Blower motor issues

2002 SATURN SL2
206,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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MATT AGASHA
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  • 2 POSTS
Hello! I have had weak and inconsistent output from my vehicle's HVAC system for some time. Then, last month, the blower motor would intermittently fail to turn on. I replaced the motor and now I am getting consistent but very, very low output from the vents.

When I was replaced the blower motor I discovered that one of the electrical connector leads had melted a bit on the male wiring end. I replaced it with a crimp-on replacement part.

Does this seem like a possible blower motor resistor issue? I guess it could also be a physical blockage, but seems more likely that it is a resistor issue. Or I may have screwed up the replacement wiring connector.

Should I put the multi-meter on the connector and see if it is low? What range is normal? I am a total weekend warrior here, so I do not know much about what I am doing other than from watching videos. Any suggestions or insights would be much appreciated.

Cheers,

Matt
Oct 17, 2018 at 9:25 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

If the fan is running at proper speed and you can control its speed, the resister is not bad. Most times, a bad resister will allow the fan to only operate on high. Since there is reduced air flow, my first suspect is the mode/temperature cable needs adjusted. If the mode doors are not opening properly, it could reduce air flow.

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle for adjusting the cable. Pictures 1 and 2 correlate with these directions.

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MODE AND TEMPERATURE CABLE ADJUSTMENT (SERVICE CABLES) - (LHD VEHICLES ONLY)
MODE AND TEMPERATURE CABLE ADJUSTMENT (SERVICE CABLES) - (LHD VEHICLES ONLY)

IMPORTANT: Adjust cables by holding cable housing and turning cable housing end.

Mode Lever
^ If mode knob bounces back on defrost (right) side, shorten cable housing.
^ If mode knob bounces back on I/P outlet (left) side, lengthen cable housing.

Temperature Cable
^ If temperature knob bounces back on hot (right) side, lengthen cable housing.
^ If temperature knob bounces back on cold (left) side, shorten cable housing.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Oct 17, 2018 at 5:22 PM
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MATT AGASHA
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Thanks! While I was looking at it all again yesterday, I figured out the issue. The replacement connector I purchased had a red and black wire, and without thinking, I connected red and black to it. Turns out that switched the wires from the original install, so the motor was running great, but running in reverse.

Switched the cables and it is working like it should.
Oct 18, 2018 at 6:08 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Wow. An easy mistake. LOL Basically, you made a vacuum cleaner. LOL I should try that on my wife's car. Maybe it would stay clean longer. LOL

Regardless, I am glad you got it fixed. Switching polarity can definitely cause problems.

Take care and enjoy the heat.

Joe
Oct 18, 2018 at 4:55 PM