Chrysler Repair: Blower only runs on hight: 99 minivan, plymouth grand voyager, blower motor resistor


Question
QUESTION: I have a 1999 plymouth grand voyager and the air bag light came on an now the horn does'nt work. could these be related? I checked all fuses and even checked all connections in the horn switch and air bag assembly for a possible loose wire. I had a remote car starter system put in quite a while previous and didn't have any problems, could this be related?

ANSWER: Hi Joel,
Yes those are related thru either the flexible coupling between the steering wheel and the steering column, called the clockspring, or possibly a plug/socket at the base of the steering column could have become disconnted, so check for any free plugs along the column to the floor. If you find none then your clockspring is broken. Now Chrysler had a number of failures of this item in the late '90's models and because it is safety related it may well be you can get it replaced for free under a Recall. So check with www.Chrysler.com to see if they list a recall for your van's clockspring and/or ask at the service or parts dept at a dealer.
This should be replaced so you have a working air bag for the driver and a horn.
Roland
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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: "I have a 1999 Plymouth grand voyager and the heater blower stopped working on all other speeds except high and while on it sounds like the blower motor is going to go out because it speeds up and slows down randomly. Is it the blower or the control module that is bad? Is there a way of checking which one is bad?"


Answer
Hi Joel,
The loss of the other speeds is due to the failure of the blower motor resistor block. It it located in the air intake plenum which is under the grill in front of the windshield. Fiorst open the hood. You will see openings in the top of the fire wall, near the right side strut tower on the passenger side. The block is under the wiper module. It has a 5 wire plug on the compartment side of the wall so disconnect that. Then there are simple spring clips on the edge of the module which if you reach into the square hole with a screw driver and push against the spring clip in each side while pulling out on that side (toward the engine) the block will release. It will be clearer if you buy a new resistor block before you start the removal. Install is the reverse. Becareful not to damage the resistors and gently separate them if they are touching. I would also disconnect the cable on the - post of the battery while doing this replacement. Then see how the blower is working.
Roland
PS Thanks for doing the rating.