Ford Quick Tips #68: Blower Motor Resistor Failures- Testing and Inspection

In this video we go over testing blower motor resistors found in Ford vehicles with manual climate control.
I only recommend Motorcraft Blower Motor Resistors-
amzn.to/2idSna9
Good Cheap Multimeter for testing your vehicle-
amzn.to/2idVSxk
My Company BSG Automotive offers Auto Repair services in the greater Chicagoland area.
Website:
www.bsgautomotive.com
Facebook:
/ bsgautomotive
Catch up with us on-
Facebook: / fordtechmakuloco
Twitter: / fordtechmak
Instagram: / fordtechmakuloco
My company KZbin Channel- BSG Automotive providing repair advice on makes and models other than Ford: / bsgautomotive1
Disclaimer:
The information, demonstration and any content contained in this video is for informational purposes only. The user and BSG Automotive (hereinafter “FordTechMakuloco”) makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the effectiveness or safety of the contents of this video. In no way should the contents of the video, including the tools used, be repeated or tried by anyone. Viewers should only seek the help of a trained professional located at a licensed auto repair shop for any fix, modification, alteration, or any change to their vehicle. FordTechMakuloco shall not be liable for any injury, damage, or loss to any person or property that may result from use of the tools, equipment, or any content contained in this video. In addition, there is no way to guarantee that the video is not altered or modified or is not in the final form submitted by FordTechMakuloco and therefore, FordTechMakuloco does not warrant that the video is unaltered or not modified. The links on this video to products are for informational purposes only and in no way are an endorsement of the safety or effectiveness of the particular product. Viewers understand that anything contained in this video or linked to or from this video is the sole responsibility of the viewer and in no way provides an express or implied warranty as to the safety or effectiveness of any linked tool, product, or video. Therefore, viewer agrees to release, waive, and discharge FordTechMakuloco or anyone affiliated with FordTechMakuloco, from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by the viewer, or to any property belonging to viewer, regardless of whether the loss is linked to the use of the contents of this video, or otherwise and regardless of whether such liability arises in tort, contract, strict liability, or otherwise, to the fullest extent allowed by law.

[@HiTechDiver]

One of the best, if not the best, informative videos I have watched. Gave me exactly what I came here for (information) without telling me about your life and your day, etc.

[@angelathrall3896]

You are to be commended again for yet another informative video! Performing the electrical check you describe showed the thermal fuse had popped on my otherwise only slightly surface rusted blower resistor. Excellent camera, voice, and narrative, no nonsense! Thank You Very Much!

[@TxKimberly]

Awesome video! I found lots of videos showing how to REPLACE the resistor, and how to replace the blower, but yours is the only one that showed how to determine which was at fault. Thank you!

[@terrylarotonda784]

Thanks for your reply. Love your videos. Former Chicago native. Born in Blue Island, left there 50 years ago. Keep up the informative videos they are great. Happy New Year.

[@baxrok2.]

Brian, as time goes by your videos have taken on the quality of high level diagnostic and training videos. As always, your lighting and editing are among the best. I drive a Mazda but watch your videos since I always end up learning something valuable. Thanks!!

[@charmonnicolaih649]

I have been struggling for two years with a heating problem you have save so much time for me Love the content it is clear and very informative.

[@mimsnshine]

Can't wait to pull my failed one this week to see what it looks like...truck turned 25 years old past november..this component stood the test of time I think...thanks so much for your usual awsome detail.

[@tomgill9467]

One thing I ran across in my 97 Grand Marquis was a blower motor that drew too much amperage and instantly burned out the new resistor. I replaced the resistor because the fan only worked on high speed (something I've done in a few other cars I've had). The fan worked fine for a few minutes, then again, it only worked on high. I tested the blower motor itself and it was drawing too much, so I guess it blew the new resistor. I replaced the 1 year old aftermarket blower motor and resistor, and now everything works fine.

[@kmweek]

great explanation of the blower motor schematic. Great timing to be doing these in the winter months.

[@jimgarvey5452]

The blower wasn't working on my 2010 F 150 on the two lowest positions.A friend told me about the resistor..Works like a charm now.Very easy to change,I wish you posted this video two weeks ago .I changed mine on Dec 22 But I didn't realize how important the air flow was .A great how to video.

