electrical
Blower Motor Resistor
for 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
48 min
Tools
4
Steps
9
Replace the blower motor resistor assembly located behind the glove box to restore proper HVAC fan speed control.
Warnings
⚠If vehicle has been recently driven, HVAC components may be hot to the touch. Allow cooling time before beginning work.
ℹ️Disconnecting the battery is not required for this procedure but may prevent unwanted blower operation during service.
Tools required
Phillips screwdriverEssential
Torque wrench (1-10 Nm range)Essential
Flashlight or work light
Panel removal tool or trim tool
Parts
- Blower motor resistor assembly × 1 — 87138-06080 or equivalent
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Turn ignition off and remove key
- Open passenger door fully for access to glove box area
- Ensure HVAC system is turned off
Procedure
- 1Remove glove boxOpen the glove box and remove all contents. Locate the damper arm on the right side of the glove box and disconnect it by squeezing the damper pin and pulling it free from the glove box. Squeeze both sides of the glove box inward to release the stoppers from the frame, then lower the glove box down completely to access the area behind it.
- 2Locate blower motor resistorWith the glove box lowered, look to the left side of the blower motor housing. The resistor assembly is mounted on the side of the HVAC unit and has a wire harness connector attached. It is a rectangular component approximately 3x4 inches in size with cooling fins visible.
- 3Disconnect electrical connectorLocate the wire harness connector attached to the resistor. Press the locking tab on the connector and pull it straight away from the resistor assembly. The connector may be tight; wiggle gently while pulling if needed. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
- 4Remove resistor mounting screwsUsing a Phillips screwdriver, remove the two screws securing the resistor assembly to the blower motor housing. These screws may have thread-locking compound applied. Keep screws in a safe location for reinstallation.Torque specResistor Screws2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
- 5Remove old resistor assemblyOnce screws are removed, carefully pull the resistor assembly straight out from the blower motor housing. The resistor has a rubber seal around its base which may cause slight resistance. Inspect the seal on the old resistor and the mounting surface for debris or damage.
- 6Prepare new resistor for installationRemove the new resistor from packaging and verify it matches the old unit in shape and connector type. Ensure the rubber seal is properly seated on the new resistor. Clean the mounting surface on the blower housing with a clean, dry cloth to ensure proper seal contact.
- 7Install new resistor assemblyAlign the new resistor assembly with the mounting holes in the blower motor housing. Push the resistor firmly into place ensuring the rubber seal makes full contact with the housing. Insert both mounting screws and hand-tighten initially. Using a torque wrench, tighten screws to specification in a cross pattern.⚠Do not overtighten resistor screws as the housing is plastic and can crack. Use proper torque wrench setting of 2.0 Nm (1.5 lb-ft).Torque specResistor Screws2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
- 8Reconnect electrical connectorPush the wire harness connector firmly onto the new resistor assembly until you hear or feel a distinct click indicating the locking tab has engaged. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is securely locked in place.
- 9Reinstall glove boxRaise the glove box back into position. Push both sides outward slightly and lift the glove box up until the stoppers re-engage with the frame openings on both sides. Reconnect the damper arm to the glove box by aligning the pin and pushing it into the mounting hole until it clicks into place.
Reassembly
- Verify glove box opens and closes smoothly with proper damper operation
- Ensure no tools or parts are left in the glove box area
Verification
- Start the vehicle and turn on the HVAC system
- Test all blower motor speed settings (1, 2, 3, 4) to verify each speed operates correctly
- Listen for any unusual noises from the blower motor area
- Verify airflow increases appropriately with each speed setting
- Check that no air leaks are present around the resistor mounting area
- Confirm no warning lights are illuminated on the instrument panel