Fan Level Problem

[frank03cent]

Hello,

I have a 2003 Century and for years I've rarely used more than the lowest two notches on the cabin fan dial-switch. Heat and a/c worked fine at those levels and I don't like the fan noise at the higher settings.

Suddenly, for the past few months, since the weather warmed up, those first two notches no longer appear to work: there's no audible fan, a/c or heat when the car is stationary and when moving all I'm getting is vented air.

The funny thing is, when I turn the dial to the third notch or above, everything kicks in fine at the levels I'd expect. At those higher levels, though, I have to ride the temperature sliders to keep the car from getting too hot or too cold and the fan's noisy.

Any ideas how to get those lower notches responding again would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Frank

[BNaylor]

Welcome to AF.

You have a bad blower motor resistor (BMR). Located behind the blower motor in the lower HVAC enclosure. You have to drop the blower motor to see and replace it.

[frank03cent]

Thanks alot BNaylor for the prompt reply.
I have a couple of followup questions, if you don't mind.

Is that resistor something I can get generic from a parts place or do I need to get it from Buick?

Is dropping that AC motor something I can do without a lot of work or specialized tools (I'm decent with tools), or am I better off taking it to someone? Is it accessible from under the dash or the hood?

Regards,
Frank

[BNaylor]

You're welcome. Places like Autozone carry resistors so you don't have to go to the dealer or with the GM/AC Delco brand.

The job is classified as DIY. Get the front passenger seat back as far as possible. Then just remove the kick panel under the passenger side of the dash. About 3 plastic fasteners. Towards center of dash you will see the blower motor. There should be 3 5.5mm bolts that hold the blower. Once blower is dropped down you will see the BMR. Undo electrical connector. Then undo the front screws and loosen the rear. The rear is slotted so the screws do not need removal completely.

[frank03cent]

Hey thanks again for the info. I really appreciate it and it sounds like something I can handle (I know, famous last words...).

This is a terrific resource and as my car gets older, I have a feeling I'll be visiting more often.

Regards,
Frank

[richtazz]

Welcome to AF frank03cent.

We here at AF pride ourselves as being a great source for info. Good luck on that resisitor, it's in a bad spot and the two back screws are difficult to access (but not impossible). You will curse the engineer that put it there!

[txdharris]

Thanks, I have the same problem exactly, the BNR. Keep your head down near the river!