Fixing the VW Polo 9n's Air Conditioning - Replacing the Resistor! | Pointless Polo Project

VW Polo 9n air conditioning only working on 4/full blast? Or maybe it's only working on one/two settings? As part of the Pointless Polo Project I learn (and simultaneously teach you) how to fix this issue. Turns out it's a very easy job, which can be completed by beginners, and with the correct tools only takes around half an hour!
Since I bought my 9n last September, I haven't been able to use settings 1-3 on the AC. After completing the fix in this video, it works perfectly, and was done just in time to take me to Norfolk for the week (during heatwave season here in the UK). If you're having a similar issue with your AC, this video should hopefully help you out.
To fix the AC I simply replaced the resistor/regulator that manages the different speed settings for the air conditioning. Worked perfectly - literally as good as new!
If you find the fixing videos boring I apologise - I have to do some car fixing before I can start my full project on the 9n!
Theoretically the general concept is the same for other similar cars like the Skoda Fabia, Seat Ibiza etc, but I'm not 100% sure on how they're set up so can't promise!
Major thank you and welcome to all the new subscribers - it's ridiculous how much support I've received recently. When I started editing this video I was on 232 subscribers, and at the time of writing I'm on 282, not even 4 hours later!
I really hope I can keep up some enjoyable content for you all to watch. I want to keep my channel as varied as possible - it's 'cars' with JB, not 'specific cars' with JB!
Thanks to all those who have been really supportive of the channel more recently, including P, Streetmodz, Ed, Max, Sasha, Louis, Jordan, Sam, Dub Engineer, Adam, Damian, Elliot, Donut and all the others!
Let me know if you like this format of video - a little bit more like Tavarish or someone, rather than my usual voiceovers.
Thank you very much for watching, remember to like, comment and subscribe for more content like this in the future.
Link to part on Amazon (UK):
www.amazon.co....
Music:
Background: my sister
Other: /watch?v=7829VTW-uYI
Outro: Ship Wrek & Zookeepers - Ark [NCS Release]
Links:
Instagram - / carswithjb
KZbin - goo.gl/VGWwJ6
Patreon - / carswithjb
Twitter - / carswithjb

[@loveandlighttattoo5947]

Just did this to my polo… First job I’ve ever done myself on a car. It took 45 minutes. Now the fans work a treat!! Thanks so much mate. I feel proper good about myself after doing that.

[@philc2604]

Thanks a million. Did this yesterday on a 2015 Seat Ibiza 1.2 petrol.. exactly the same. Tricky operation but got it sorted yesterday thanks to youtube. Turning the assembly anticlockwise allowed it to pop pit without needing to lever it with a screwdriver. It did take a good bit of maneuvering to get the whole assembly out so that I could unclip the cable and attach the new part. getting it back in was far easier, pushing it in resistor first, dropping into the hole handily enough, and once lined up a slight clockwise twist and it locked into place

[@Peterjbdk]

Just fixed mine and your video was by far the most useful of all the pol resistor fix videos that I came across. In particular turning the resistor sideways to get it back in solved a problem. Thanks.

[@rangochu2713]

Thanks for the extra tips and explanation! Glad to see you’re still active on your KZbin channel too! I will be doing this for my Audi A1 (different but same technique!)

[@colin2975]

Thanks for the video. I was just about to give up on getting the little blighter resistor pack out of a Seat Ibiza when your video came to the rescue! For anyone with a mk5 Ibiza I can confirm it's the same fiddle to get the resistor in and out. The glovebox removal is slightly different - still a T20 torx needed, but the screws aren't in the same place as the Polo's. What helped me a little bit when removing the resistor pack is that it can be loosened out of it's 'hole' by removing the cabin filter and accessing the resistor from underneath. Just a matter of squeezing your hand into the slot where the cabin filter's been removed, and then turning the resistor pack clockwise in it's 'hole'. This saves you having to pop the resistor pack out with the screwdriver and maybe damaging the plastic around the hole. After that it's still a pain to pull it out fully from the top, but I got it eventually due to this video :-)

[@CarsWithJB]

Glad I could help - and thanks for the info, should hopefully help another owner! It was a learning experience for me too as you can probably tell by the video 🤙🏽

[@23CAREMUCH]

Mate. Thanks for this comment. Have Mk5 myself. Been struggling to find a guide for ages. Did yours have those silver bars blocking the resistor from the top too? Not too sure how to go about removing mine.

[@bretthodgson9157]

Just saved me £140. Easy peasy to change resistor. Video applies to Ibiza 2010, everything in the same place. Many thanks

[@CarsWithJB]

Good stuff, glad it helped!

