Car Heater Doesn't Work? Try This!

[@adamdennett]

Brilliant fix this - had the exact same problem (1 and 2 on the blower stopped working, 3 and 4 still OK) on my 2006 focus. Part off eBay, replaced old resistor in about 30 mins, now good as new again! Thanks!

[@Mort221]

3 and a half years later, this video just helped me out with my car. Cheers buddy!

[@slyfoxyandalifesaver]

I had the exact same issue with my 06 Ford Focus Mk 2, blower settings 1 and 2 didn't work. While I knew the resister needed replacing. I had no idea where the blower and resister were located. THANK YOU!

[@michaelbettell5379]

Thank you for the clue and process! Fixed for £13. Must add, an extendable flexi mirror tool is a god send for this job as 1 screw you can't see..... magnetic torx is also advised so you don't lose the screws if you drop them.

[@rjp2377]

You LEGEND!!! This fix worked a treat. Thank you very much. The part cost me £5.88 off eBay. That included postage. It is à ridiculously fiddly job, but otherwise straightforward. I could barely see the end of the resistor & did the majority of it by feel. Thanks again 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@johnomalley]

You sir are a star , only worked on 3 and 4 so ordered new resister old one out, blue tacked screws into new one to prevent them falling out. now all good ..... cheers

[@spinjim8561]

Thank you so much just bought another focus after getting rear ended in an accident, and the new one is a little bit tatty compared to the one I had. Has this very problem and was concerned by the smell. Really thankful for your videos even your older ones.

[@alexmeinel5130]

Just changed mine as the fan didn't work on 1 and 2 and now put the new one in and everything works again Thankyou so much mate

[@6ettinold]

Bent a valve some years ago on a Saab 9000. Stripped it for parts before scrapping it and buying another identical Saab. A week later the blower packed up. The resistor was one of the few bits I didn't pull off the old car, so I popped down to the scrap yard and pocketed it!

[@R118GSiVVC]

Thanks m8, I noticed 1&2 not working on my mk2.5 today Update: have fixed it today, thanks dude

[@tonyworrall5791]

I have changed this part on other fords, Mondeo and mk1 focus, I now have a mark 2 and this part needs changing, I don't think ford could have put it in a more awkward position, great video by the way and very helpful for those that don't know.

[@BillyNoMates1974]

note for Zafira owners who's heaters havent set the car on fire yet. this is the part that have been giving instant all over car heat with fire

[@liviu2004]

BillyNoMates1974 And they were all aftermarket parts, just like this one.

[@Tj_0739]

No some were serviced by Vauxhall and caught fire read up on it

[@AbhiTek_]

Yup and the recall, which was initially for cars with manual air-conditioning, has now been extended to cars like mine, with electronic climate control (ECC). All owners should have received a letter from Vauxhall, but if you haven’t yet, just take your car to a Vauxhall dealer and they’ll fix it free of charge. :)

[@angusdrum]

had to do this on my corsa, guy in euro car parts wanted near 23 quid, and one in another store wanted close to £35! garage would want about £80 or more on quotes, ordered the part on amazon for £6.49 free shipping took about 30mins to it myself, nice easy fix now all fan settings work great!!!!

[@nov3019892008]

Can you make a video about installing an aftermarket radio in a car? The wiring can be a bit complex for some of them. That would be brilliant. Great content as always

[@vanbasten5868]

I can relate to this, my vectra dont work on 1,2 or 3 only works on 4. It is truly annoying like you mentioned we are now in Winter and it drives me nuts. Ive gotta run my car for ages b4 it warms up.thanks for raising this topic I wouldn't have had a clue.

[@letsjava]

Ahhhhh! Same issue here and I have noticed a burning smell on and off for a while… Thanks for the Video :0)

[@Auditore92]

Tried this on my ford focus 2005 mk2 model, worked like a charm! You're a life saver man!

[@itsdwin14]

You’re a life saver mate! Mine just stopped working a couple of days ago.

