How do I know if my blower motor or blower motor resistor is bad?

How do I know if my blower motor or blower motor resistor is bad? 2007 Honda Pilot.
Not getting any air on the rear vents.

My car has 180000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi Johnny. About 90% of the time, the problem is the resistor as opposed to the blower motor. A professional mechanic would complete an electrical test to determine if power is being sent through the resistor to determine which one is the issue. If you want to eliminate the guess work, you could have one of our mobile mechanics come to your location to complete an AC is not working inspection so they can determine for you which is damaged and recommend the right repairs.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

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Signs of a Bad Blower Motor Resistor

Loss of HVAC fan control (total or certain speeds) The fan only works on its highest speed setting. No air coming from vents. Intermittent or inconsistent fan speed.

One of the first symptoms of a problem with the blower motor relay is a blower motor that does not function. As the relay is the switch that supplies current to the blower motor, if it fails internally, then power may be cut off from the blower motor circuit causing the motor to no longer function.
It`s located inside the dash, often on the opposite side of the steering wheel or inside the engine compartment on the firewall. A blower motor resistor or a blower motor control module is the part that controls the speed of the blower motor.
The blower motor switch is the actual switch or button on the dash that you use to increase or decrease the fan speed. The blower motor IS the fan. The blower motor resistor is what allows the fan to work at different speeds as opposed to just off and on.
Many vehicles have two fuses for the blower motor, one in the interior fuse block and the other under the hood. The blower motor is usually under the dashboard on the passenger side.
We do suggest that you replace the resistor at the same time. It may not be critical, but this will keep the system more uniform. The issue may even be related to the resistor. If you know that it is not related to the issue, then you do not have to replace it.
The fan speed can be changed by switching the blower resistor resistance mechanically, using a rotating lever, or electronically by the air conditioning system. The blower motor resistor is responsible for controlling the blower motor speed.
Blower resistors are resistors which are used to control the fan speed of automotive blowers. The fan speed can be changed either by switching the blower resistor resistance mechanically using a rotating lever, or electronically by the air conditioning system.
As the fan speed is one of the most frequently adjusted settings of the air conditioning system, the blower motor resistor is put under constant stress, which can cause it to eventually fail. A failed blower motor resistor can cause issues with the operation of the entire heating and air conditioning system.
The blower motor resistor controls the power to the system`s blower motor. When it fails, it can cut off all power to the motor. When the blower motor doesn`t get power, air pressure can`t be produced. You are left with a heater or air conditioner with nothing coming out of the vents.
There are two main types of blower motors: single-speed motors and variable-speed motors. Single-speed blower motors blow air at one speed. Variable-speed motors adjust their speed to blow air at varying speed levels. A properly functioning blower motor remains a critical component of your home`s HVAC system.
It is usually located inside the blower compartment on the side of the blower motor. Be cautious as the housing may be hot. If the button is popped up, press it down.
To test a blower motor with a multimeter, first set the multimeter to the “resistance” or “ohms” setting. Then, touch the probes of the multimeter to the terminals on the blower motor. If the resistance reading is infinite, that means there is an open circuit and the blower motor is defective.
If the fan turns at all without forcing, it should spin when powered up. If the fan turns freely or not is not a definitive indication that is good or bad.
If you want to pass the blower door test, most experts recommend brushing up on air barrier performance requirements and air sealing techniques. A word of caution: To bone up on building science, make sure you read material that is written by experts rather than relying on articles at random on the Internet.
In summary, to test a resistor we need to measure its resistance value. If this resistance value we measure is equal to its actual value, then it is a good resistor. If not then it is a bad resistor.
These are different components. The blower motor high relay will affect high speed blower operation. The blower motor resistor will vary the lower speeds.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Burnt yellow and brown wires at blower motor resistor, is this indicator of bad resistor or bad motor? 2011 Chevrolet Malibu
ANSWER : Hi there – most likely, the problem is the blower motor resistor pack. A quick way to test this is if the blower fan still works in the "Max" position. If it does, that pretty-much rules out the motor as the problem. The resistor pack can get pretty hot while running the fan in lower settings, which could damage the wiring to it just from the heat. If the resistor shorts, increased electrical load could burn the wiring insulation as well. I would suggest an electrical 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.

How do I know if my blower motor or blower motor resistor is bad?
ANSWER : Hi Johnny. About 90% of the time, the problem is the resistor as opposed to the blower motor. A professional mechanic would complete an electrical test to determine if power is being sent through the resistor to determine which one is the issue. If you want to eliminate the guess work, you could have one of our mobile mechanics come to your location to complete an AC is not working inspection so they can determine for you which is damaged and recommend the right repairs.

Loss of voltage at blower motor when it is connected to regulator – regulator is brand new
ANSWER : Hi there. The issue you are having is not the resister, but rather the switch. The switch contacts are shorting out back to the battery causing the a/c blower not to work. I recommend replacing the a/c blower switch. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your vehicle, then seek out a technician, such as one from YourMechanic, that can assist you with replacing the switch.

Fan blower motor not working replaced resistor and blower motor but I don’t know we’re the fuse or relay is located
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!

Blower motor resistor melted, replaced it turned on blower motor and it melted again in seconds.
ANSWER : The blower motor that is drawing too many amperes will melt the resistor and wiring. Anytime the resistor is melted you should replace the blower along with the resistor and connections that show any heat damage. If you need assistance with this, consider YourMechanic, as one of our mobile technicians can diagnose electrical issue and help you replace the blower motor and resistor as necessary.

Car A/C won’t stop blowing even with car turned off, can I unplug blower motor resistor ?
ANSWER : Yes, you can disconnect the resistor or the blower motor to stop the power drain. You can do this until you can get it fixed anyway.

How do I know if it’s my blower motor resistor or the resistor switch that’s not working?
ANSWER : The referenced parts are tested with an ohmmeter. The resistor block must have a specified resistance across each element on the block. However, if any resistors are open (infinite resistance), the block is just condemned and replaced automatically. Occasionally, you might be able to see that the resistor block is obviously broken (elements are open). Switches are tested using an ohmmeter or continuity tester. There are other electrical components, and wiring, in the system that can cause it not to work. If you desire that this problem be diagnosed by a certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, please request a blower motor diagnostic and the responding mechanic will get this resolved for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic.

My car ac a year ago stopped working on settings 123 only works on 4 I did the research so I do know it is the blower motor an ha
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.