[@archielent2129]

Had this problem for about a week and can’t believe someone has made a video on fixing it in the exact car haha just gained a sub!😂

[@CarsWithJB]

Haha no worries - it seems to be a consistent issue on VAG cars! Really simple fix though, good luck with yours!

[@eddie8341]

Just bought a polo for my son, fan only works on speed 4, I think this video will save me a trip to the garage. Cheers.

[@CarsWithJB]

Lucky lad - I hope the change goes well!

[@CarsWithJB]

Lucky lad - I hope the change goes well!

[@eddie8341]

Cheers. Bought the new part from VW a bit pricey at £49 but worth the trip as I got a free VW pen, cup and key ring.

[@jamesgsherwood]

Thanks for the video mate. Had the same fault but after watching this (and £8 and 30-minutes later) it’s now working perfectly 👍🏻

[@Nathan-sf8ql]

loving the pointless polo project, recently got a polo as my first car and this series is giving me ideas of what to do with it. I was wondering if you could do a grill replacement vid with like a honeycomb grill or something.

[@CarsWithJB]

Nathan you literally read my mind - I'm planning on doing a full redo of the car at some point soon (interior and exterior and engine), and one thing I definitely want is a honeycomb grille like the ones on the mk3 Audi TT etc, so I'll be working that out in the near future. Glad to hear you're enjoying the project - thanks for watching!

[@gescottmoves]

Based in Bath with a Polo 1.4 TDI, just finished this took about an hour and totally worth it! Will be ready for summer now, Cheers!!!

[@CarsWithJB]

Ah I'm glad it worked for you! Whereabouts in bath? I went to the uni, but graduated last year

[@matooo95]

Thank you very much, I followed your instructions, replaced the resistor pack and was able to fix my AC. It only started when fan was on level 2.

[@stuart20lucas]

Thanks for this - replaced mine today. Very fiddly getting the resistor in and out, be prepared for a lot of swearing. This part of the exercise was really well explained in the video.

[@Iroquois666]

Well, that's just saved me a bunch of money... Thanks a lot, JB, keep up the vids!

[@lewismoore9n3]

Super helpful! Just bought a bluemotion 9n3 that has the same issue! Big up the pointless polo project! 👏

[@zenoelea8239]

Excellent close up shots, my aircon is weak so this might come in useful. Thank you. (2004 9n 72k).

[@CarsWithJB]

Glad it may be of use!

[@lenninmichaelnaidoo]

Never thought I'd find a video which would help with the exact issue, my 1,2,3 settings don't work, just 4 as well.Will give this a shot. Thank you

[@m-ear]

Did it work for you?

[@samhalewood9270]

Brilliantly produced video and very informative, well done! You should treat yourself to a little 1/4" drive ratchet or fixed handle so you don't have to mess around with the pliers.

[@CarsWithJB]

Appreciate it! Have since this video finally sorted myself out with many of the necessary tools - still find myself needing more though

[@Lewyedney]

Cheers great help. The resistor pack twists in and out on mine so didn’t need a flat head screwdriver to pop it out 😂👍

[@CarsWithJB]

Ah very decent - but glad I could help!

[@will-dt1ui]

Did you find that once you'd fitted this you got a slightly plasticky smell when you turned the fans on?

[@zoohoo22hoo]

Used your vid today to solve the problem, top stuff and thanks

[@CarsWithJB]

No problem 👍

[@gregshomevideos]

Looks like you may have found an old crank shaft sensor in the glove box. Great vids by the way, very well done

[@stuhamilton8250]

I fixed my sons fans, thank you very helpful

[@kurtbeukes2294]

Thanks for the help, finally got my aircon sorted!!! 👊🏼

[@nigelkeeble8772]

Thanks for showing the heating resistor now to try to fix my daughters. Do you live in the Reading area ?

[@DanFatal_]

thanks so much for this video, i had the same problem with my skoda fabia III , followed what u showed and ive got it working !

[@terrax194]

Crackin video mate thanks very much for posting. I've got the same blower problem so will be following your guide. All the best buddy...!

[@ced3361]

Well documented 💯step by step. Thanks

[@TheGeordieTiger]

Great instruction video, sir! Keep up the good work!

[@CarsWithJB]

TheGeordieTiger thanks very much bossman - ngl this was also basically me learning on the job too! Hopefully when it comes to completely overhauling the car I'll be a bit more practical...

[@robbiefowler6490]

You’ve came a long way sir

[@roebearwhat]

Thanks man! Got it done pretty speedy too, despite a few guys having no faith in me.

[@CarsWithJB]

No worries, glad the video helped!

[@ryanmc2516]

I'm so glad you've made this vid my mark 3 has this problem !

