Blower Motor Resistor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the blower motor resistor (power transistor) in the HVAC system, which controls blower motor speed.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Blower motor resistor (power transistor) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Electrical connector seal (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and turn off engine
2. Allow HVAC system to cool if recently operated
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes
4. Open passenger door for access to glove box area

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove glove box
   Open the glove box fully. Press inward on both sides of the glove box to release the dampener arms from their slots. Lower the glove box completely down past its normal stop position to access the area behind it.
2. 2

   Locate blower motor resistor
   Using a flashlight, locate the blower motor resistor on the right side of the HVAC unit housing. It is a rectangular component with a multi-pin electrical connector attached. The resistor is mounted with two screws and positioned near the blower motor itself.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Press down on the locking tab of the electrical connector while pulling it straight away from the resistor. Do not twist or rock the connector excessively. If the connector is difficult to remove, gently wiggle it side to side while maintaining pressure on the locking tab.
   ⚠The connector locking tab is plastic and can break if excessive force is used
4. 4

   Remove resistor mounting screws
   Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the two screws securing the blower motor resistor to the HVAC housing. Keep these screws in a safe location as they will be reused during installation.
5. 5

   Remove blower motor resistor
   Carefully pull the resistor straight out from the HVAC housing. Note the orientation and position of any rubber seal or gasket on the resistor body. If the seal remains in the housing, remove it for inspection.
6. 6

   Inspect and clean mounting surface
   Inspect the mounting surface on the HVAC housing for debris, corrosion, or damage. Clean the surface with a dry cloth. Check the condition of the rubber seal or gasket; replace if cracked, hardened, or damaged.
7. 7

   Install new blower motor resistor
   Ensure the rubber seal is properly positioned on the new resistor. Align the resistor with the mounting holes and insert it straight into the HVAC housing. Verify the resistor is fully seated against the housing before proceeding.
8. 8

   Install and torque mounting screws
   Install the two mounting screws by hand, threading them in until finger-tight. Using a torque wrench, tighten the screws to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even seating.
   ⚠Do not overtighten resistor screws as this can crack the plastic housing or resistor body
   Torque spec

   Resistor Screws2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Align the electrical connector with the resistor terminals and push firmly until you hear and feel a positive click. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully locked in place.
10. 10

    Reinstall glove box
    Lift the glove box back into position. Guide the dampener arms back into their slots on both sides while applying inward pressure to the glove box sides. Close the glove box to verify proper operation.
11. 11

    Reconnect battery
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Reset the vehicle clock and radio presets as needed.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are fully seated and locked before testing
2. Verify glove box dampeners are properly engaged and glove box operates smoothly
3. Reset radio presets and clock after battery reconnection

Verification

• Start the vehicle and turn on the HVAC system
• Test all blower motor speed settings (low, medium-low, medium-high, high) to verify proper operation at each level
• Listen for any unusual noises from the blower motor area
• Verify airflow strength corresponds correctly to each speed setting
• Check that the blower motor turns off completely when set to OFF position
• Confirm no electrical burning smell is present during operation

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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