Nissan Repair: blower motor/resistor, blower motor resistor, nissan maxima

Question
QUESTION: how do i know when my blower motor or resistor is bad? My heater stopped blowing from time to time usually when the car is first started, but now it doesn't blow at all. Can this be the motor or resistor? or just the motor?

         thanks, sam

ANSWER: Hi Sam -

Normally if the blower works only on high speed, it is the resistor.

First please ensure that all fuses are OK and not blown

There is a relatively simple way to check the motor. You will need a light type 12V tester with probe. Any auto parts store sells this for a few dollars. With ignition on and fan switch on, check each terminal of the wires going into the motor (there are 2). One of them should have power. If it does, the motor is defective. If there is no light, the motor probably is OK, and do the same test on both terminals of the resistor. If there is power at one end, and no power at the other, then replace the resistor. If there is no power at both, then the switch is no good.

I did not get the year make and model of your vehicle, but I am assuming, but normally the fan can be seen under dash passenger side of the car. I would be attached to the ductwork and has about 6 or 7 screws that holds it in.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: it's a 2002 nissan maxima es, so where would my blower motor be located? and you said that with the ignition on and the fan switch on that if one of the wires going into th motor if it has power that the motor is defective? and thanks for the answer and the clarification.

ANSWER: Hi Sam -

Yes. That is correct. One of the wires should have power with ignition on and switch on. This means that the motor is being fed power, so if it is not working, it has to be the motor.

Location is just as I said. Passenger side under dash. Look right under the glove box, and you should see it.

Let me know if you need further assistance.

Aloha
calvin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: what approximately would replacing the motor cost?

Answer
Hi Sam -

The motor would probably be around the $50 range. Labor to replace, perhaps about $60 depending on current and local labor rates. It is quite simple to do yourself if you have basic tools.

Note that the motor and fan are separate items, so take care in removing the fan from the motor shaft, because you will have to re-use the fan.

Aloha
calvin