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what does the blower motor resistor do

by Chadrick Swift Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Blower Motor Resistors (BMR) control the electrical current flowing from the fan switch to the blower fan, which allows the motorist to set the fan at different speeds.

Full Answer

What is the function of a blower motor resistor?

The blower motor resistor is part of the HVAC system and is an electrical component. It controls the blower motor fan speed. When you adjust the fan speed on the instrument cluster in your vehicle, the resistor is responsible for adjusting the speed that the blower motor runs at.

What are the symptoms of a bad blower motor resistor?

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  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. ...
  2. Blower motor does not work on certain settings Another common symptom of a faulty blower motor resistor is a a blower motor that does not function on certain settings. ...
  3. No air from the vehicle’s vents

How much does it cost to replace blower motor resistor?

The average cost for blower motor resistor replacement is between $114 and $125. Labor costs are estimated between $44 and $55 while parts are priced at $70. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

How to test and replace your blower motor resistor?

  • Remove the blower motor resistor wiring harness
  • Remove the two Phillips screws from the resistor
  • Remove the resistor

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What happens when blower motor resistor goes out?

Power to the blower motor is fed through the blower motor resistor, so if it fails or has any issues power can be cut off to the motor. A blower motor without power will not be able to produce any air pressure, and as a result the heating and air conditioning system will be left with no air coming from the vents.

How do I know if my blower motor 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.

Does the blower motor resistor have anything to do with the AC?

The blower motor resistor in your car is the part that is responsible for pushing air through the vents when using the air conditioner or heater. The blower motor resistor is constantly put under stress which can cause it to eventually fail.

What all does a blower motor resistor 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?

The blower resistor controls the power to the motor, so when the resistor goes out, the air will not come out of the vents.

Can you drive without a blower motor resistor?

You can still drive your car despite a faulty blower motor resistor. However, you'll probably find it uncomfortable to have the blower running at one speed setting the entire time or having limited access to certain settings.

How do I test a blower motor resistor?

0:221:23Blower motor resistor test - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTogether make sure we have continuity. So we're going to check between this terminal. And theMoreTogether make sure we have continuity. So we're going to check between this terminal. And the terminal across the connector. Go ahead and show the meter. And we're at 2.3.

What is the difference between a blower motor and a blower motor resistor?

The blower motor switch is the actual switch or button on the dash that you use to increase or decrease the fan speed. The blower motor IS the fan. The blower motor resistor is what allows the fan to work at different speeds as opposed to just off and on.

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.

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.

How long do blower motor resistors 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 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 I test a blower motor resistor?

0:221:23Blower motor resistor test - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTogether make sure we have continuity. So we're going to check between this terminal. And theMoreTogether make sure we have continuity. So we're going to check between this terminal. And the terminal across the connector. Go ahead and show the meter. And we're at 2.3.

How can you tell if a blower fuse is blown?

If the blower motor isn't running you should:Use voltmeter or ohmmeter to check for a blown fuse. If you find one, replace it.Start car and see if blower motor works. ... If the circuits are in good repair but the blower motor keeps blowing fuses, replace the blower motor [source: You Fix Cars].

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 are the symptoms of a bad blower motor?

What Are Signs Your Blower Motor Needs to Be Replaced?Poor or Airflow from Air Vents.No Airflow At All From Vents.Skyrocketing Energy Bills.Strange Noises When You Turn on the Heat.Overheating Blower / Weird Smells.

Why does my blower motor resistor fail?

When it fails — usually due to corrosion or overheating — you may notice a few things:

How does a heating and air conditioning system work?

The heating and air-conditioning system uses several resistors to supply the desired airflow by sending power to the blower motor. On the dash, each setting effectively represents a different current flow: When you select a low setting, you’re sending less power to the blower motor, which is achieved by more resistance, and when you select a high setting, you are sending more power to the blower motor, which is achieved by less resistance. The more power supplied, the higher the fan speed and the stronger the airflow.

What is a resistor in a circuit?

Resistors are used in electrical circuits to lower current by , you guessed it, resisting flow. Resistance is measured in ohms and can be anywhere from zero to OL (open loop). An OL reading on a multimeter likely indicates a full break in the circuit, meaning the resistance is too great to read from one test to another.

What happens when a static resistor fails?

When they fail, they supply either too much or too little current to a component.

Who is Blair Lampe?

Blair Lampe is a New York-based professional mechanic, blogger, theater technician, and speechwriter. In her downtime she enjoys backpacking wherever her boots will carry her, rock climbing, experimental theatre, a crisp rosé , and showering love on her 2001 Sierra truck.