[@davidfrank2824]

I don't care what wrong with my Ford you always have a video about it. I've been following your KZbin channel almost from the beginning. You really know what you are talking about and a lot of the things you have done really helped me out. I know this is a 5-year post so you might not get this but if someone else can help I would appreciate it. I have a 2001 Ford expedition Eddie Bauer. It really does not get driven enough since I broke my back I'm only able to make short drive. Today when I was at my destination I turned the key off but my blower motor went up on high and would not shut itself off so I hurried up since I did not have any tools with me to disconnect the battery. When I arrived home it was still doing it but when the key was in the run position the blower went back to normal but when I turned it off it stayed on high. I seen a lot of comments on forums about this issue some people say it's the relay some people say it's other really deeper in. Since I overdid it today I haven't been able to go out and unplug the relay and see if it's that. I was hoping that you might either have a different video or if it could be this relay that is bad. For right now I ordered a battery cutoff switch so I don't need tools to disconnect the battery. That's a quick fix for now. I do have pretty good mechanical skills and a lot of times since my body cannot do something I have someone else use their hands for me. Unfortunately a week before Christmas he was in a horrible motorcycle crash and 3 weeks later he is still in the hospital. I want to try to get this fixed the right way before he comes home since I have to run him two different doctors appointments. Again thank you for all the years of great videos and of course I always make sure they hit the like button.

[@axelbart7470]

very informative as always Brian. thank you for posting

[@rkroz4005]

Great circuit analysis! This is a resistive voltage divider, thanks for another great vid!

[@crazydave2011]

Nice job, easy to understand, great reminders, should help many.

[@hawaiianf1504]

Great Video! Looks like a problem part that wasn't designed for the service they are using it near/in/around. Sure glad my 09 F150 doesn't have that. Actually one of your videos was used to determine and fix my Blower Resistor when it failed. Thanks Huge for all you're doing. You Rock. Oh Yeah, Happy New Year!!

[@wesleyburns4566]

Great video and very simply explained thanks.

[@thetommygexperience5038]

Thank you so much for the info!! That was my problem, the resistor. $16 vs $300. Appreciate the videos.

[@Retired_ESO]

That final tip was me. Replaced the card style and tried it out while outside the airbox. I tried it out while I drove home for about 10 minutes. It worked for about a day before it failed. The parts place (NAPA) took it back and gave me a new one with no questions asked (at the time I didn't know what I had done was the problem).

[@jtford8180]

nice yes power will flow bolth detections in this case it flows backwards because it is a ground fault resistor

[@charlesdiaz6974]

Wow thank you so much you explain is so like a teacher you are the best every problem that I have I listened to you and I fix thank you I'm very grateful

[@GIGABACHI]

2003 Ford Escape XLT V6. Had same problem. Mine disintegrated as i pulled it out of the blower housing.

[@sorinpetcut3992]

Thanks for video! I have a question: why on my car the fan was working on all speeds, but the AC did not, until I have replace the resistor? I don't understand this.

[@pdubay71]

Great information and well explained. I was looking up HOW to replace the unit on here but got a bonus with a HOW IT WORKS explanation!! I had mine fail in my 98 F150 and actually caught a set of blueprints on fire that were on the floor while I was driving. The connector pretty much had melted and I assume hot molten metal dripped and cause first, the floor mat to smolder, then the set of plans to catch fire. Decided to stock the truck with a small fire extinguisher after that for sure!! Fixed with the help of your video. QUESTION? Is it good practice to change the blower motor also or is this more just a resistor/moisture issue in itself? The fan was working fine before the resistor failure... Regards...

[@norbertocastillo8551]

ola. you are a great help thank you very much for the tips God bless you

[@Sartonica]

If you find that the resistors look good but the little fuse has blown, don't pop a new unit in and turn it on before you check the blower motor. If the motor is shorted internally, it will blow that fuse again.

[@alee4401]

Thank you, for the most informative video I have found on`this topic.

