How To Replace a Blower Motor Resistor

You'll know that your blower motor resistor has seen better days when you go to turn up the fan on your air conditioning and nothing happens. If the fan is completely out you may have a problem with the fan but if it runs on one or more settings but not the rest you probably have a bad resistor.

Replacing a blower motor resistor is exceptionally easy so you should tackle this DIY project with no fears.

• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Replacement blower motor resistor
• Socket set
• Owner's manual

Like many projects that involve electronic components, the replacement is easy; usually just a matter of unplugging the old and plugging in the new. The hard part is getting to the component and that can be the case with the blower motor resistor depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

Typically the resistor is located under the dash on the passenger side next to the blower. Refer to your owner's manual for the exact location on your particular car. You may find that you have a panel (or two) that you will need to remove to get under the dash. These panels usually can be dismounted using a screw driver of pulling on securing clamps.

On some models, access to the resistor requires going in from the top of the dash which means removing the top dash cover, insulation pad and probably the defroster vent. Again, refer to your owner's manual to see just how to access the resistor.

1. Remove the negative cable from your vehicle's battery to ensure the electrical system in the car is not charged.
2. Locate the resistor. It will be adjacent to the blower housing. In most cases all you will see is the bottom of the resistor where it plugs into the wiring harness.
3. Unplug the harness from the resistor. Typically there is a plastic tab on the harness connection that needs to be depressed to disconnect the resistor.
4. The resistor itself is normally held in place with 2 to 4 screws/bolts. Remove these bolts then pull straight out.
5. Compare the connection on the new resistor to the connection on the wiring harness so you know which way to insert the new resistor. Insert the resistor and secure it with the screws/bolts.
6. Connect the wiring harness to the resistor.
7. Reconnect the negative cable on your battery. Test the resistor by turning the ignition to "on" and running through the fan settings.
8. Reassemble any panels you had to remove to gain access to the motor blower resistor.

That's all there is to it. By doing it yourself you have just saved $40 to $50 in labor and the inconvenience of a trip to the shop.

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