Resistor for fan blower motor

[Doc Dave]

I have a 2001 2500, 150k miles.
I have replaced the resistor for the heater/AC blower fan motor twice, and it’s gone out again.
This resistor is what allows for the slower speeds, other than the “full blast” fan.
It is a ***** to replace due to its location.
I wonder if the fan is drawing more juice due to its age, and this is shortening the life of the resistor?
I replaced the original with one from CQ and one from NAPA. I have not looked a Mopar one yet, don’t know if they are still available. Maybe a quality issue with aftermarket?

 

[brucejohnson]

I had the same issue with my old 2002. The fan motor was causing an issue with too much current draw in the circuit. Drag due to worn out and not lubricated bushings. Changed the motor and resistor and all was happy in all speed ranges of the motor.

 

[GAmes]

I go to the u-pull-it yard for fans and resistors. There are normally some clean, low mileage 1500s available for donation. Low cost and higher quality than parts store parts.

 

[Doc Dave]

Thanks to both of you guys!
How hard is. It to access the blower motor? I know I have to take off part of the dash…

 

[GAmes]

It is under the plenum below the glove box. Three screws (8mm IIRC). The rear on is a little difficult to get to. You don't have to remove anything to get to it.

 

[BigPapa]

The rear one is a little difficult to get to.

On the screw closest to the firewall I use a deep 8mm 1/4” drive socket on a universal joint on a 6” extension. An electric ratchet helps, too.

Another tip, the wiring and connector sit in a little “cradle”. Lift it out of the cradle and then disconnect it.

 

[BarryG]

As the others have said no big deal to swap out the blower a few screws, one being a bit of pain to get at it. It has been a while. I know I had the same issue with my 01. The original the bearings went out. It would squeal like a pig when cold out until it got warmed up a bit. Back then a mopar blower motor was well over $300 from the dealer. I went to a autozone picked one up for $60. It was a bit louder and did not last as long as the oem. It just seemed to start dragging no squealing noise just started popping the resistor more frequently and you could hear the blower sort of struggling to get up to speed so I did have to swap it out again after several years. However that one was quieter than the first replacement and is still going good. Probably been on there 7 or 8 years now. My brother in law owns the truck now and doesn't drive it any where near as much as I did but nonetheless it is still rotating along.