[@mleindek]

Hey I love your videos, question: Would it be possible to swap the MCCM in a base 2007 Fusion to an EATC? I already have the digital module and tried it, everything works except the fan speed, I don't care about the "auto" function so I don't need the extra sensors, just get the fan running, I read it uses another type of blower motor resistor, any input on this? Thanks!

[@ejcheli]

Fantastic explanation!

[@woody987654]

Very informative. I just replaced my blower motor resistor on my 2009 ford ranger. None of the fan speeds worked at all. Actually, it would work, then a few days later no blower speeds at all. Leave it off a couple of days, it would start working again, then not at all. Unfortunately changing the blower motor resistor didn't help. I still have no fan control at all. Any ideas would be appreciated. Love your channel. It's a big help.

[@brettduffy1992]

My only does low no matter how high it is. On high u barely feel it and it's a fresh AC system according to the previous owner it's blowing out really cold but just not enough to keep up with this heat wave it only makes it about two degrees cooler than outside

[@jayviz]

Excellent video, but how do you test the new kind? (the card)?

[@RockfordF150Bass]

Question in my 04 F150 my blower motor keeps turning on and off every 2-3 seconds and also the temp moves up 15 degrees. Can you please help tia love the help.

[@SGDeGalvez]

Good stuff here. Thnx for this.

[@patrickflannery1143]

very good explanation very clear Thanks

[@christdied4us]

Awesome explanation!!

[@zemxadmin]

Very informative. Thank you

[@iamthevanavator281]

Help, my 2008 E350 stopped blowing cold air when going up hill (under load), any hints what it might be? Could it be the resistor?

[@tilt213]

Great tutorial !

[@ronaldcach2779]

Hi, can you made a video on how to read and understand wiring diagrams? I bet it would help a lot of us DIY. THANKS FRIEND

[@frundlemud]

Helpful, especially the bit about cooling.

[@Denkha94]

excellent video buddy keep it up. thank you. happy new year.

[@davidshale1836]

I have2011edge. Blower keeps cycling on for 5sec off for 2 approx.. would the resistor cause this. Thanks

[@fieldsofomagh]

Sound explanation and easy for the novice.The new coated card has got its own foibles and aint nothing perfect.That corrosion is intense despite the zinc coating.

[@clintprice125]

Tom OConnor o

[@michael931]

Yeah the new kind burns out also, but leaves you with 2 speeds instead of just 1 for some reason.

[@eduardmacapili2241]

Good day..may I ask if we can use any kind of thermal fuse of resistor block of ford ecosport, the spring/coil still good, only the thermal fuse is not good anymore...

[@michaellee4389]

I got 2 trucks with almost same problem one is a 2008 ford f-750 and it only works on the 2 high speeds then I got a 2000 ford f-650 and it only works on high. So do you think it will be the same problem on the f 750 even though it works on the 2 high speeds?

[@blaze1249]

Have a 2017 Ford Expedition my rear ac/ and heat goes out and comes on whenever it feels like it...my front works fine on all speeds what could it be

[@richdalley8250]

I have a 2008 Ford Taurus. I had a mechanic install a new blower motor resister because I had no blower working on any speed. The blower now works, but occasionally I will have no blower at all, like this really cold morning, but will work later on. Also, the blower seems to work at very low settings from like 10% capacity, to 15%, then maybe 30%, and then jump to near full capacity at the highest setting. Do you think I have another bad resistor?

[@bigmiked52]

I change their resistor and the blower motor still runs one speed like low what else could it be you have any idea thanks

[@TheEchelon1619]

If you have a weak blower motor would testing this out be a good first step? The air on my 2011 Ford Fusion just doesn't seem to want to circulate air through the vents all that well, especially when the re-circulation is turned off.

[@drshahzeb]

My jeep tj blower motor stopped suddenly . What I did was check the resistor and the issue was popped heat preventing part so I just bypassed that and every thing worked fine

[@chadchiasson7768]

My blower on my 01 Mazda Tribute has only three speeds: low, medium low, and high. The medium high selection runs the fan on medium low. Is this a resistor problem or switch problem? Thanks.

