Blower Motor Resistor [Archive]

misslindseysue

03-03-2004, 04:15 PM

I think I paid $17 for it.... Well, I probably took overdrive out for dinner and we called it even. But it was less than $20. Oh, and a dealer should have it in stock, it goes out a lot. GM keeps them in stock for their development cars, if that tells you anything.

99ALERO

03-03-2004, 04:19 PM

i think i payed $20 something from the GM dealer, but i guess some autoparts keep them in stock, its easy to replace if you want more info i can give some on how to replace it

Cyber Knight

03-03-2004, 04:45 PM

Actually, I should have asked how quick the job is to replace it. I've seen the steps on an FAQ and it looks fairly straightforward. Mine went last winter, but they covered it under warranty and fixed it at the dealer, but if it goes again in winter once it's out of warranty then I'll hafta do the replacement myself, and I don't have a garage to keep warm in. I hate working on my car outside in winter. I need a house with a heated garage, or summer year round.

99ALERO

03-03-2004, 05:17 PM

it took me a half hour, cause it took a while to get the back screw off of the resistor

ImSoBored

03-03-2004, 05:21 PM

yeah the back screw was a PITA to get out, cause all I had were needle nosed pliers, cause rachet wrench wouldnt fit back there

99ALERO

03-03-2004, 05:30 PM

i took the socket and used a vice grips to get at it. my wrist was soar!

j{}n

03-03-2004, 10:31 PM

correct me if i'm wrong, but symptoms for needing this include:
first two settings don't work
doesn't blow as strong

?

-Alero-

03-03-2004, 10:49 PM

what is that? :( i hate to be a n00b but i have no idea what that is! :blink: do i have one of those in my car and does it need to be changed every so often? :wacko:

j{}n

03-04-2004, 03:01 AM

it needs to be changed whenever the first two settings of your a/c don't work anymore, if i'm not mistaken

misslindseysue

03-04-2004, 08:27 AM

Yup. You'll know when it goes 'cause the first one, two, or three settings on your blower won't work. You'll get pretty much no air movement until whatever setting that still works. It just happens to be a part that goes every once in a while.

3.4Alero

03-04-2004, 12:57 PM

Ordered mine from autozone.com the other day. Should be here soon. It was 15.95 plus shipping. I figured I would get an aftermarket one because, well, the GM ones obviously SUCK.

j-work

03-04-2004, 01:07 PM

I replaced mine about a year ago. It took me about 30 to 40 minutes to replace. But it is a real pain in the @ss! Most of the time replacing the part is spent laying on you back on the passenger seat upside down with your head on the floor board. There used to be a post in one of the forums that told you what size sockets you needed and the steps to remove and install. You might want to look there.

`2000redalero

03-05-2004, 05:15 PM

Originally posted by 3.4Alero@Mar 4 2004, 12:57 PM
Ordered mine from autozone.com the other day. Should be here soon. It was 15.95 plus shipping. I figured I would get an aftermarket one because, well, the GM ones obviously SUCK.
what was the part #?

embe

03-13-2004, 12:29 AM

Got mine replaced after 6 months, Seems like it's a common problem on GM's the Grand Prix has the same problem. How do you get at it? Got the one on my Alero replaced at the dealership.

Final-Reality

03-13-2004, 07:42 PM

Guys guys guys nothing is wrong with the resistor. The first three settings on the dial are off. The last three are on. :smokin:

Grouch

04-14-2004, 03:36 PM

Seeing as mine went out recently....I figured I'd bring this back up, post the instructions for changing it and move it over to the "How-To & FAQ" section seeing the frequency of the problem. ;)

Thanks to Molson for these instructions:

1) Resistor is located next to firewall on passenger side, in part of the blower motor plastic housing assembly, on the downside part of the assembly that is toward the passenger's feet.

2) To get to it, you will need a 7/32 " socket. You will need a universal socket adapter. Trust me... you will need a universal socket adapter.