[@andyriot129]

Done em myself in the past on many different cars....well done Jame's.... 👍

[@davidgill1540]

Snap I did mine about 6 weeks ago, bloody fidley but it done the trick great vids

[@samkirk3662]

I'm glad I saw this, heater matrix has leaked on my and I also have no fan1 and 2. Sorted mate. 👍👍

[@michaelmurphy9593]

I had the same problems 2 and 3 not working and it stopped the ac from working two change the resister it fixed both of them in Focus 2004 good video

[@MJR91]

Brilliant video, so nice and clear, thanks so much! Wishing you a happy new year!

[@markcaulfield6449]

Hey this is great 👍 my 2008 Ford Focus just done this, fan not working on speed 1 and 2, thanks I can now purchase the part and fix this week, thanks buddy

[@benblackwell8719]

Cracking video mate, just happened last week on my 2006 focus and your viddy, got me out of a pickle. Bottom screw was fiddly but at the end of the day done! Thanks mate

[@alistairhall6132]

Thankyou for your video you got me out of a big bill the part cost me £10 and was done in about 45 mins and done myself , anymore ford focus MK2 videos or advice coming

[@damienpeckham2834]

At last, a nice clear and thorough video for this problem, and installing the part. I'll go fit mine now. Thanks 😁

[@burianvlad2005]

life saver . thanks a lot, had a hard time getting to those screws

[@coolissimo69]

Wow nice fix, when I had a Corsa had this issue did not know how to solve it. Thanks for sharing.

[@dj_paultuk7052]

Generally its the Thermal Fuse that goes on the Resistor Pack. Sometimes you can just replace the Thermal Fuse and it will work again. Depending on the make and age, these Resistor packs can be really expensive. And don't replace with Cheapo Chinese ones either. Otherwise you will end up with your car on fire. As per all the "Zafira fires" that were reported. Mostly due to replacement Cheapo resistor packs !.

[@Parknest]

James, this is a common issue. I've noticed that someone has already mentioned the Zafira ones catching fire. This only applies to the Zafira B so if you've got an early Zaf (MK4 Astra based) it won't be prone to catching fire.

[@liviu2004]

Parknest Just because there was a bad aftermarket batch of resistor blocks. Vauxhall paid the price on that, bit unfair to them tbh.

[@stevenjones19-m8i]

Another cool video,fix issue solved,the old one seemed alright but the new one sorted it.

[@Dee-ig8so]

Thanks for sharing your expertise, this was exactly what I was looking for

[@chrisswann2868]

Great video James, the pollen filters in the same area too.

[@sharky09000]

I replaced the fuse on the top of the resistor for less than a £1. This was on a Ford Focus 2003, you cut the fuse off the top of the resistor & replace it with another, just by wrapping it around the 2 ends.

[@davidwilshire1061]

After thought, good idea to change cabin filter while you’re doing this fix

[@inchaseable1]

Useful video , the scenics and clios are nutritious for this aswell

[@playeroflife]

Hi, ty for making this video. It was driving me mad looking for a fix. Really appreciated the instructions. Also I like the radio unit. I want to replace the factory unit. Can you point me in the right direction pls? Thks. Great channel.

[@barringtonsmith9147]

Nice one dude thanks for giving the size torx Ford couldn't have put it in a more awkward place 🤦‍♂️

[@itsdwin14]

You saved me time diagnosing the problem. Cheers

[@Phil-1969]

Mine did this years ago on a old mondeo 1997 model and caught alight

[@vistron888]

Did this on my old Peugeot Expert last year. But on those the resistor is mounted on the blower itself so you have to pull the whole thing out. It also has a massive heatsink on it with the resistor elements being encapsulated in resin. PITA to remove and install. But the reward of accomplishment is made greater at the same time.

[@simonparkinson1053]

That's a PWM controller, not a resistor. It varies the motor speed by switching on and off for different percentages of a time frame. Pulse Width Modulation. In theory producing less heat because it's either on or off.

[@vistron888]

I'm going by the part name it was given when buying a new one. :-)

[@simonparkinson1053]

I just checked to be sure, it is a PWM controller. Doesn't help if you're trying to test it as if it was a resistor. You've got a constant 12v (only when engine running), ground and a control input from the slider. The giveaway is the speed is continuously variable 0-100% rather than the usual 3 or 4 speed settings you get with a resistor.