[@candidohernandez463]

excelente video

[@geraldevans2535]

Just changed this on 98 Expedition. Plan on a new wiring connector when replacing the blower resistor as mine was melted and charred. Luckily there was never a fire

[@johnvargo5538]

I have a 1979 Lincoln Mark V , do you have any idea as to where I can get one ? Or will one from a different year work ? Please let me know ! I will really appreciate you helping me out !!! Thank You !

[@juanhinojosa9784]

I have 2003 sport trac my fan setting 2 and 3 have the same speed, it dont change, So I replace the resistor hoping that would fix my issue but it didnt.. does that mean that my speed control knob dont work...

[@marcosquiroz7459]

Can one of the springs be soder ed if the break and bridged with a different wire

[@ebaum1000]

I’m having an issue with my 2003 f350. Blower motor works in all speeds but on number 3 the speed doesn’t increase. It blows at the same speed as number 2. All other speeds seem to be working correctly. Possible resistor problem or maybe the fan speed switch? Thanks

[@rohan33068]

Is it normal to get positive power from the 2 side of the blower motor plug?

[@Bwanar1]

Hi, love your channel! I replaced a similar resister on my 99F250 SD, and it went out again within a few days. So I replaced the old connector (pigtail) that looked a little suspect and install another resistor. That one went out (only getting high speed) again. From what I have read/seen, if the blower motor itself is drawing too much current it can burn out the resister, but I can't find anywhere that tells me what the motor should actually draw in my Ford (or any ford) on the respective speeds. Do you have the amperage specs on these and could you please post them, so I can test the motor to confirm it is the problem??? Thanks in advance, Richard

[@brianblithe2271]

great question friend, Too bad he did not reply,

[@VV-nn5dy]

My 2015 250 heater or ac won't blow at all and I cant feel either hot or cold air at all. No fuses are blown. Any suggestions please? My son is in a wheelchair and this is his handicap accessible transportation. Thank you!!!

[@Truthseeker4449]

I nearly had my truck (1994 Ford Ranger) catch fire because of one of these things. For months I had a odd burning smell only on low, all other speeds there was no smell. Not wishing to tear into the system until recently after the smell became more common and I realized it wasn't the clutch, I discovered the evaporator case was full of leaf debris with several scorched pieces suck in the coils. I suspect the mouse that ate my evap canister and hot air duct vacuum motor before I acquired the truck is responsible. On the bright side I know my resistor is in great shape.

[@johnkimmel2612]

I can only speak of Nissan for sure here. Usually with the first hint of a vibration/noise heard/felt with blower fan in operation, you know leaf debris, etc.has entered the fresh air cowl and is in blower wheel fin. The sound will be dim to brighter, should I say, with advancing blower motor speeds.

[@danielscott6787]

My wife brought my 98 F150 home and when she did it no longer had any blower motor speed but high, also she lost all the lights for the knobs. Have the Haynes manual for 97,98 F150's but it does not show the location of the switch in the manual. Last winter pulled the dash and replaced the blend air door, this October had to pull the dash again and replace the heater core ( due to the inlet pipe on heater core leaking) replaced H.C. and both quick connect lines from the firewall to the engine. Is this switch easily accessible? BTW your advice and videos have been spot on! Keep them coming.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Yeah the trim panel for the radio and hvac control head comes right off then there are 4 screws on the front and it comes right out. In this video I show how to pull the trim panel top get at it- kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zpm5emiPp96WZ9km40s

[@jpena427]

Great video.

[@adams3445]

that problem have all ford 95 to 1999 omg man thanks 4 the video

[@brianblithe2271]

Ford tech. i get that these blower motor resistors have corrosion issues and that they get hot, is there anyway to spray it with any anti corrosion product to make it last longer and not f it up or burn it up, possibly the connector too ?

[@sambryant351]

i hav a 08 Lincoln Navigator ive replaced the resistor 5 times its blows everytime. can it b the blower motor itself drawing too much current? does it need replacing too? plz help thanks

[@ray1965ify]

great job.

[@fenceman7067]

I have a 91 F350 7.3 diesel the resistor comes and two different cut off temperatures 250 or 300 how do I know which one to get ?