3) You will need to either be skinny, or hire a ten year old boy who can work tools and can bend his spine funny. (Actually, you can do it). You will need to open the passenger door, and lay on your left hip with your upper torso on the passenger floor.

4) Look up toward the fire wall. LOOK UP! You will see wires feeding the resistor via a connector. You will see two bolts holding the resistor in the housing.

5) Bingo! There you are!

Part #: 15359314
GM LIST: $23.88
OUR PRICE: $11.94

GLSalero99

06-27-2004, 07:20 PM

I just replaced mine, and I used the part # that was listed on this site, it didn't look like the one i took out, it works fine though
thanks

alerocity

06-28-2004, 03:18 AM

are their any pics for the how to or pics for exactly where it is?

GLSalero99

06-28-2004, 04:00 PM

one thing i should mention is that you have to remove the black plastic shroud covering the blower. it has 3 or 4 screws and one plastic clippy type screw. and that universal joint socket adapter is a must :)

alero168

07-04-2005, 11:12 PM

Originally posted by alerocity@Jun 28 2004, 02:18 AM
are their any pics for the how to or pics for exactly where it is?
Quoted post

yeah any pics?

DRA-GON

07-05-2005, 01:17 PM

I have to change this da*n thing this weekend should be fun I am like 5"10 220 and do not bend well , may have to get my daughter to change it for me, :biggrin:

King Asoka

07-05-2005, 04:12 PM

I have to do the same this weekend. But Im 6'4" 280 and dont pride myself on my flexability........

DRA-GON

07-05-2005, 04:59 PM

Maybe I'll wait to see how much trouble you have with it :blink:

brim

07-05-2005, 11:14 PM

if anyone is interested i'll snap pics of the location, what's gotta come out

if needed just pm me on here

yeah, one screw = TOTAL pain in the ass, i didn't even bother putting it back hehe

ImSoBored

07-06-2005, 10:59 AM

me neither

brim

07-11-2005, 06:36 PM

a little of where it's at

brim

07-11-2005, 06:38 PM

el fin'

pull out the two screws, disconnect the clips for the wires, there is also a wire cover on this (black with holes) that I removed and forgot to put back

the whereabouts

alero168

07-11-2005, 08:13 PM

thanks a lot brim :beerchug:

brim

07-11-2005, 09:02 PM

no problem hope this helped if anything

brim

07-14-2005, 07:57 PM

and on a side note I got the part through Autozone

The part was 15.99 had to be ordered so it took a few days, shipping is next day for almost all items though right now at AZ.

The new one was like 3X larger but works the same and fits the same.

undersc0re

07-24-2005, 11:28 AM

are these resistors repairable? is the trace just burnt and we could just put a jumper wire in there that won't burn? Has anyone tried this or does this part need to fit in a very tight space or slide in somewhere?

ImSoBored

07-24-2005, 12:15 PM

I don't think it could be retraced. The card itself is actually burnt.

I got mine thru the dealership for $20 same day. mine was only slightly larger than the original

alero168

07-27-2005, 07:58 PM

1) Resistor is located next to firewall on passenger side, in part of the blower motor plastic housing assembly, on the downside part of the assembly that is toward the passenger's feet.

2) To get to it, you will need a 7/32 " socket. You will need a universal socket adapter. Trust me... you will need a universal socket adapter.

3) You will need to either be skinny, or hire a ten year old boy who can work tools and can bend his spine funny. (Actually, you can do it). You will need to open the passenger door, and lay on your left hip with your upper torso on the passenger floor.

4) Look up toward the fire wall. LOOK UP! You will see wires feeding the resistor via a connector. You will see two bolts holding the resistor in the housing.

5) Bingo! There you are!

i should add to what molson/grouch added here and say you need a 9/32" socket for the plastic covering the motor and resistor. and brims pics helped a lot thanks again brim for taking those. and it's such pita to get at.

