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Where is the blower motor resistor located?

The blower motor resistor is typically mounted on or near the blower motor housing inside the HVAC unit, most often behind the glove box on the passenger side. Exact location depends on the vehicle's design.

Common locations by design

Below are the locations you’re most likely to encounter, depending on the vehicle's design and year.

Behind the glove box on the passenger side, attached to the blower motor housing inside the HVAC unit.

Under the dash on the passenger side, near the firewall; access may require removing trim panels or the glove box.

In some designs, mounted on the heater core housing or inside the engine bay near the firewall; access varies by model.

In a few newer vehicles, there is no separate resistor; the blower speed is controlled by the climate control module or a brushless blower motor, so no separate resistor pack exists to replace.

Understanding these common placements helps when diagnosing a blower that only runs on certain speeds or not at all. If in doubt, consult your owner's manual or a qualified technician.

How to locate it in your specific vehicle

To locate the resistor in a particular model, use these steps as a guide before attempting removal or replacement.

Check the owner's manual or factory service manual for your exact model/year; search for "blower motor resistor" or "resistor pack" in the HVAC section.

With the dashboard panels and possibly the glove box removed, look at the blower motor housing area on the passenger side; the resistor is usually a small rectangular module with multiple wires.

Trace the wiring from the blower motor connector; the resistor pack typically sits in the circuit between the power source and the blower motor.

Note that some modern vehicles use a PWM (pulse-width modulation) control integrated into the climate control module or directly in the blower motor; in such cases there is no separate resistor to replace.

If you cannot locate a resistor or the symptom persists, avoid forcing panels open and seek professional help to prevent damage to the HVAC system or electrical harness.

Summary

In short, the blower motor resistor is usually found on or near the blower motor housing inside the vehicle’s HVAC unit, most commonly behind the passenger-side glove box. Exact placement varies by model, and some modern vehicles do not use a separate resistor at all. When diagnosing issues, consult the vehicle manual, identify the component by its rectangular shape and multi-wire harness, and consider whether the system uses a resistor or a PWM-controlled blower motor. If in doubt, a trained technician can confirm location and perform replacement safely.

How much does it cost to replace a blower motor resistor?

Replacing a blower motor resistor typically costs between $70 and $300, with the part costing between $20 and $100 and labor costing an additional $50 to $200. The final price depends on the vehicle's make and model, the specific part needed, and the complexity of the installation. If the blower motor also needs to be replaced, the total cost can increase significantly.
This video explains the cost of replacing a blower motor resistor and how to test for a bad one: 53sMechanic BaseYouTube · Aug 22, 2023
Cost breakdown

Parts: The resistor itself usually costs between $20 and $100.
Labor: The cost for professional installation typically ranges from $50 to $200, depending on the time it takes to access and replace the part.
Total: The combined cost generally falls between $70 and $300.

Factors that can affect the cost

Vehicle make and model: The price of the resistor and labor time can vary significantly based on your car.
Part accessibility: If the resistor is in a hard-to-reach area, labor costs will be higher.
Need for additional repairs: A faulty blower motor often damages the resistor. It is recommended to replace both at the same time, which can increase the total cost by around $500.

How to get an accurate estimate

Get quotes: Contact a few different auto shops to compare quotes for your specific vehicle.
Check online parts retailers: You can get an idea of the part's cost by searching for your car's year, make, and model on automotive parts websites.
Consider DIY: If you have the mechanical knowledge, you can save on labor costs by doing the replacement yourself, especially since some shops charge higher prices for installing customer-provided parts.

This video shows how to test a blower motor resistor: 36scar PROblemsYouTube · Jul 3, 2023

Will a blower motor work without the resistor?

Yes, a blower motor will work without the resistor, but it will typically only operate at its highest speed. The resistor is what allows for multiple speeds by limiting the current to the motor; without it, the motor receives full power.
This video explains how a blower motor resistor works and what happens when it fails: 1mMake It Easy MechanicYouTube · May 14, 2021

Highest speed only: The blower motor will likely only run at its highest setting because the resistor is bypassed when the highest speed is selected.
No speed control: You will lose all other fan speeds, making it impossible to adjust the airflow to your comfort level.
Potential for damage: In some cases, a faulty resistor can also lead to the motor not working at all due to a complete loss of power. Running the motor without the resistor can also cause strain, potentially shortening the life of the motor itself.
Safety concern: While the car is generally safe to drive with a failed resistor, a burnt or melted resistor is a fire hazard, so it's important to address the issue promptly.
Other issues: If the fan doesn't work at all, the problem could also be a blown fuse or a bad blower motor, not just the resistor.

You can watch this video to learn about the common symptoms of a faulty blower motor resistor: 57sTop 5 Auto RepairsYouTube · Apr 16, 2023

Do you need to disconnect the battery to change the blower motor resistor?

Before replacing the blower motor or resistor, disconnect only the negative battery terminal to safely cut power. Removing both terminals is unnecessary and may complicate resetting electronics. After disconnecting, wait a few minutes to allow capacitors to discharge.

How do I know if my blower motor resistor is out?

Symptoms of a bad blower motor resistor include the blower only working on certain speeds (especially high speed), inconsistent or fluctuating fan speeds, no airflow at all from the vents, or a burning smell coming from the dashboard. In severe cases, you might see smoke, and the fan could become completely unresponsive or stuck on.
Common symptoms

Limited or no fan speeds: The fan may only work on the highest setting or get stuck on one speed.
Inconsistent fan speed: The airflow may fluctuate or cut in and out.
No airflow at all: If the resistor fails completely, the blower motor will not turn on, and no air will come out of the vents.
Burning smell or smoke: A burning smell or smoke from the dashboard is a strong indicator of an overheating resistor and can be a fire hazard.
Defroster issues: The defroster may not work effectively because it relies on the blower motor to push air through the vents.

How to diagnose

Listen to the fan speed: If you can't change the speed or it only works on high, the resistor is likely the culprit.
Smell for burning: A burning smell is a serious warning sign that the resistor is overheating.
Check for smoke: If you see smoke coming from your vents, stop using the system immediately and have it inspected.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.