[@TheSilentEchoRJ]

I tested the voltage at the blower motor connector at full speed and I was only receiving about 3 and a half volts I'm gonna jump the blower tomorrow and I'm hoping it should work if not I'll replace both the resistor and blower

[@dancassidy6708]

blown 3 or 4 over the last 3 yrs and 2 in last month. i have checked voltage to motor and it is battery voltage. however the fuse on resistor is the portion of resistor that goes bad. nothing looks fried at all. blower motor draws 8 amps on high. it is almost new. the other motor seemed hard to spin. i thought by replacing that and a new motorcraft resistor all be well. no other obvious things i could see. maybe i should try replacing the plug to resistor even though it and wires look ok. apppreciate comments. nice video btw

[@Last_one_before_I_go]

FTM: I have a 97 3.0L that has blown 2 of these, the 2nd was harvested from a 2000 2.5L (original) . First, were both these modules the same design, and second, when I go to replace, should I stick with OEM?

[@michael931]

I can't answer the first question. I am guessing yes. As for the second question, the first thing he states is "In this video we go over testing blower motor resistors found in Ford vehicles with manual climate control. I only recommend Motorcraft Blower Motor Resistors..." But keep in mind 1) Ford doesn't make those 2) The OEM ones are the ones that burned out. Also Orielly's offers a lifetime guarantee on theirs and I am guessing Ford will not.

[@RobertKohut]

HMMMM, always heard about GM resistor problems. Didn't know Ford had them too. Great video!

[@xxDONMEGAxx]

Quick question. My resistor is working on all speeds . But I am NOT getting full battery voltage on high. Only about 11.2 volts on high . Any ideas as to why ? Thanks

[@brandonbeard8488]

sometimes when I start my explorer the blower don't work then it comes on??, I have the electronic heater system and I hear it change when I go through the different vent settings and I'm not sure if it is a short or if the resistor or motor is going out.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Smack the blower motor the commutator face likely has a dead spot on it or a sticking brush.

[@brandonbeard8488]

Thank you, I will give that a try next time it happens. I thought maybe a relay so I checked it and heard it click off and on when I tested it, unless I was getting false signals.

[@airbrushinmotion]

Is it possible for the resistor to burn out only the speed #2? All other speeds work except for number 2 speed

[@5ghostshadow]

When you say blower only works on high, what do you mean? Mines works on settings 1-3 but blows very lightly. On setting 4 it blows full blast. Is this a symptom of this as well?

[@5ghostshadow]

Nevermind,I just saw your blower motor video from 2014 which answered my question. Thanks,

[@MichaelJConnors]

What does it mean when the blower motor on my 78 f150 only blows on low?

[@f-puppet4059]

Hey Brian, big fan here with a question: what if you run the blower motor WITHOUT the A/C on, and it's a hot day? Then it's just gonna be hot, humid air running through the resistor, so how does that environment prevent the resistor fuse from blowing?

[@brianblithe2271]

I was wondring same thing, too bad he didnt answer

[@Pops5]

I don't know if you still see comments from this video but... I replaced the blower motor, the blower motor resistor (same as this one in video), and the relay between the steering column and cigarette lighter. When I turned everything on it worked great on all speeds then suddenly quit working except on high. I'm thinking something is shorting out the resistor????? Do you have any idea what it could be???

[@lukesullivan8740]

Hello Wally, What was your solution?

[@PallBEARer730]

Can This cause my AC not to blow cold air I’m only getting hot air threw my ac but the compressor checks out and lines are go

[@kellyokamoto1604]

Hi, I was wondering-for us novices that follow your channel-when you say, "newer" or "older" models in referring to parts being used in one and not the other, would it be possible to give a cutoff year-such as, "the newer design was used in 2000 and later models"? Thanks!

[@michael931]

I think the card type was introduced in 2004.

[@johnsanfilippo448]

My problem is when I have my blower set to high it is blowing slow then it will blow faster then it will slow down again . Kind of like I am lowering and raising the fan speed myself . BUT I AM NOT ! Do you think that this resister is my problem ?

[@xman6632]

I don’t see it under the Glover compartment in my 2001 Ford Expedition. Can any one help me for the location?

[@sailingeden9866]

I have this problem with my 2003 F150 4x4 4.2L truck. I own both of the shop manuals for this truck. I have searched the web and my manuals trying to find the location of this resistor. I have also taken apart a good portion of my dash looking for it. Could you tell me where that resistor is actually located?