Does air flow at high speeds?

Air flows, but only at high speeds, and other settings no longer work.

How does a Blower Motor Resistor Work?

The blower motor resistor works by controlling the speed of the blower motor. Previously, this control was simply done by changing the supplied voltage toward the blower motor. At present, this resistor is used to transmit a varied signal toward the motor.

Blower Motor Resistor Circuit Diagram & Working

The wiring diagram of the blower motor resistor is shown below. The following diagram shows how the resistor is connected to a car. The resistor has the highest fan speed setting that will be bypassed within this car & the blower motor can be power-driven through the switch of a fan.

How to test a blower resistor?

Testing: 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, replace the blower resistor. Move the lead from terminal 2 to terminal 3 and check this reading against specifications.

What is a blower motor resistor?

The blower motor resistor adjusts the blower motor's speed. It uses resistance to control the speed of the blower motor. At high speed, the resistor is bypassed, and power comes directly from the switch.

What is a blower motor resistor?

The blower motor resistor is part of the HVAC system and is an electrical component. It controls the blower motor fan speed. When you adjust the fan speed on the instrument cluster in your vehicle, the resistor is responsible for adjusting the speed that the blower motor runs at. Because the fan speed is regularly adjusted, ...

What happens when a blower motor resistor goes out?

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. When the blower motor doesn’t get power, air pressure can’t be produced. You are left with a heater or air conditioner ...

Why is my blower motor only working at low speed?

This may be due to poor wiring between the blower motor resistor and the blower motor itself.

How to tell if a blower motor resistor is faulty?

A common symptom of faulty blower motor resistor is when the heating and air conditioning blower only operates at high speed and cannot be adjusted to low speeds. This occurs because the faulty blower motor resistor is not able to control the current flow. It could be that the resistor is somehow bypassed and the current is fed directly from the switch. Excessive current can overheat the blower motor resistor and permanently damage it.#N#In this case, the heating and air conditioning system might still function normally by pushing the cold or warm air out of the outlet alongside the speed. The resistor must be replaced with a new one to restore its function.

What happens if a resistor fails?

If the resistor fails or shorts, the blower motor might remain stuck at a particular speed. While you could still use the air conditioning or heater at his speed, you will want to repair it for complete functionality again.

Why is my blower motor stuck at a certain speed?

Because the blower motor resistor adjusts the fan speed, the inability to change it can point to problems. If the resistor fails or shorts , the blower motor might remain stuck at a particular speed. While you could still use the air conditioning or heater at his speed, you will want to repair it for complete functionality again.

How much does it cost to replace a blower motor resistor?

In general, you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 for the labor associated with blower motor resistor replacement, giving you a grand total of between $60 and $260 for parts and labor.

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How Does A Blower Motor Resistor Work?

  • The blower motor resistor works by controlling the speed of the blower motor. Previously, this control was simply done by changing the supplied voltage toward the blower motor. At present, this resistor is used to transmit a varied signal toward the motor. This resistor is inbuilt with different resistors including different resistances. The typica...
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Blower Motor Resistor Circuit Diagram & Working

  • The wiring diagram of the blower motor resistoris shown below. The following diagram shows how the resistor is connected to a car. The resistor has the highest fan speed setting that will be bypassed within this car & the blower motor can be power-driven through the switch of a fan. Thus, even if this resistor is defective, then the motor within some cars may operate continuousl…
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Specifications

  • The specifications of a blower motor resistorinclude the following. 1. The type of motor used in this is the DC series motor. 2. The Blower motor resistor weight is approximately 1.5lbs. 3. Reliable & high quality. 4. The maximum power used by the blower motor is 27 kW. 5. They have superior finish & long-lasting nature. 6. It includes four poles. 7. The rated speed is 1750 RPM. 8…
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Applications

  • The applications of a blower motor resistorinclude the following. 1. This resistor is used to control the speed of the blower motor within a car. 2. This resistor controls the flow of current throughout the blower motor. 3. These resistors are used in automobiles. 4. Actually, this resistor is a solid-state module that transmits a varied signal toward the blower motor. Thus, this is all about an o…
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1.Blower motor, resistor: how it works, symptoms, …

Url:https://www.samarins.com/glossary/blower-motor-resistor.html

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1 hours ago  · Blower Motor Resistors (BMR) control the electrical current flowing from the fan switch to the blower fan, which allows the motorist to set the fan at different speeds.

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