Is a transistor and a blower motor resistor the same thing?
I recently went to a couple mechanics because my AC was not working on modes 1-3 but worked on 4. I also had a high squeaking sound and a burning smell. I was told I need to replace two parts. The blower motor resistor and the transistor. I replaced the blower motor resistor but not the transistor. What is the difference? Can it harm my car by not replacing the transistor?
My car has 99599 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
When you were told to replace the resistor or the transistor the person that told you did not know if you had manual or automatic a/c. Your car will have a blower resistor for manual a/c blower controls and a transistor if you had automatic a/c controls. Your blower control is manual and therefore you have a blower resistor. The car will only have one or the other and will serve the same purpose depending on the type of blower control you have. The squeaking and burning smell may be from the blower motor. I would recommend replacing the blower motor with resistor(https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/heater-blower-motor-resistor-replacement) This should fix your problem and do not have to replace blower transistor since your car does not have one.
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These are different components. The blower motor high relay will affect high speed blower operation. The blower motor resistor will vary the lower speeds.
The most common symptom of a bad blower motor resistor is that you will only notice that your blower is working on the highest speed setting or that it won`t work at all. The main symptoms of a bad blower motor resistor include: Only One Speed From Blower Motor. Various Airflow Settings Not Working.
A fuse is often located on the resistor board. The fuse only protects the low and medium blower speeds. High speed will still work if the resistor fuse is blown.
In the highest speed state, the blower resistor is bypassed completely and the fan is connected directly to the car`s battery, which allows maximum current through the motor.
The average cost to replace the blower motor resistor at a repair shop is between $44 and $55 in parts and $70 in labor costs, for a total cost of around $114 to $125. On the other hand, you can easily fix the blower motor resistor at home in about an hour (even if you`re a beginner) and for around $70.
The blower motor relay is the electrical switch that is used to supply the power for the vehicle`s blower motor. The blower motor is the component responsible for pushing air through the vents of your vehicle`s heating and air conditioning systems.
When a resistor fails, it usually gets charred or burns. As a result, it either stops conducting the electrical current/signal or does not resist the current flow.
Finally, if the resistance reading falls within a certain range (usually between 1 and 20 ohms), then that means the blower motor is functioning properly.
How Many Ohms Should A Blower Motor Have? A good blower motor is expected to read over 0.5 Ohms.
In a blower motor, the relay supplies the power that allows the fans to circulate warmed air. Essentially an on/off switch, the blower motor relay`s reactions start and end the heating process in HVAC systems by controlling the flow of current between the power source and the motor.
A fusible resistor opens up like a fuse when its current rating is exceeded. The component is generally a nichrome element with a melting temperature of around 1400° C. Nichrome has a low thermal coefficient of resistance that allows the resistor to have a stable resistance over temperature.
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 blower motor resistor is designed to last for the car`s lifespan. In most cases, these resistors will wear out long before the car does. Usually, the wear that the blower motor resistor has is due to the constant use that it gets and the heat that it is exposed on a regular basis.
In most cases, a blower motor resistor fails due to corrosion or overheating. Sometimes, the mechanical resistance to the motor rotation causes an excessive electric current that can overheat and prematurely damage the blower motor resistor.
The change in resistance controls the current through the blower motor, which in turn limits the speed that the blower motor spins at. When high speed is requested, the blower motor resistor is bypassed and the blower motor ground circuit is connected directly to ground.
A fixed composition resistor normally fails in an open configuration when overheated or overly stressed due to shock or vibration. Excessive humidity may cause an increase in resistance. A variable composition resistor may wear after extensive use, and worn away particles may cause high resistance short circuits.
When one of the resistors is removed, the total resistance of the circuit will decrease (from (1)). As can be seen (from (2)) that the current is inversely proportional to resistance. So, with the decrease in the total resistance, the total current will increase.
There is a 110 volt and 230 volt blowers in the industry today, and so the packs are equipped to be able to run both of them.
Current ceases to flow; therefore, there is no longer a voltage drop across the resistors. Each end of the open conducting path becomes an extension of the voltage source terminals and the voltage felt across the open is equal to the applied voltage (VA). An open circuit has infinite resistance.
Here are some common signs that your vehicle`s blower motor resistor is bad: Loss of HVAC fan control (total or certain speeds) The fan only works on its highest speed setting. No air coming from vents.
If you suspect a bad resistor is at the root of your electrical problems, you can conduct a simple test with a multimeter without ever removing the resistor from the circuit.
In a blower motor, the relay supplies the power that allows the fans to circulate warmed air. Essentially an on/off switch, the blower motor relay`s reactions start and end the heating process in HVAC systems by controlling the flow of current between the power source and the motor.
That`s perfectly impossible!! It`s as impossible as making your breakfast using a program without any hardware. Relay module can only turn things on or off. They can`t alter the resistance.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Is a transistor and a blower motor resistor the same thing?
ANSWER : When you were told to replace the resistor or the transistor the person that told you did not know if you had manual or automatic a/c. Your car will have a blower resistor for manual a/c blower controls and a transistor if you had automatic a/c controls. Your blower control is manual and therefore you have a blower resistor. The car will only have one or the other and will serve the same purpose depending on the type of blower control you have. The squeaking and burning smell may be from the blower motor. I would recommend replacing the blower motor with resistor(https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/heater-blower-motor-resistor-replacement) This should fix your problem and do not have to replace blower transistor since your car does not have one.
Read Full Q/A … : Is a transistor and a blower motor resistor the same thing?
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.
Read Full Q/A … : Is a transistor and a blower motor resistor the same thing?
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.
Read Full Q/A … : Is a transistor and a blower motor resistor the same thing?
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.
Read Full Q/A … : Is a transistor and a blower motor resistor the same thing?
Blower motor transistor fins
ANSWER : Compare the new part and old part. If they are not the same size and fit, then they gave you the wrong part. The transistor will get very hot on the fins and may melt into the plastic if touching it.
Read Full Q/A … : Is a transistor and a blower motor resistor the same thing?
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.
Read Full Q/A … : Is a transistor and a blower motor resistor the same thing?
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.
Read Full Q/A … : Is a transistor and a blower motor resistor the same thing?
where is my blower motor or blower resistor?
ANSWER : The blower motor and blower resistor is located in the right side of the dash under and behind the glove box.
Read Full Q/A … : Is a transistor and a blower motor resistor the same thing?