[@CarsWithJB]

Ah I hope it helped!

[@KagisoMathebula-mu1li]

Thanks for SA am expressing that problem in my car....I will fit it soon

[@fahimuddin5206]

Absolutely loving the vids, especially since i brought a Polo same time as you, i had a request, and that's if you can put a video on how to install an AUX into the polo.

[@CarsWithJB]

Fahim Uddin thanks for the support! I can see what I can do - I've seen a conversion kit to put an aux into the car with the standard radio next to the air con - annoyingly I don't know where my original radio is! But I'll do my best; especially as I come to install an android radio into the car in the near future... thanks for watching boss 🤙🏽

[@Tomten0]

Thank you for this! I finally got the resistor changed, now I just have to put the glove box and all other things back. Couldn't have done it with out this!

[@appleapple6190]

Thanks for useful the information .I have replaced resistor and the aircon is not working yet.The control unit has been tested and ok.Wiring has been checked and in order.Is there perhaps another unit underneath the dashboard that needs to be tested .please let me know.thanks.

[@Draakjedodo]

Worked like a charm, thank you very much!

[@CarsWithJB]

Glad I could help!

[@maddogstreetR]

Very well presented. Hopefully I’ll fix my heater later today. 👍🏻

[@CarsWithJB]

Thanks very much, glad you liked it - and good luck fixing yours!

[@SakeBooi]

Great video! Got the new one in place. However I can't manage to really pop it back in, have been trying for an hour now. Is this really necessary?

[@gailcharlton3628]

This really helped me out. Thanks!

[@CarsWithJB]

No problem - glad it was useful!

[@louishunt2857]

Top 5/10 best cars for beginner/new drivers (17-19 yr olds)

[@CarsWithJB]

Louis Hunt it's in the pipeline don't you worry 👊🏽

[@Yoku21TheReal1]

Really useful info, thks alot!! i own an 9n3 2004 1.4 tdi 75hp

[@CarsWithJB]

No worries, hope it helps!

[@Yoku21TheReal1]

it really helped, i ve change it 30 mins earlier. it took me almost 1 and a half hour and a lot of patience but it s done. thanks. And i also got it pretty cheap 7.17 Euros. safe roads!!

[@keithallso9157]

Resistor ordered. I shall see if this fixes mine. None of my switch positions work at the moment

[@Edwin_Klein]

Volkswagen garage wants € 420,- for this job. (That part costst € 20,-) Thanks for showing this. No I have to do this my self!

[@CarsWithJB]

Crazy how much they want for it, it's such an easy job!

[@rz7xvx]

Thank you, fixed and cost £10!

[@karimelshazly3172]

Love your videos. I want to ask, there is this Polo 1999 for sale and wanted to know if the A/C makes a difference in the summer or is it going to just give out breeze. I sweat like a pig 😅 and i really want something that can make me chill. Obviously it wont snow in there but to feel cold is nice to have. From your experience is it worth it or should i look else where. My budget isn’t big unfortunately.

[@nickj6445]

Hey man, thanks for the video - helped a lot!

[@MrJosephjoseph7]

Hi If you have issue with blower not working at all , it is commonly fuse that is 40 amp fuse find that and check . If the fuse blow straight away once you change it remove the blower motor and try to rotate it , if it is stuck, use DW40 and release the stuck and try . If blower works only on number 4 , it is definitely blower motor resistor . Those are the common issues . I have tried this in vw touran and vw passat .

[@ragatwins69]

Instead of using pliers try a small ratchet spanner. Just an idea. Good vid 👍🏻

[@CarsWithJB]

That is a good shout - didn't think of that!

[@ML-dn3qf]

hello, what kind of watch do u have? :) look like very nice diver xD gr from Poland, today I am gonna try to replace resistor in my polo ;) wish me luck xD

[@CarsWithJB]

Nothing special haha - it's a Vivienne Westwood Time Machine - looks a bit like a submariner if you don't look at it properly so I like it! Good luck with the resistor 🤙🏽

[@aegeusege]

Nice editing!

[@fluxx674]

Super helpful video, cheers mate:) My Polo's fans doesn't work on speed 1 so would this fix the problem?

[@CarsWithJB]

I would assume you're dealing with the same issue as I was, just with a slightly less dead resistor - I'd definitely give it a go before the others stop working too!

[@fluxx674]

Cars With JB Yeah don't wanna risk losing my other fan speeds for when the next heatwave comes, I struggle enough as it is!

