Blower Motor only working on highest speed.

ANSWER : Hi there, thanks for writing in about your 2008 Volkswagen Passat. If the blower motor resistor and connector are good, then the only other thing that can cause the problem is the blower control switch or connector. Check the resistor to make sure you have good connections and that the resistor is not blown again. If you need help having this checked, a qualified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to inspect the cooling system and have this corrected.

ANSWER : You mentioned that you started to smell something. This may be a sign that the blower controller or the resistor was burnt out when it was hooked up wrong. You should try replacing the blower controlling resistor that you hooked up wrong. But like you mentioned, it could also be a fuse problem that has shorted. If you would like to have this looked at, have a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic inspect the wiring and determine what should be done.

ANSWER : In your application, there is a replaceable blower motor resistor block. The resistor block permits multi-speed operation of the fan. If some fan speed settings work, but not others, the first thing to do is test the resistor block with a volt ohmmeter. If you desire testing, and replacement, as needed, please request a blower motor/resistor block diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you.

With regard to the A/C system, if gauge pressures (high and low) are normal when the system does operate, there are really only two principle possibilities for intermittent operation. One is circulating moisture in the system (due to a saturated dryer) which periodically freezes (and thaws) at the expansion valve and the other is a failure in the A/C control system, that is the clutch, sensors, and other electronics that control the compressor cycling. The cause of the problem can be readily found if you request an A/C system diagnostic. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

ANSWER : One sure way to rule out the blower motor itself would be to observe voltage while the issue is happening. If the voltage being fed to the blower motor fluctuates, the problem is on the control side of the circuit and possibly the resistor. Hire one of our mobile experts to swing by and test the electrical system and track down this bug.

ANSWER : Hi there. It is possible for the starter to fail. But before replacing the starter, make sure that the battery cables are tight and clean. Then check the starter relay and make sure that the relay is clicking. If the relay is not clicking, then check for power to the relay. If there is power to the relay but there is no click, then the starter relay would need to be replaced. If there is no power to the relay, then either the wiring from the relay to the ignition switch has a break in it or the ignition switch is failing. If there is power to the relay and power to the starter motor, then the starter motor needs replaced. If you need further assistance with your no start issue, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

ANSWER : Hi there – electrical failures when cold are tough problems, because the source is an electrical connection – switch contact, brushes in the motor itself, potentially a blower motor relay – that shrinks and loses connectivity when cold. It expands enough when warmer to conduct current. Crawling around in the cold with a voltmeter is no fun chasing problems like this. I would recommend a heater inspection by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

ANSWER : Hi There,
It sounds like you may have a faulty blower motor resistor. The highest speed setting may still work because in most cars in the highest fan speed settings the current bypasses the blower motor resistor. In some cars, if the resistor is failed, the fan may stop working completely. Another reason a blower motor resistor may fail is when the blower motor has a mechanical problem or when a foreign object jams the blower motor fan blade and prevents it from spinning freely. This leads to increased current through the resistor and causes it to overheat and fail. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose your system to determine what may be causing the fan not to work properly.

ANSWER : The fuse and relay is in the power distribution center which is mounted under the hood on the left side of the engine compartment. Remove the top cover and look on the under side of the cover. You will see a diagram showing the position and name of each fuse and or relay. Keep in mind to make sure you are correctly oriented with the position of the fuse block. It can be confusing at times.

In addition to the fan motor, relay, fuse, and blower resistor, the A/C heater controls the fan speed selection. These are known to fail on Chrysler products. A scanner capable of communicating with the climate control system is necessary to diagnose this system. To avoid any unnecessary repairs, have a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, diagnose your heating & A/C issue firsthand.

Good luck!