Blower Motor Resistor

Replace the blower motor resistor, which controls HVAC fan speeds. Located in the passenger side footwell area behind the glove box.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Blower motor resistor × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Resistor connector gasket/seal (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key fob from vehicle
3. Open passenger door fully for access
4. Remove all items from glove box
5. Allow HVAC system to cool if recently used

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Open hood and locate battery in engine compartment. Using 8mm socket, loosen and remove negative terminal bolt. Disconnect negative cable and secure away from battery post to prevent accidental reconnection.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove glove box assembly
   Open glove box fully. Locate the damper arm on right side and disconnect by pushing inward to release from pin. Squeeze glove box sides inward to release stop tabs from frame. Lower glove box down and forward to remove completely. Set aside in safe location.
3. 3

   Remove lower passenger side trim panel
   Locate lower trim panel beneath glove box opening in passenger footwell. Remove T20 Torx screws securing trim panel (typically 3-4 screws). Carefully pull panel away from body, releasing any remaining clips. Disconnect any electrical connectors if present for footwell lighting.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Locate blower motor resistor
   Using flashlight, locate the blower motor resistor assembly mounted on the HVAC housing in the passenger footwell area. It is typically positioned near the blower motor, identifiable by its finned heat sink design and electrical connector. Position yourself to access the component comfortably.
5. 5

   Disconnect resistor electrical connector
   Locate the locking tab on the electrical connector attached to the resistor. Press or slide the locking tab to release position. Firmly but gently pull connector straight off the resistor terminals. If connector is tight, carefully use flathead screwdriver to assist with releasing locking mechanism. Inspect connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
6. 6

   Remove resistor mounting screws
   Using T20 Torx bit, remove the screws securing the blower motor resistor to the HVAC housing (typically 2 screws). Keep screws organized for reinstallation. Note the orientation of the resistor before removal.
   Torque spec

   Resistor Screws2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove old resistor
   Carefully pull the resistor assembly straight out from the HVAC housing. The resistor may have a sealing gasket that provides slight resistance. Inspect the mounting area and gasket condition. Check the old resistor for signs of overheating, burnt terminals, or physical damage that would cause failure.
8. 8

   Prepare new resistor installation
   Compare new resistor with old unit to verify correct replacement part. If resistor includes a new sealing gasket, install it onto the new resistor according to orientation marks. If reusing gasket, inspect carefully for tears or compression damage and clean mounting surface on HVAC housing. Apply thin layer of dielectric grease to connector terminals on new resistor if desired for corrosion prevention.
9. 9

   Install new resistor
   Align new resistor with mounting holes in HVAC housing, ensuring gasket seats properly. Push resistor into housing until fully seated. Install mounting screws and tighten using torque wrench to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even seating.
   Torque spec

   Resistor Screws2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Align electrical connector with resistor terminals, ensuring correct orientation. Push connector onto terminals until locking tab clicks into locked position. Verify secure connection by gently pulling on connector housing (not wires).
11. 11

    Reinstall lower trim panel
    Reconnect any electrical connectors for footwell lighting if previously disconnected. Position lower trim panel and engage any mounting clips. Install T20 Torx screws and tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall glove box
    Position glove box into opening and squeeze sides inward. Insert into frame until stop tabs engage on both sides. Reconnect damper arm to pin on right side by aligning and pushing firmly. Close and open glove box to verify proper operation and damper function.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery
    Reconnect negative battery cable to negative terminal post. Install terminal bolt and tighten to specification using torque wrench. Ensure connection is secure and cable cannot rotate on post.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all trim panels and fasteners are securely installed
2. Ensure glove box operates smoothly and damper functions correctly
3. Confirm battery terminal is tight and secure

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine
• Test blower motor at all fan speed settings (1 through 4 or all variable speeds) to verify resistor function
• Listen for smooth operation without unusual noises or hesitation between speeds
• Verify air flow increases appropriately with each fan speed increment
• Check that climate control system responds to temperature adjustments
• Confirm no warning lights appear on instrument cluster related to HVAC system
• Test system with engine running for 5-10 minutes to verify resistor does not overheat or fail under normal operation

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