DRA-GON

07-28-2005, 03:31 PM

Just a note the new part # is 89018413 if you use gmpartsdirect.com

DRA-GON

10-26-2005, 11:23 AM

Finaley got the GD part today this will be fun times tonight when I get home form work to install it ( Cost $29 Canadian ) :thumb:

j-work

10-26-2005, 12:54 PM

You'll have a back ache tomorrow... Enjoy the 30 minutes of being turn upside down on your floor board.

eag182

10-26-2005, 01:34 PM

I did this a few weeks ago, but I can't get the stupid cover back on. That'll probably take me forever when I go home for break.

NY.ALERO

12-25-2005, 09:18 PM

GM Part#15359314 has been changed to: #89018413

NY.ALERO

01-03-2006, 08:14 PM

Just got the resistor (ordered from GM Parts Direct) came in an AC Delco box, but the part is stamped "Made in Japan". Oh Boy........

The part was $23.49 with the shipping.

NY.ALERO

01-05-2006, 04:44 PM

Originally posted by Grouch@Apr 14 2004, 02:36 PM
Seeing as mine went out recently....I figured I'd bring this back up, post the instructions for changing it and move it over to the "How-To & FAQ" section seeing the frequency of the problem. ;)

Thanks to Molson for these instructions:

1) Resistor is located next to firewall on passenger side, in part of the blower motor plastic housing assembly, on the downside part of the assembly that is toward the passenger's feet.

2) To get to it, you will need a 7/32 " socket. You will need a universal socket adapter. Trust me... you will need a universal socket adapter.

3) You will need to either be skinny, or hire a ten year old boy who can work tools and can bend his spine funny. (Actually, you can do it). You will need to open the passenger door, and lay on your left hip with your upper torso on the passenger floor.

4) Look up toward the fire wall. LOOK UP! You will see wires feeding the resistor via a connector. You will see two bolts holding the resistor in the housing. ..........................

One tip to add here, if you unplug the resistor first (using a very small screwdriver to unhook the loop & then to separate it from the resistor) you will be able to access the rear screw with just a 1/4" drive rachet & 7/32" socket.

Lovestheh20

01-23-2006, 04:01 PM

or if you're lazy like me, and do not have all the tools you need and the part you got has the screw mounts on the wrong sides. unplug the bad resistor and plug the new one in find a safe spot to put the resistor and screw the cover back on. NO NEED TO PUT THE STUPID SCREWS OFF OR ON! :)

freakout

02-17-2006, 10:01 PM

My resistor was gone when I got in the car after work tonite. I am getting a bad vibration now, from the motor on the 2 speeds that still work. Was wondering if anyone else got the vibrations and if they went away when the resistor was changed.

DRA-GON

02-17-2006, 10:29 PM

I am getting the exact same thing , I though it was just me, the 3rd setting works fine though right? ( no vibrations i mean )

freakout

02-17-2006, 10:36 PM

Nope, both speeds vibrate. Seemed to be getting worse, just cranked the tunes it's been a crappy day. Excuse me I'm gonna go over here for and :banghead:

DRA-GON

02-17-2006, 10:51 PM

Just to be clear this is after you changed the blower resistor?

freakout

02-18-2006, 12:27 AM

No I haven't changed the resistor yet just happened. Lost the speeds and the vibration started at the same time. I just wanted to see if anyone got the vibrations to. I figure my motor is gone as well. The resistor will be changed in the morning. The parts store is an hour away, don't want to make 2 trips.

Lovestheh20

02-19-2006, 11:51 AM

MOTHER FUDGER!!!!! I just changed my resistor 3 weeks ago and it already took a dump on me?!??!!!???!??!?!?!?!?

freakout

02-19-2006, 01:46 PM

Changed the resistor yesterday. Still got a bit of vibration not as bad as it was but still there. What a spot I'm going to the Chiropractor monday.

crzyjoe5

02-24-2006, 03:16 PM

I also have a vibration problem. The first two settings don't work and when the fan is on it interferes with my radio. It adds static to the radio station, the higher the level the worse the static. It only effects the radio stations not my CDs. Anyone come across this problem?

