Fan Speed Controller Doesn't work

[gsingh1]

Hi all,

I have a 2001 Toyota Camry. The fan speed control has stopped working. It only works on maximum speed (speed 4). I took it to a mechanic and he said that the 'resistor' needs to be changed as it has rusted and the wiring to it got melted due to excessive heat.

He also said that the blower motor needs to be changed as it could have caused the problem. His speculation is that the blower motor could have got stuck due to cold leading the resistor to burn. Therfore, he would replace both the resistor and the blower motor.

I think that just replacing the resistor should have worked. Changing the blower motor is both expensive and not required. Any suggestions.

Thanks.

[Hajoca]

Try and ask the mechanic to replace resistor first, and do not blame him later if the resistor fails again if caused by blower.

You can also ask mechanic to check blower if it was not spinning properly, maybe motor bushings jammed, etc.

[nukem678]

^^^ He is Correcto

[Dave's]

Resistor packs are easy to change and unless the blower motor was giving you problems (whining, squealing, etc) I would not change it. However as mentioned, you can't blame the mechanic if it fails again due to the un-replaced motor being bad.
FWIW, For those with newer cars, not changing the cabin filter can lead to the resistors overheating due to reduced air flow.

[nukem678]

^^^Yeah i have seen some nasty looking cabin air filters.

There only like 10 bucks to change.