[@edsmalo8391]

This is chaos, let the subs roll in 🤞

[@CarsWithJB]

Ed Smaldon pray 4 600 by tomorrow eve??? Ty for the support as always bossman

[@washinglad1400]

My mom's Polo 9n might have the risistor on its way out as the aircon doesn't work on 0 which is normal but it doesn't work on 1 but then starts on 2, so is the risistor on its way out?

[@CarsWithJB]

Sounds like it might be - maybe worth having a look at it, see if it looks in good condition!

[@MarcusOstman]

Tip; on my car I couldn't "pop it in". I had to "turn it in", there was like a helical ridge in the hole.

[@Jpbawlings]

hahah yeah all 9n model cars are suppose to work that way :), mine aswell.

[@mldwnkw050107]

Ha you look well young on this. Mine went today Passat B6

[@glenswada]

Its easier to put back in without cable attached. Has to be put in hole 1/4 turn to left then rotated clockwise 1/4 turn to lock. Then reconnect cable.

[@sumo1756]

Cheers mate, very helpful👍

[@CarsWithJB]

No worries, glad it helped!

[@ProductionLG]

Bro does this fix the issue when during the drive you cannot change the ac to be hot/cold, i have problems while driving it wont change at hot or cold at all, sometimes it changes and sometimes changes by itself XD ?

[@nigelkeeble8772]

Keep doing this ❤

[@vanman5593]

THANKS SO MUCH FOR SHOWING THINGS IN DETAIL WHICH A LOT OF PEOPLE DO NOT DO AND YOUR DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS ARE PROBABLY FAULTY AS MOST POLOS SUFFER FROM THIS INSIDE THE ACTUATORS ARE MICRO SWITCHES WITCH GET DIRTY AND NEED CLEANING OR REPLACING

[@CarsWithJB]

No problem! I'll be onto the doors at some point, I've still not bothered to fix them!

[@siphesihlemkhabela3165]

Hey bro, helpful video. I hope you will answer me here... I'm driving a Polo Vivo 1.4 conceptline and my aircon doesn't wanna blow out warm air (heater)... The cool air is fine... Please help

[@linards5030]

Same as mine on the passengers side

[@kevin-rh5ou]

I have a 2000yr vw polo classic 1.9sdi. Where do i find the right resistor for me ?

[@CarsWithJB]

I would say eBay, but if you're unsure have a look on eurocarparts or something!

[@kevin-rh5ou]

Cars With JB thanks for the response. I meant how to determine which is resistor goes with my car cuz there are a lot. I also found the correct one for me so...

[@tomasceconik9579]

Hi , and this is same if i have climatornic ? Because air flow work only on high fan speeds :( or sometimes AC dont air flowing on AUTO mode)

[@skamoonzo8590]

Almost had it but I’m struggling to fit it back in as snug as it was, any tips?

[@michaelknight8149]

Good video just orderd the part gona give it a go

[@ryanmc2516]

Also that thing you found is a abs wheels sensor

[@CarsWithJB]

Turns out it's actually the abs pump! Recently ran diagnostics

[@JimboAmerican1980]

Great great video you’ve just saved me £150

[@CarsWithJB]

I'm glad the video helped!

[@bobverney4903]

Excellent video, however, you haven't addressed the most likely cause of the failure. You clearly have little idea about how the component works and just changing it will usually only fix it for a short time!! The cracking of the green ceramic coating has little to do with the function of the resistor, it is placed in the air flow because it gets HOT! The failure is of the thermal fuse on the top of the unit - caused by a blocked pollen filter, which in turn, puts the fan under greater load and causes the resistor to get too hot.

[@csaw151]

hi how to reach that thermal fuse need to remove all control panel?

[@bobverney4903]

@@csaw151 the thermal fuse is part of the resistor network, it is the component on the end of the green block. It isn't a replaceable component, it's wires are welded because of the heat. Don't forget to check your pollen filter.

[@csaw151]

@@bobverney4903 Thanks its clean it seems problem is with resistor.Thank you for help.

[@iAmHexos]

3:15 Its the ABS Sensor by the looks of it. 😄 Edit: Just watched a video before this one where you complained about the ABS light. I'm guessing the previous owner though he's gonna solve the problem by cutting off the sensor. That's why its in the glove box 😂

[@CarsWithJB]

Ah mate thanks so much for letting me know what it is! I'll have to get that sorted asap then - can't believe my ABS sensor was in the glove box 😂 Thanks for watching!

[@ishfaqkhan7322]

I have the same problem in my vw polo i try tomorrow but how i buy the thing resistor interior

[@stefanutzap]

so i changed resistor and al was fine for a week...now again works only in 4th speed until fuse blows...any ideea?