mosquito

07-19-2006, 10:39 AM

My God...who has the number for GM for filing carpal tunnel and chiropractic claims? This is the WORST location ever for a common replacement part!

number1alero

07-19-2006, 11:48 AM

i had to replace mine the other day, got it done in 5 minutes, course there was only one screw holding it in, i think the tough one isnt in there anymore, anyway i was easily able to use a small socket wrench and get in there.....they carry them at autozone for $18.01 (including tax)

Cliff8928

07-19-2006, 12:39 PM

If you have a resistor that repeatedly fails, it's possible that the blower motor is drawing too much electricity and needs to be replaced.

lilfee504

09-12-2006, 09:21 PM

ive done it all but cant get 2 dat small friggin screw so i thought about just hooking the new one there and just leavin it hanging under the carpet but i said screw that i just left the old one in and i'll get back to it later...

Cliff8928

09-13-2006, 03:49 AM

You don't just want to let it hang there because it can overheat and fail prematurely. The airflow around it when it's installed helps dissipate the heat.

lilfee504

09-18-2006, 03:49 AM

well how the heck can i get that screw out

Cliff8928

09-19-2006, 02:58 AM

If you can get a socket on there, they aren't in there too tight and can usually be turned by hand.

black99alero

12-17-2006, 10:52 AM

Pimpalero03

12-17-2006, 12:04 PM

i hate replacing that damn part at work. i just use a swivel socket and a 1/4 racket for that back screw. but if i remember u dont ahve to take it all the way out, just lossen it cuz hte part slides onto that screw.

teflone

12-19-2006, 08:36 PM

Cnay anyone tell me if they have ever had ALL of the settings on the dial go out? I have once had this replaced when the first 3 setting went out but the other day all of the settings will not engage.......but I can feel heat building up and the fan just wont turn out to push it out........I am trying to decide what the problem is.......

This just happened to me this morning..

The first 3 settings do not work.. But High and the one before it work..
I suspect it will go completely soon like yours already has..

All or nothing kinda setup..

So obviously the blower motor resitor is gone..
A few of us sure could use those pictures of where this stuff is up there ? Im still confused as where it is ?

Anyone out there with pics.. the ones are aparently not working here..
http://autorepair.about.com/library/images/bl364a-lib.htm

found this.. just now.. im going to have to study this a while to figure out exactly where this is..uder the passenger dash like everyone says...

Hopefully the 1999 model is identical to 2001 model

Vinalero

12-19-2006, 10:15 PM

Mine did the same thing 2 weeks ago (3 first settings out) I got it replace because i didn't know what and where it was. If only I knew...

Still the mecanic told me he went by the glove box compartment, could it be easier to go by this way (even if longer to replace)?

I'll order a 6 pack of those resistor just in case :lol:

teflone

12-20-2006, 08:05 PM

Well went to my buddys shop, he ordered one up ricky tick.. was about 15 minutes and a guy walked in the door with the part..

Dealer cost 28 bucks canadian, I gave my bro 30.. hell.. cant complain..

cant find my camera.. wanted to take a pic of this silly thing..
I can see why they are prone to fail, high wattage SMT resistors SUCK!

Anywho.. came in a acdelco box.. with GM part # 89018413

My next trick will be to stand on my head to get at it..

Alero318

12-20-2006, 08:18 PM

On my 99 Alero GLS the Blower doesnt work on the highest setting. I think it is the resistor . Does anyone know before I get a new resistor if this is so or not?

teflone

12-20-2006, 09:44 PM

I would just get up in er' and look at your stock resistor pack..

if you see even the hint of a burn.. I would replace and most likely it would work.. They are cheap enough, I would start there..

Or at the VERY VERY least.. wiggle it a bit while on high..
wiggle the blower connector for that matter too

Cliff8928

12-21-2006, 02:12 AM

On my 99 Alero GLS the Blower doesnt work on the highest setting. I think it is the resistor . Does anyone know before I get a new resistor if this is so or not?

The resistor is used for all the settings EXCEPT the highest one. It's possible you have a failed relay.

