Blower Motor Resistor Location

[elmor]

The blower motor on my 05 LeSabre Custom, has been giving me fits. Sometimes it works fine for a week or so, then it abruptly quits. Sometimes if I hit a bump it comes back on. I just bought a resistor from RockAuto and went to put it in today. I pulled the glove box and lower cover and I can't see anything that looks like a resistor. Is it hiding behind something else? Do I have to remove the blower motor to find it? I'm getting too old for this stuff! lol

 

[HotZ28]

When you are having this problem & hit a bump, then the fan starts running again, that is usually an indication that you have a bad blower motor, not the blower resistors or control module. What system do you have, auto climate control, or the base slider control?

 

[imidazol97]

I replaced the motor on my 2003 leSabre Limited.

To further diagnose if it's the blower motor itself that's having trouble probably with brush contact
on the commutator, when it does NOT work, keep the key ON and the blower motor speed selected on
the dash. Put your toe of your shoe up under the dash on the passenger side where the passenger's
left foot would rest. Tap on the bottom of the blower motor. If the fan starts working, the vibration
has helped the brushes make contact again.

And your car may have the blower filter access lid on the cowl, under the windshield wiper area.
You may be able to reach in, with the key ON at RUN and using something to reach turn the blower wheel.
That may start the blower. That would tell you it's the blower motor.

There's a slight possibility that the connector at the blower has bad metal contacts inside. The
corroded contact will heat due to the high current at times, soften the plastic holding it, and
that causes intermittent contact to occur. Tapping on the blower can cause that metal
contact to correct.

Look up under the passenger dash. You'll see the 3 wires plugged into the blower. Follow them
to the blower control module. That is your electronic "resistor." You may have to take off a
thin plastic panel under the dash. I May have taken off the door for the glovebox by undoing
the hinge screws underneath. I recall moving the interior of the blovebox and unsnapping a bulb
and a switch for the trunk security lock.

Be careful of any videos. There was a change in the blower setup in 2003. The blower motor
can be replaced by removing the 3 screws holding it into the larger housing. I found a video
that showed disassembling a lot of the car around the dash and then taking out the 5 screws that
hold the whole motor housing and I believe that was for the 2000-2002 models.

I did have to turn back the carpet to get room for the blower motor and squirrel cage to pivot
down and out. It is heavy. Be prepared to have a thick towel or something to help you support
your hand when you go to push the new one up into position, and then hold it while
you get all 3 screws in.

Best of luck. I recall lying on my side on the passenger floor with my worklight in the car and my
tools. It's doable.

 

[elmor]

When you are having this problem & hit a bump, then the fan starts running again, that is usually an indication that you have a bad blower motor, not the blower resistors or control module. What system do you have, auto climate control, or the base slider control?

I have the base slider control. I had the cabin filter compartment open yesterday and it didn't occur to me to try spinning the fan. I will try that on our next dry day. In the meantime, I have ordered a new blower motor. I would still like to replace the resistor when I replace the blower motor. Will I find it when I remove the blower?

 

[HotZ28]

The resistor/module should be located near the blower motor as shown as Item #16 in the diagram below.

2005 Buick Lesabre CUSTOM 4DR A/C & HEATER MODULE ASM

Diagram of OEM A/C & HEATER MODULE ASM. Contains 9 parts priced between $9.97 and $248.47. Fits 2005 Buick Lesabre CUSTOM 4DR.

www.wholesalegmpartsonline.com

 

[imidazol97]

The blower motor has a short lead with a 3-lead plug that goes into a slot on the
blower control module, BCM.
The BCM has to be against the side of the blower chamber so that moving air cools
its fins. It's a power transistor that produces heat while doing its job to adjust the
voltage/current to control the blower motor speed.

I can post a picture of the diagram from the 2003 FSM if you want it?

My opinion, is I'd see if the problem diagnoses as the blower motor. Replace the motor.
Then replace
the BCM if you still find a problem. My experience with failure on the BCM, is that
the blower speeds go wacky and end up too slow, or too fast, or vacillating from
what they should be for the setting on the dash.

 

[elmor]

The blower motor has a short lead with a 3-lead plug that goes into a slot on the
blower control module, BCM.
The BCM has to be against the side of the blower chamber so that moving air cools
its fins. It's a power transistor that produces heat while doing its job to adjust the
voltage/current to control the blower motor speed.

I can post a picture of the diagram from the 2003 FSM if you want it?

My opinion, is I'd see if the problem diagnoses as the blower motor. Replace the motor.
Then replace
the BCM if you still find a problem. My experience with failure on the BCM, is that
the blower speeds go wacky and end up too slow, or too fast, or vacillating from
what they should be for the setting on the dash.

A picture of the FSM would help. I understand that the blower set up was changed after 2004 but I think it would still be similar. Since I already have the resistor, I would like to replace it when I replace the blower motor. Thanks to all you Buick lovers. I fell in love with my 05 the first time I drove it.

 

[imidazol97]

This is from the 2003 leSabre. I believe the changes were between 2002 and 2002, based on memory.
#1 is the power side plug that goes into the BCM that's on the side of the rounded housing
for the blower motor. I see 1 screw at the top of the BCM holding it against the housing; I
assume there's another on the bottom.

 

[elmor]

I can see the very top of the BCM but, I can't get to it. There is an electrical box in the way. It is just to the right of the blower housing. I pulled the blower motor today and started losing daylight. I can't see how to remove that electrical box and I'm too damn big to squeeze under the dash! lol

 

[imidazol97]

Is the box the one starting just after 4:15 in this video? I think it's the body control module.
The one that has 3 connectors and lots of wires?

I think this video showed the 2000-2002 blower setup--I may be wrong on that. I've never fully
understood how the two different versions were timed.

But this may show what you need to get that module and its bracket out of your way.

 

[elmor]

Thank you! That is exactly what I needed.

 

[elmor]

I just want to say thank you for all the information. You guys helped me get heat back in my car and that is greatly appreciated.

 

[lbear]

I just want to say thank you for all the information. You guys helped me get heat back in my car and that is greatly appreciated.

So did it turn out that it was a bad blower fan motor?

My blower fan motor wouldn't turn on today, then a few minutes later, it turned on. I'm thinking my fan motor is going out...

 

[lbear]

Rock Auto sells numerous versions for my 2004 Buick LeSabre Limited. One with and one without a "cooling tube"

VDO Continental w/cooling tube $50

GDP w Cooling Tube $33

GPD without Cooling Tube $62

The BCM/ Resistors are pricey at $100-$150

 

[HotZ28]

You need the cooling tube to keep the fan motor cool!

 

[lbear]

You need the cooling tube to keep the fan motor cool!

I will go with the VDO/Continental brand from RockAuto as it has good reviews and AutoZone sells it also, but at 3 times the price ($150).







The replacement is listed as "12 Volts" but the OEM blower fans shows "14V". I am sure it will be fine as a 12 Volt system operates in the 14 Volt realm.

 

[lbear]

Installed the new blower motor. Old motor had a metal base. New motor is a plastic base.

 

[HotZ28]

I like the name "Dong Jin"! I had few good friends named, "We To Lo", "Sum Ting Wong" & "Hung To LO".🙂