[@rudecomb2006]

When I bought my mk1 focus I had to change the heat resistor all works fine. :)

[@courtneyroy270]

Very useful, thanks for your video, like your common sense approach, the easiest way 👍

[@its_me_dave]

Thank you. Not done it yet, but at least I know it’s simple, if a little awkward....👍

[@skelligvideo]

Nice video, thank you for that. My Focus 2008 has the same issue, which I am going to fix now. I noticed your touchscreen radio, did you put that in yourself? What make is it?

[@thedave7760]

Ok so I spent 20 minutes poking and feeling with the wrong bit, it is a T-20 TORX. I lost the bottom screw down somewhere so I only used the top one on reassembly. To get that top screw in I had to tape it to the end of my TORX bit and I could just see a glimpse of where it needed to go put it in a little way then remove the tape. Thanks for the help.

[@EliDwi]

Loving the frequent content 👍🏻

[@konradc12]

The Focus is easy compared to the Renault Grand Scenic. I changed my brothers heater resister quicker than the official way, but with more fiddling. The official way means dismantling the most of the dashboard for access. Had to change it again, because my brother got a cheap one. Sorted since with a quality brand.

[@zedman442]

Generally always the culprit however it's something else that blows it. Generally it will be the blower that is getting tired or stiff which will blow the resistor card. Also what light is that looks nice and slim.

[@davidfagerberg9283]

If the fan resistor is scrap replacing it is most often a temporary fix. It is often the blower motor that is causing a faulty resistor. To be sure it is best to test the blower motor. If it draws too much current the resistor will break again after a while and the problem will come back.

[@brendanbradyfan3589]

Great fix and good advice for others 👍🏻

[@padraigtaylor8333]

Verry good verry helpful thanks

[@Pauljn67]

"Throw all your belongings in the footwell". Love it. :-)

[@bobunderwater5320]

Nice one Bro. 👍 Vauxhall vectra has this issue if the cabin filter gutter blocks up n water gets through.

[@everydaylifes]

i had to do this on a vauxhall vectra you have to be careful you put it in right because it gets hot and can melt things

[@rich13348]

And in the case of Zafiras set them on fire.

[@neilaaitchison4473]

Great james. I always enjoy your videos.

[@KrazyKoyk]

Shania Twain… brilliant choice 👍

[@gordonturke4171]

Thanks for this mate, very helpful, my is the same, cheers

[@Voyager1786]

Yeah had to change mine, it fixed the problem!

[@galaxy5801]

Please can you do a POV driving the focus? Im thinking of getting one next, and would love a POV, to get an idea what they're like!!! ❤❤

[@padraigtaylor8333]

Nice seats what are they out of???

[@keners42]

Thanks mate great video. Done and it works perfect.

[@adriangrove9997]

Hey mate how big is your shed/workshop ? Great vids mate keep it up 👍

[@rupsurfer]

good vid mate. I'm struggling to get the resistor screws undone on my focus - il get thou haha

[@Galactica-Actual]

Ho easy is it to get the blower out out and replace on this model, i cant find any vids for the 2007 face lift mark 2

[@TheShinyShow]

Did this on my mk6 Fiesta. Easy to search Heater Resistor videos for those. Only works on 4. Maybe it's not well documented for the Focus.

[@kevcar5395]

Changed the same thing on my own ford focus about a month ago common prob😁

[@mbourne2729]

Focus mk2 2006 - my fan cuts in from cold start and stays on ? Any suggestions on how to fix would be great.

[@armunro]

Fiesta exact same part; did mine last winter!

[@gowtheem1999]

I’ve been trying the fix this issue on my 2001 corsa but I can’t manage to find the blower motor resistor. Please may you do a quick video on showing where it is on a corsa please?

[@alfiewatson5106]

I’ve got a mk2.5 focus 1.6 zetec and the heater resistor has gone I’ve got the part but I’m struggling to get into the glove box as only the box comes off the flap doesn’t any help thanks as I can’t seem to see the screws when getting onto them to

[@robthesamplist]

on my zafira b there was a recall where any setting other than 4 could cause a fire! and it was a major recall....luckily mines a 2014 and had the recall done before I brought it last year.

