow motor resistor replacement for a 2007 Jaguar S-Type vehicle was approximately $370 for parts. The labor for the job was around $144.00. So, the kind of vehicle you have will depend on the final numbers for your blow motor resistor replacement.
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What is a Blower Motor Resistor?
The blower motor resistor can be found in the AC/heater compartment, just under the dashboard. The resistor empowers the blower motor to alter the fan’s speed. If you didn’t have this particular part or it stopped working, then you wouldn’t have a chance to change your fan’s speed of airflow that originates from the blower motor. As your motor blower continues to fail, you may experience your fan working only on the highest speed possible. It’s important to note that if you have no air coming out of your vehicle’s vents, then you may experience a problem with the blower motor alongside the resistor. When you have an object stuck in the fan or there is some other kind of mechanical resistance, then this can damage and even ruin the blower motor resistor.
What Symptoms Indicate That I May Need A Blower Motor Resistor Replacement?
The following symptoms indicate that you need a new blower motor resistor:
- You’re receiving no air from your vehicle’s vents.
- Your blower motor only works at just two speeds, instead of the four that it should.
When your vehicle’s blower motor stops working, the AC and heater may still work in your car. Additionally, you may feel cool air and heat coming from your vents. However, the air pressure will be decreased tremendously. You will experience this decrease at all fan speeds, as well as all temperatures. Another symptom of a blower motor resistor failure is a grinding noise or even a rattling sound. These unwelcomed sounds may originate from the floorboard of the passenger side of the vehicle. These noises may also be due to a faulty bearing or broken fan blades. Additionally, you may hear the grinding or rattling at random, or at specific times.
You may also have a failing blower motor resistor if you see smoke or smell burning or unusual smells.
You may also take note of and see smoke or smell burning smells while you’re driving. In these instances, you want to make sure that you pull over somewhere safe ASAP. Then, call for help or assistance. A burned-out blower motor may not wreck your car, but you want to be sure that it is indeed your blower motor that’s doing the smoking. You need a proper diagnosis of the situation and proper assistance. You certainly don’t want to take any chances.
One common indicator that you have a faulty blower motor resistor is that your blower motor will fail to work on specific settings. Should the blower motor resistor’s internal components cease to stop working, then your settings may be compromised. A remedy may be to obtain a new blower motor switch- as the current one is not working. But you will only know what you need to do, once you get a proper diagnosis of the issue from a mechanic.
Can I Drive My Car With A Faulty Blower Motor?
Driving with a faulty blower motor spells no climate control for your car. This means that you’re A/C as well as your heat will be compromised. So, if you have an extremely hot day or cold one, then you will not be able to be comfortable while driving.
How Often Should Blower Motors Be Replaced?
Even though there’s no set lifespan for blower motor resistors, many auto professionals find that they oftentimes fail in vehicles with high-mileage. Furthermore, age can be a factor in the longevity of a blower motor resistor. As time progresses, the fan blades can become weak, fragile and even brittle. Another aspect to consider is the amount of use a blower motor gets. If you do us it quite often, then, it may be to your advantage to get it inspected during regular vehicle maintenance intervals. Keep in mind that debris that enters into the HVAC box can destroy a blower motor- regardless of the motor’s age or the mileage on the vehicle.
How can I Identify the fault in my Blower Motor Resistor?
Once you attempt to successfully diagnose the issues with a blower fan motor, you should consider following the steps outlined below:
Checking the fuse for power
The first item you need to check is the fuse for the power. You want to look and check the fuse for power located on both ends. A multimeter can assist with this. Do you have power one end of the blower, but not the other? Then you need to replace the fuse.
Check the fan relay
Another check you want to make is that of the fan relay, if your vehicle is equipped with one. These relays can be tested by putting your finger on them. Then afterward, you want to switch the fan’s control to the on and off position. Any clicking you hear from the relay is an indication that the relay is working properly.
Check the fan
Another check you want to perform, is of the fan itself. You want to make sure that your fan has a power presence. You can do this by turning on the fan control. Then, you can check the fan itself for +12V at the fan’s terminals. Just switch your multimeter to voltage measuring mode. Then you want to verify that the voltage difference that is located between the fan’s terminals measures 12V. Should you have no power present at the fan, then you may have bad wiring. If this is the case, then you want to take the car to a certified and professional auto electrician. If you do have power in the fan’s terminals yet your fan isn’t working, the you can conclude that the blower fan is faulty.
What If My Fan is Operating At Some Speed Setting?
If your fan is operating at some sort of speed setting- but it fails to work at other speed settings- then the blower resistor is bad and needs to be replaced. So:
- You can locate the blower resistor and then detach it from the circuit. You may need to consult your owner’s manual for its precise location. Some of the most common locations of the blower resistor are under or behind the dashboard, near the blower fan motor, or around the passenger footwell.
- Once you locate the resistor and detach it, then you may be able to see if the resistor has burned out. If you do indeed have a burned-out resistor, then only the appropriate replacement from your car producer or manufacturer will work. So, you may need to consult with a dealership or a certified mechanic for the exact replacement needed.
- If the appearance of the resistor looks normal, then you will need to measure the resistance across each resistor, individually. All of the resistors are connected to a common item. So, now you can take the multimeter and switch it to resistance measuring mode. Then, be sure that you connect one prod of the multimeter to the common item. Afterward, you can use the other prod to measure resistances at the other points or items. Should any of these resistances show infinite resistance or an open circuit, then I’s time to replace the blower resistor.
Will A Blower Motor Work Without The Resistor?
The power to the blower motor is fed throughout the blower motor resistor. Therefore, if it becomes faulty or has any issues, the power can be cut off to the vehicle’s motor. Should you have a blower motor with no power, there will be no air pressure produced. This will result in your vehicle’s A/C and heating system having no air coming from the vents.
Is Selling Your Car an Option?
Perhaps your old vehicle has a bad blower motor resistor as well as other issues. Can you sell that car with a bad motor resistor as well as other issues? Yes, you can! Forget the repairs and replacements and sell that car to Cash Cars Buyer. We purchase cars with faulty Motor Resistors as well as other issues! Selling your vehicle has never been easier! We offer:
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