[@geraldevans2535]

Under / behind the glove box

[@s99614]

It's exactly the same as the one in my 1995 Ford Escort.

[@terrylarotonda784]

Had this problem years ago on my 98 f150. The terminal plug was burned. Cut connector off replaced unit and replaced wth individual connectors. Has worked fine since. Why would connector melt? Shorted coils?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Normally it is due to rust on the terminals which increases resistance to the point they act as their own resistors and heat up.

[@thomasgisler5152]

I'm having a similar issue... 1 lead burned on my resistor harness connector. I replaced the connector and the resistor now my blower turns on and off in regular intervals. As though something is getting hot, then resets. The higher the fan setting the quicker it heats up. Any leads?

[@shaneelmore4693]

Can this cause the blower motor to stop working completely?

[@yerdyi]

the resistor cards do the same thing. I just replaced mine when low and med went out on it

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Sure do and they seem even more sensitive. I seem to find the thermal fuse on those rots before anything else.

[@MrChancebandit]

How much was your fix ?

[@pickledcottoncandy]

Does it matter which way i lt goes in? 1 spring toward you or 2 springs toward you?

[@milliebible1352]

Where is this located in the truck?

[@christdied4us]

My Ford Ranger is 26 years old.. and it was the same resistor and blower motor...

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Lucky, they usually rot and melt.

[@michael931]

This part died in my: 1980 Fiat, 1987 Toyota, '98 Mercedes, '03 BMW, 2012 Escape.... But never my Vega or my '77 Dodge Van...

[@michaelmckim6545]

Hay ive got low speed on my fan speed on a/c high

[@gkreamer1]

This may sound dumb, but could you coat the wires with liquid electrical tape or would that make the resistor overheat?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Overheat

[@15jmr]

so. if we want to cancel this resistor system. we need to join the ground wires from the resistors plug because the positive comes from the releay to the fans. and the fans going to work in the high speed, right??

[@15jmr]

confirmed

[@garysteffan4935]

Why is it that my high blower switch always burn out and the low and middle fan work?

[@CT15MK18]

we replaced 4 in 3 months time at work on a 06 f550. 2 from Advance Auto and 1 from Ford. we don't plug them in until they are bolted into the hvac system. what keeps popping them?

[@dpeagles]

Could the evap coil be dirty reducing air flow? Don't know.

[@CubasAutomotive]

Taurus Camo If the blower motor is pulling extra amps due to the motor going bad is one possibility. Also loose connections or terminals in the connector are corroded which again, causes an extra pull on amps & increases heat. Higher amperage = Heat

[@FordTechMakuloco]

On any work truck you really need to take into consideration worn blower motor bearings causing excessive drag, debris on the inlet side of the HVAC case and especially the face of the EVAP they plug up often on these cause high resistance.

[@CT15MK18]

FordTechMakuloco forgot to mention that the motor was replaced as well. it has me bumfuzzled lol

[@justinbryant8487]

M8ne keeps blow2da resistor 2.blown 4 of em y?? Plz help

[@michael931]

The other thing that wears out is the brushes in the blower motor.

[@davidhenson2061]

hey could anyone answer a question for me? i have a 2001 ranger when i bought it i noticed the blower motor would run and then stop then run again then finally stopped all together i replaced the resistor and the blower motor did not fix it then i replaced the relay and it worked. and worked good for about 3 days then it started again running and stopping and stopping all together. i checked the relay and it looked to be overheating what could be causing this?

[@michael931]

The brushes in the motor wear out. Get a new fan motor. Or you could try changing the brushes, but the rotor armature is usually also worn out so the best approach is get a new motor.

[@davidhenson2061]

@@michael931 I replaced the blower motor it's brand new

[@freddiebutts7786]

you do great work. i notice on some of your videos your in different states. Do you actually travel that far to help fix peoples vehicles?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

I traveled across America fixing Fords in 2015 yes.

[@freddiebutts7786]

when will you make another trip back to the east coast or some point close because I can really use your services regarding my Ford 2005 expedition

[@michael931]

@@FordTechMakuloco Why did you do that?