[@mrt9031]

Thermal fuse on top of resistor is the issue,costs £1.49. don't need to solder.. twist on and job done...

[@TheVeyron81]

Noticed my focus ST’s fan is virtually non existent in position 1 & 2. Will look into it thanks.

[@andynorris3537]

Very common on a punto, did my friends and it had melted the wiring block

[@moodyjeep]

Hi " J" I've just done mine on my old 2002 transit, Now works perfectly, A bitch to get to!. Baz.

[@Sam-jd3sz]

You been wonderful. Bless you.

[@roythearcher]

I had a similar problem with a Mk4 Fiesta where the fan would be "all or nothing", either full on or off and no intermediate speed settings worked. The Reststor unit had failed completely so there was no variable speed control. The full speed setting bypasses the resistor pack as it is redundant in that setting as no additional resistance is required. Anyway, I replaced it with a new one, problem solved..... But not for long. The new one soon failed too. This seems to be common problem with fords that they should have been able to sort out by now!... The problem seems to be that, to keep the resistors cool they are placed in the flow of air that is supplied by the same fan they control. This does not work very well at lower settings which, due to the higher resistance, is when they produce the most heat and have the least air flow cooling them, so they then overheat and cook the coils leading to the inevitable failure. Not a very good system!

[@rosidus]

I've got this same problem. Got an MOT on Monday. Depending how that goes I'm doing this.

[@marcusJUJUalty]

Any idea where abouts this is located on the ST Mondeo? 👍🏾👍🏾

[@darkbyte2005]

Great tip and quality video thanks...

[@briangoddard3511]

If you have a old cabin air filter in mk1 , replace it , as water trickling down , will rot new resistor pack , it’s the cause of old ones failing

[@J4C08G4M3R]

Just changed mine took litterley 10mins only issue was fixing heater pipe back on side of glove box, with a little patience and twisting me self in half to put arm under foot well to push pipe and see in glove box at same time 😂😂😂😂😂

[@pavoltatar4720]

many thanks good show

[@briangoddard3511]

Ford Focus mk 1 is same place , fan setting one , two and three will not work if faulty , nor will a/c , it’s upright tho , will be coulerd blue or white or black

[@e.7hankotecha281]

Just wanted to say thank you to the savage garage for the content 💯🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@kevp3011]

Replace the resistor on top but it's a 50/50 fix but for a £1,worth a try

[@dskowron19]

Link to ebay ?

[@stevenbrown5483]

done it ...that resistor is a swine to get out / put in! cheers mate

[@thedave7760]

how the hell did you do it I have loosened the top screw but cant locate the bottom on by feel.

[@stevenbrown5483]

@@thedave7760 if i remember correctly (was a while ago now) i used along shaft with a magnet on , but i could see it with the help of a light , sorry i cant be of anymore help

[@thedave7760]

@@stevenbrown5483 No worries mate got it in the end, drew blood from the sharp plastic, lost one of the screws but it works. I had the wrong size torx at first so that didn't help.

[@stevenbrown5483]

@@thedave7760 lol ok mate at least you have sorted it :)

[@davidwilshire1061]

I had the same problem £12.99 of Amazon easy to fit, the nightmare was trying to connect air con vent to the side of the glove box after

[@1234nikster]

What’s your radio system, looks amazing

[@michaelfranklin6329]

Same thing with fiat punto 👍👍👍

[@astonrichardson4309]

Good video pal

[@sam_9847]

ayeeeee. sick vid man

[@richardmackenzie7231]

Check ur actual blower fan it maybe siezing up causing resistor to blow ,did this in ma vectra as blew twice then started whining n squealing ended up replacing the unit wasnt hard task for novice like me.

[@richardmackenzie7231]

Just search ebay for your make model heater fan blower unit getting to screws was hardest part There should he plenty how tos on forums

[@louisrobinson8383]

Were did u but your radio from?

[@dazza86123]

Where is the car radio from please as I have this care but need bluetooth for my phone.

[@simonevans9145]

had the same problem with a rover 45

[@georgianbusuioc799]

How much was the central navi ?