99carseat

12-27-2006, 02:27 PM

since they always seem to fail, i just turn up the blower to the next notch, make it a little warmer temp, turn up the radio to dull the blower noise and drive on!

misslindseysue

12-31-2006, 12:00 AM

Haha... how things change, but stay the same. I was riding in the car, with my boyfriend (not the person I talk about in the post up there), and I turned on the blower and it DIDN'T WORK on the first two settings. I was like "fuck... not this again... well, at least that part is cheap.." (I need a new hub as of last week, too) He started ripping on my GM piece of shit, and I pretty much agreed that I've had it and I'm buying a new car.

But I will have to fix this (AGAIN) for now and before I sell it. Good thing I bought him a bunch of tools for Christmas. :)

Cliff8928

01-02-2007, 01:21 AM

It is very well possible that the blower motor is failing and drawing too much current causing the resistor to blow. And I've sold many resistors to people with other makes of cars too (seems like it might be common on Nissans too)

MixtapeMessiah

04-26-2007, 07:08 PM

Yea I must have spend about an hour tryin to get that piece of shit off. Sucks when u dont have the tool ur needing.

pawzbear

04-26-2007, 07:37 PM

uhm.. ok thread jesus.
this was made in.. 04? i wasnt even on here then ;) lol

MixtapeMessiah

04-26-2007, 08:18 PM

uhm.. ok thread jesus.
this was made in.. 04? i wasnt even on here then ;) lol

yeah but all most of the important people in this thread are still on the site sweetheart.

misslindseysue

05-01-2007, 10:33 AM

MixtapeMessiah

05-01-2007, 02:24 PM

lol ^^^ same here we need a special tool that we can get to that bolt, which I dont have = /

Stanl3yX

05-03-2007, 10:37 AM

Yeah I had to fix it myself this time. Actually.. I had to get my mom to help me. I don't know how Pat got his fat ass in there - that back screw was on tight! I didn't put it back on. I bet I spent 2 hours upside down in that wheel well altogether.

lol, yep me too. my time under there was more like 2 weeks. ended up taking it to the shop instead for $25.

Justy311

05-16-2007, 02:34 PM

I found the easiest way to remove the back screw is to get a universal joint socket adapter and turn by hand, none of the rachets I owned fit back there, so by hand worked for me. Also cut my hand up a little bit on the blower, just hope this fixes the problem.

Cliff8928

05-17-2007, 02:04 AM

You can also just use the socket held in a locking plier (vise grip, etc.)

black

03-05-2008, 04:55 PM

i always thought those first three settings were just reeeeeeeeeeeeeeally quiet.

now, i can see i have to get another part.

black

03-06-2008, 11:04 AM

i'd say it was a little fried.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee257/dogface83/truck016.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee257/dogface83/truck017.jpg

and what an unholy b!t*h it was to get that replaced.

AleroDrime

07-31-2011, 08:15 PM

Hey look im working on this right now but the resistor i have is part #dr774 from autozone its what their computer shows for both the 03 2.2 alero and grand am its longer and narrower, and i cant do this myself the tendon is torn in my hand has anyone else got this part to fit, ive got to get a friend over to help do this (this part does have the same screw holes and the fan speed works with it plugged in)

zzyzzx

05-01-2021, 10:32 AM

I used a 5.5mm socket and a flexible ratchet extension, and a regular ratchet extension to remove that bolt. Literally the first time I have been able to use that flex ratchet extension that I bought in 1983. I did not remove the blower motor, at least so far. I only have it out and have not procured or installed the new one.

Use a flat head offset screwdriver when removing the plug.

Old resistor is visibly bad, but not as bad as the one posted by Black.

zzyzzx

05-01-2021, 04:29 PM

Fortunately installing one is easier than removing it. When removing I was unable to move the bolt by hand at all. When installing I was at least able to get that back screw in part of the way by hand. Car has 65,958 miles in it now. Used a part purchased at Advance Auto, CarQuest branded, made in Mexico.

Do not do this repair yourself if you have a bad back!!!