[@saif1099]

Hey, Jb I'm having the same issue with my VW POLO 1.4 TDI 9N 2005 car could I ask what the exact name is for the part for my car or if you could assist best please? Many thanks Saif

[@bfg69bug]

Heater blower resistor

[@martinoconnor7821]

Great video thanks

[@Station9.75]

Video starts at 2:25

[@mldwnkw050107]

This exacr thing went on my passat b6 today 😝

[@patricksloos7457]

Works! thanks!!

[@karina77317]

how do i fix the heat it does not work on Seat Ibiza 2004 the speed works but no heat comes out

[@herbertgronland9523]

Thx Mate

[@CarsWithJB]

No prob - hope it helped 🤙🏽

[@herbertgronland9523]

Cars With JB gonna fix this Problem .. hope it will help 👌🏽

[@egzongashi4889]

Thank you thank you .workington 😀😀😀👌

[@josemanuelcabezasberrios380]

Could you please tellme what happens when thay resistor is broken? Please let me know

[@CarsWithJB]

You can only put the blowers on 4, the other 3 settings don't work

[@josemanuelcabezasberrios380]

@@CarsWithJB thanks Bro

[@DAVESPOTNICK]

thanks.

[@tommcgarrigle4191]

Exhaust for the Car??

[@CarsWithJB]

Something I've considered - if I can engine swap the 1.8T I'll probably take the gti exhaust as well 🤙🏽

[@rasyidmohd4614]

how do you know Resistor is the main problem?

[@CarsWithJB]

It’s likely if the blowers are only working on the max setting that the resistor has perished, because the resistor enables you to restrict them to the other levels. It could be something else in the wiring but the resistor is likely the problem in most cases!

[@goran831]

Hallo I have seat Leon 2010 AC is not cold in left side Can you please tell me what is the problem ?

[@CarsWithJB]

I've no idea - probably a temperature door actuator if the car has dual zone AC?

[@goran831]

Cars With JB No it have just one and I tested is working

[@franknash9301]

Hey bro please help me i have the same car vw polo 2004 but the radiator fans can’t turn on i have tried everything but still not working,i even bought a new temperature switch but still nonthing worked what can i do?

[@CarsWithJB]

If they're not turning on at all, is there a dodgy connection?

[@bfg69bug]

Have you checked the fuse ?

[@bestgamer-pq7eg]

That armpit hair tho!!😉😉😜😜😂! LOL!!

[@CarsWithJB]

Haha and yet I still cant grow a beard wtf - puberty ruined me😂

[@Peterjbdk]

1 year later and I have to change mine again! The problem appears to be that the replacement is not re-seated properly and I have the same problem wit the second replacement too. Tried everything but it does not go back in securely. I have left it for now, but I have the feeling that I may have to remove the blower motor first to get more room to work. Anybody have any other suggestions?

[@CarsWithJB]

I’ve heard of people having this problem consistently - definitely feels like it’s either unseated or there’s something else in the chain that’s burning it out! Is there anything you can use to secure the resistor, like a cable tie or equivalent?

[@Peterjbdk]

@@CarsWithJB has anyone come up with a solution for this that works - the only way I can see to do it is what is in the Haines manual, to take the blower motor out first. Any ideas?

[@jagthetroll]

What watch is that?

[@CarsWithJB]

Nothing special - a Vivienne Westwood Time Machine 🤙🏽 I really like it because it often gets mistaken for much nicer watches haha

[@bumfluff911]

How the hell do you get this thing back in

[@skamoonzo8590]

Did you do it in the end, if so how lmao

[@hermanreynders841]

Tip...show/demonstrate the problem before you begin... do not show the whole struggle proses getting screws out...and when done...test your repair work to show that it works. P.S. i followed your video and repaired mine !

[@nomadsteve5297]

It’s a ABS censor

[@alexi6636]

You guys have AC

[@daddydan1000]

Abs Sensor

[@TheTenzii1]

thank uuuuuuuuu

[@Bencrzn]

I got more screws then I started with, trying to look where they go 😂

[@CarsWithJB]

Hahaha I hate when that happens 😂 hopefully it all went well and your blowers are fixed

[@kevin-rh5ou]

Ben Curzon every time i open up my polo same thing happens, soon there will not be any screws in my car 😂😂

[@maurice_mores]

all you need for a VW interior is a T20 😂 *edit:* and pliers lol

[@gezgin1616]

👍

[@UpTheAnte1987]

I'm watching a video on how to repair my 18 year old Polo and I get an advert for a Bently Bentayga.... 🤨

[@tenties1]

Subscirbed. Bell icon. Waiting for things to explode. Buting the SAME car... Life incurance profit .

[@CarsWithJB]

Appreciate it! Hope it goes well 🤙🏽