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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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).

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@rkroz4005]

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

[@kmweek]

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

[@thetommygexperience5038]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@jtford8180]

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

[@wesleyburns4566]

Great video and very simply explained thanks.

[@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

[@crazydave2011]

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

[@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,

[@joe226825]

Best explanation I've seen. Good job 👍👍

[@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

[@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.

[@RobertKohut]

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

[@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

[@axelbart7470]

very informative as always Brian. thank you for posting

[@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!!

[@jayviz]

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

[@frundlemud]

Helpful, especially the bit about cooling.

[@michael931]

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

[@GIGABACHI]

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

[@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...

[@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.

[@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?

[@s99614]

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

[@joe226825]

Great job. Could you do another video explaining how a non functioning blower motor duo to fan not turning because the brushes in the motor are worn out or the bearings for the fan are worn out causing a overheating of the Resistor. In other words the blower motor may be the cause of the non functioning Resistor, and will only cause any new Resistor to fail soon after it has been installed?

[@f-puppet]

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

[@alee4401]

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

[@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...

[@HappyCamper1992]

3/11/2024 want to say thank you for your video. Extremely helpful however I found a few tips that may be of added benefit. First when dealing with electrical parts such as these that have 2 key components plan on buying both and ONLY BUY MOTORCRAFT. I know they are pricy but trust me they will always fit and work. The next thing I learned is I left the electrical connections in place while I removed the fan and solenoid. This made it easier to remove once they were down and you can see what you’re doing and definitely be careful as the plastic probably will be brittle and also reconnect the electrical connections prior to installing the parts. My fan was frozen up and wouldn’t turn but it’s always been my luck if I only buy one part it’s the other that’s bad. Now if you can drop the fan first and see if it spins you may stand a chance but with 85k in a 10 year old car I figured do both and have no issues. Thank you again. ONE MORE KEY NOTE on all of the Ford flex models. There is two cowl water drains one on the right side out under the hood. The other ones on the left they are difficult to get to, but the one on the right is right behind the air conditioning dryer accumulator whatever that thing is, if you can get your hand in there, it will pull out. It’s a big rubber piece clean it out and then reinstall it. The reason mine failed was because the water couldn’t drain and if you ever find moisture or water in the passenger side floorboard that probably was wrong drains are draining. They clogged up and need to be cleaned and you can do that, but that is one of the reason these fans and modules fail. My wife had a WeatherTech mat full of water about a month later the fan started squealing and here we are a month later she had to have the fan replaced just an added note.

[@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

[@patrickflannery1143]

very good explanation very clear Thanks

[@adams3445]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@jean-francoispoitras6857]

Mine (in a winnebago built on a 2018 Ford F53 chassis) has a blown thermal fuse. Considering even Ford dealers can’t find me a replacement part (even with the part number!!) I’m thinking about replacing the thermal fuse directly (the rest of the resistor looks fine). Any advise for me?

[@FM4AMGV]

that has to be one of the bulkiest designs to do the job... a couple of different grade resistors would be better then all that chicken wire.

[@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 !

[@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

[@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 ?

[@joe226825]

Watching another video I also leared that the blower motor could be the cause of a blowen or failed Resistor. If the fan on the motor is not turning freely and cooling the Resistor components this will cause over heating of the resistor, and the thermo coupler will over heat and destroy the resistor. And if the brushes in the blower motor are worn out then the fan won't turn as required to cool the resister and the thermal coupler will fail almost immediately and kill your resistor.

[@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!!!

[@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

[@SGDeGalvez]

Good stuff here. Thnx for this.

[@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

[@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

[@norbertocastillo8551]

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

[@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

[@ejcheli]

Fantastic explanation!

[@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...

[@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

[@Denkha94]

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

[@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 ?

[@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 ?

[@wpiofm]

That's beautiful. It's rare we get to see the schematic. So our blower switch is not switching low current to a relay (would take a relay for each reduced speed). Always wondered. I'm surprised that in the 12 Rangers I've worn out (over 30 yrs), that switch has never failed, and to learn it is switching all the current the load is drawing makes me surprised. A future video could measure the current draw on high fan. Also measure the dropped voltage that each speed selection yields. i realize this is curiosity is for the tech nerds among us. It was very interesting to learn how few ohms it takes to slow that DC motor down. Now, everytime I back off full speed, I ll think about the .4 ohm resister I just put in series. (etc for the other speeds) Now I'll see if I can change mine. (2010 2.3L XLT) Have only high and minimal low speeds since last week.

[@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 ?

[@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?

[@zemxadmin]

Very informative. Thank you

[@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.

[@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

[@pickledcottoncandy]

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

[@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.

[@jpena427]

Great video.

[@candidohernandez463]

excelente video

[@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.

[@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...

[@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 !

[@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

[@creigmacc]

I'd bet the old design has fewer failures per mile driven than the new board.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Yes very reliable in general keep it simple and it will work I say!

[@dj_marty_d]

Bingo. My '96 just now stopped... in May 2018.

[@ray1965ify]

great job.

[@MichaelJConnors]

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

[@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

[@davidshale1836]

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

[@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?

[@recon1071]

My blower motor won't go on high. Low, medium, and medium high only. No one knows why except maybe I need an OEM or Motorcraft resistor module.

[@garysteffan4935]

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

[@shaneelmore4693]

Can this cause the blower motor to stop working completely?

[@rohan33068]

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

[@twiztidicp56]

02 ford f150. Blower works on high. The thermal fuse is not blowin but visual looks good but yet 0 omes

[@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

[@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?

[@gkreamer1]

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

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Overheat

[@marcosquiroz7459]

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

[@milliebible1352]

Where is this located in the truck?

[@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.

[@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