1996 Dodge Grand Caravan LE AC/Heater Blower, Relay and Resistor Block Problems 101

[jakeortman]

Just had to say that this guide is about to save me several hundred dollars in my 96 Caravan :-)

Thanks a ton!

[HeadlessHorseman]

Originally Posted by jakeortman

Just had to say that this guide is about to save me several hundred dollars in my 96 Caravan :-)

Thanks a ton!

That's what this site and this thread are all about. Please be sure to come back and post the results of your repairs when you're finished... it'll be much appreciated.

[Stevo2]

Bump to the top

[Papo]

Just want to thank everyone for all the info on the motor blower and the resistor block. I just replaced the resistor block on my 98 Grand Caravan. It's located as mentioned previously on the firewall on the passenger side. I used a "plier like" oil filter remover to pry the resistor block out. The new one was set in a matter of minutes, without the cuts and scratches. Now the motor is blowing "cat 5" winds. I purchased the resister block at my local dealer for $14 + change and tax. Thanks again!

[HeadlessHorseman]

Nearly 2 years later after replacing the Relay, Resistor Block and Blower Motor and I have had NO problems whatsoever.

[mspande]

Thank you! The pictures and the discussion helped me to go fix it myself. The dealer wanted $95 for the resistor and harness... and $250 for installation. I found another dealer with the same parts for $38, and it took me an hour to install. HUGE savings. Thanks again.

[thowell]

ok a bump as well as a question
on the 92 caravan is there a blower relay and if so where is it under the hood or like the 96 in hell on the firewall inside the dash
T

[thowell]

bump

[HeadlessHorseman1]

Originally Posted by thowell

bump

bump

[lotrnerd2005]

Thank you so much!!

[HeadlessHorseman1]

Originally Posted by lotrnerd2005

Thank you so much!!

You're welcome! I am now officially past the 2-year mark (when I started this thread) and I have had absolutely no problems whatsoever with the Blower Motor Relay, Blower Motor or the Resistor Block I replaced in January of 2005. So there ya go, everyone... 2+ years after the repair and still blowing heat (and A/C) like crazy.

[zerot]

Just wanted to add my 2 cents.

1998 Grand Voyager - My symptoms were:

1. Fan worked intermitantly and would not blow that hard.
2. Sometimes had a low grinding sound.

Started out by replacing the blower motor.

New blower motor without mouse cage (circular fan) from carquest $44

1. Removed glove box - no screws to remove
2. Removed 4 8mm screws from bottom of blower motor housing.
3. Unplugged wiring harness
4. Removed bottom cover of blower motor housing
5. Pulled out the motor / fan assembly
6. Pulled wires through the housing.
7. Another 2 hands is helpfull here
8. Removed clip from top of fan where motor shaft runs through
9. Had my wife hold the fan while I tapped the shaft with a screw driver.
10. Motor fell off of fan.
11. Removed 2 screws from bottom of motor shroud, removed shroud from motor.
12. Installed shroud on new motor, then fan.
13. Put it all back together.
14. It was easy.
15. Fan works like new blows hard. All speeds.

Never checked the resistor but will eventually.

This board rocks!

[HeadlessHorseman1]

Originally Posted by zerot

...Never checked the resistor but will eventually. This board rocks!

Thanks for following up and posting your efforts and success! If your blower motor is blowing hard at all speeds, it sounds like your Resistor Block is fine. Still, like you say, taking a look at it is probably a good idea. Resistor Blocks don't last forever and I replaced mine when my '96 was exactly as old as your '98 is now!

Pat yourself on the back... you saved yourself around $200!

[Herrmannx5]

This post was extremely helpful. Three weeks ago blower only worked on high for 02' T&C. Replaced resistor block, problem fixed until today. Now it's doing the same thing again and something smells very hot. I would imagine if I replace the resistor block it will work again, but I have to believe something is causing it to go bad. Any ideas what??

[HeadlessHorseman1]

Originally Posted by Herrmannx5

This post was extremely helpful. Three weeks ago blower only worked on high for 02' T&C. Replaced resistor block, problem fixed until today. Now it's doing the same thing again and something smells very hot. I would imagine if I replace the resistor block it will work again, but I have to believe something is causing it to go bad. Any ideas what??

I achieved complete success by replacing the Resistor Block, Blower Motor Relay and the Blower Motor all at once. That may be excessive in your case. Take a look at the Resistor Block you replaced. Is it damaged? Are the wires and connector to the Resistor Block OK? Look for wires that have melted insulation. This is a high-amp circuit and your wires and connector need to be in *perfect* condition... anything less than a perfect connection may cause wires to heat up and short.