electrical
Blower Motor Resistor
for 2012 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · 4WD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.0 h
Tools
6
Steps
10
This procedure replaces the blower motor resistor, which controls the HVAC blower motor speed settings in the 2011-2014 Ford F-150.
Warnings
⚠Disconnect the negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes before beginning work to allow airbag system capacitors to discharge
ℹ️The blower motor resistor is located on the passenger side of the HVAC housing under the dashboard
⚠Do not force electrical connectors as the locking tabs can break easily
Tools required
7mm socket or nut driverEssential
1/4 inch ratchetEssential
Trim panel removal tool
Torque wrench (0-50 lb-ft range)Essential
Flashlight or work lightEssential
Shop vacuum (for cleanup)
Parts
- Blower motor resistor × 1 — Motorcraft YH-1715 or equivalent
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Turn ignition off and remove key
- Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes
- Allow HVAC system to cool completely if recently operated
- Remove any floor mats or items from passenger footwell area
Procedure
- 1Access passenger footwell areaMove the passenger seat fully rearward for maximum working space. Position yourself in the passenger footwell with a flashlight to locate the blower motor resistor on the HVAC case behind the glove box area. The resistor is mounted on the passenger side of the evaporator housing.
- 2Locate blower motor resistorThe blower motor resistor is positioned on the lower right side of the HVAC housing, accessible from the passenger footwell without removing the glove box. It will have an electrical connector attached and is secured with two screws. Note the orientation for proper installation of the new unit.
- 3Disconnect electrical connectorLocate the electrical connector on the blower motor resistor. Press the locking tab on the connector while pulling it straight away from the resistor. Do not twist or rock the connector excessively. If the connector is difficult to access, you may need to loosen the resistor mounting screws first to create clearance.
- 4Remove resistor mounting screwsUsing a 7mm socket or nut driver, remove the two screws securing the blower motor resistor to the HVAC housing. Note that these screws may have thread-locking compound applied. Keep track of the screws as they are small and easy to drop into the HVAC ducting.
- 5Remove old resistorCarefully pull the blower motor resistor straight out from the HVAC housing. It may require slight wiggling to break the seal. Inspect the resistor mounting area for any debris, leaves, or moisture that may have entered through the blower motor opening. Clean the mounting surface with a clean, dry cloth if necessary.
- 6Inspect and prepare new resistorCompare the new blower motor resistor to the old unit to verify it is the correct part. Check that the electrical connector terminals are clean and undamaged. Ensure the new resistor has a proper seal or gasket installed to prevent air leakage around the mounting area.
- 7Install new resistorPosition the new blower motor resistor into the HVAC housing opening, ensuring proper alignment with the mounting holes. The resistor should seat flush against the housing. Verify that any seal or gasket is properly positioned before securing.
- 8Install and torque mounting screwsInstall the two mounting screws by hand initially to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a torque wrench with a 7mm socket, tighten the screws in an alternating pattern to ensure even seating of the resistor against the housing.Torque specResistor Screws2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
- 9Reconnect electrical connectorAlign the electrical connector with the terminals on the blower motor resistor and push firmly until you hear and feel the locking tab click into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully locked. Ensure no wires are pinched or stressed.
- 10Reconnect battery and test operationReconnect the negative battery cable. Turn the ignition to the ON position without starting the engine. Test all blower motor speed settings (LOW, MEDIUM-LOW, MEDIUM-HIGH, and HIGH) to verify proper operation. Each speed should produce a distinctly different airflow volume. Listen for any unusual noises from the blower motor.
Reassembly
- Return passenger seat to original position
- Reinstall floor mats in passenger area
- Verify all HVAC controls return to their original settings
Verification
- Test all blower motor speeds with HVAC system set to various modes (defrost, floor, vent)
- Verify smooth operation with no hesitation between speed settings
- Confirm no unusual noises or burning smell from HVAC system
- Check that airflow volume changes appropriately with each speed setting
- Verify no air leaks around the resistor mounting area when blower is operating