Chrysler Repair: 1999 chrysler cirrus lxi blower motor/resistor block, chrysler cirrus lxi, 1999 chrysler cirrus lxi

Question
Roland,
Thanks again for your help. After removing the bad blower motor resistor, I noticed one of the resistor wires touching the side of the housing. Based on what you've previously told me about the unit, I suspect this was the cause of the malfunction. I replaced the resistor and the blower motor is working on all of the settings now. Thanks again for your expertise!
John
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Followup To

Question -
Roland,
I've gone through three blower motor resistors in the past few months on my 1999 chrysler cirrus lxi. My blower motor currently works only on high. Does that mean I need to replace the blower motor? Is such a job a do-it-yourself-job? Also, I've noticed that some places sell the blower motor without the wheel. What does that mean? Thanks for any help you can give.
John

Answer -
Hi John,
The only other possible reason for the resistor block to be breaking down is that the individual resistors may be touching oneanother. So look at the failed units to see if that might have been the case. Earlier blocks were recommended to be inspected at time of installation to make sure none were touching.
It the separations look o.k. then replacing the motor/wheel assembly is reasonable to try because there would seem to be no other explanation for the failures, unless the air pathway were somehow impeded which would also overheat the resistors.
It appears to be easy, just remove the under panel silencer at the right side of the dash and locate the blower motor housing at the underside right end. It is secured by screws and drops right out of the hvac housing. The '96 manual speaks of the motor and wheel being changed out as a unit because they are 'balanced' as an assembly. But maybe by '99 a method was devised to attach an old wheel to a new motor and still be balanced.
Please let me know what you learn.
Roland

Answer
Hi John,
Thanks for the update. Out of curiosity, did you just replace the resistor with one from an electronics supply store or did you buy an entire new resistor block from the dealer? If the former, what wattage did you use and what resistance value?
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Roland