Question-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Bill:
I own a '96 Seville that when you turn the A/C on the compressor seems to kick on but the fan won't come on to blow any cool air. Can you help me?
I've seemed to have some problems in the past with the computer system in the car. It's been reset by a local mechanic but it still sometimes comes on service engine light, and then goes off after a day or two.
Any help you can offer on these two matters would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Ben
Answer -
Hi Ben, Since you don't say what the code(s) were that the mechanic reset it would be tough to know how to advise except to say that resetting the codes works on the older computor system cars, OBD 1, but on the OBD2 cars the data perameters need to be checked to see what the engine and car were doing when the computor set the code and those conditions being duplicated by a Cadillac trained tech will keep the light off after the correct diagnosis and repairs are made. Unfortunately you need a good quality scan tool to do this although Auto Zone might be able to scan the code(s) but then replaceing a sensor might not fix the problem. Get a second opinion by a differant shop and be glad the car is still driveable...Sounds like your blower motor is bad. What they have done with this design is incorperate the blower module and motor into the same part which makes it kind of expensive to replace. Useing a digital voltmeter with at least 10 meg ohm impedance to protect the computor measure the voltage on term. B of the motor connector with the engine running. It should go below 4v and above 9v depending upon blower speed. Use a small gage wire like a paper clip and push it along side the wire past the seal until it contacts the metal terminal to help read the voltage. Then disconnect the blower connector and measure the voltage on term. A to C and if it shows near battery voltage then the motor is bad and replaceing it should get the air flowing again. After replaceing the motor make sure that the sparkplug wires are routed at least 2" away from the motor or a stray spark jumping to the motor will damage the new motor. If your car has over 100,000 miles then replaceing the sparkplug wires might be a good idea. Hope that makes sence. Bill
Bill:
Thanks for your quick response. Any idea on the cost/range of a repair to the A/C blower motor?
The car is probably worth $7,500. The front c/v boot, (spelling may be wrong here)seems to be going bad as well. Sometimes it makes a popping sound when moving from a stopped position. In addition the check transmission light popps up every now and then with the car sometimes shifting kind or roughly from 1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd, but not all the time. This coupled with an expensive fan motor for the A/C could be a total of possibly overe $2,000 I would think. If it was your car would you be thinking about maybe getting a new/used car and any advice on what type of reliable car/luxury sedan you could reccommend for around $15,000-$20,000?
Ben
AnswerHi Ben, This might be a good time to start looking for a differant car. The fan motor in the box might be around $250 and then you would need to pay the hour labor at least to test and install the new motor. The trans if you had to get it replaced would probably be no less than $2500 installed and the axle at least $150 installed. Those are of course guesstimates. I would say that unless you are very attached to this car and it is in really nice condition inside and out to trade it and get something else...hmm...but what? My wife and other family members I know have had very good luck with a Toyota car. We have gotten them to go at least 180,000 miles without any major repairs with the engine or trans and my dad loves his '04 Camry after trading his '92 60 special deville. The certified preowned used vehicle might be the way to go and a Camry or Avalon would make a good choice. I am not too familiar with the Lexas models but would suggest getting a copy of consumer reports to see how the repair history of the cars are and then taking some test drives and see what feels right for you. The Honda and Nissan vehicles might be worth looking at also. I realize that I didn't mention another Caddy or other GM products but feel that those imports do a better job at making a vehicle that is more cost effective to own especially if you want to keep it for 10 years and 200,000 miles. Good luck with your researching and test drives. Bill
