Replace blower resistor on a 99 GT

[wagner1234]

Hi Folks,

I began my experiment with on line auto repair instruction with such eagerness, excitment and hope, only to have them dashed (or perhaps I should say "under-dashed") by an inexplicably demented design. You are absolutely right, replacing the blower resistor is a bear!

The only instruction for replacing the resistor I found on our site was for a 97 model. GM must have sent their design engineers into full tilt on the 99 model year to make it even harder and (of course, I'm guessing) more expensive to replace the unit.

I removed the glove compartment and the under-covering to access the resistor. Then I got as far as removing the front hexnut screw, holding the unit in place, before I hit the limits of my knowledge and skills. Not only can I not see the screws on either side of the housing, they seem to be buried under a lip, making it (from my inexperienced eyes) impossible to get at the two screws to loosen them.

It doesn't even look like if I remove the (I guess it's) the blower fan unit, that I'll be able to get to the screws. However, I may be wrong and I am willing to spend the time doing so, if someone can give me instructions on how to do this.

However, is it even worth my while? It almost seems from my untrained eye that you need to remove the entire dash board assembly to get at this unit.

I look forward to any help, suggestions or advise you can give me on my dilemma.

Thanks from Ascot.

[cdhunt]

Yeah, it is definitely a bear to fix. I had to replace the one on my 2000 GP last Fall. So you've got the front hex screw off, and if memory serves me correct, there should be two more screws and then you should be able to remove the housing that holds the resistor. You may have to pull the lining back from that lip you mentioned because I had to just to get to the back screw. Then you can disconnect the blower fan (simple connector) and get to the resistor. Its mounted with 3 screws (maybe only 2). These are rather difficult to get to as well. Through all of this, I had to lay on my back underneath the dash (very hard on the back) and had to use a troublelight just to see. Hope this helps, man, and if you have any other questions just let me know. Don't worry, I don't know too many GP owners that haven't experienced the same problem.

[Phoenix69]

Can you link me to the online auto repair site for the blower resistor, i have a 97 GP GT, that is if you are not referring to this forums instructions.

[BIG-L]

97/2003 should be all the same on the inside of the HVAC box.


~Larry~

[wagner1234]

Originally Posted by cdhunt

Yeah, it is definitely a bear to fix. I had to replace the one on my 2000 GP last Fall. So you've got the front hex screw off, and if memory serves me correct, there should be two more screws and then you should be able to remove the housing that holds the resistor. You may have to pull the lining back from that lip you mentioned because I had to just to get to the back screw. Then you can disconnect the blower fan (simple connector) and get to the resistor. Its mounted with 3 screws (maybe only 2). These are rather difficult to get to as well. Through all of this, I had to lay on my back underneath the dash (very hard on the back) and had to use a troublelight just to see. Hope this helps, man, and if you have any other questions just let me know. Don't worry, I don't know too many GP owners that haven't experienced the same problem.

I was wodering if I removed the lining that you spoke of in your reply, if I could get to it, so thanks for the information. I know what you mean about the back and the work light. I'm still crippled from work upside down, on my spine and splayed across the running board and the seat! This job would go a lot faster if I was left-handed (lol).

Muchas Gracias

[wagner1234]

Originally Posted by BIG-L

97/2003 should be all the same on the inside of the HVAC box.


~Larry~

Thanks Larry,


Could they have designed the placement of the resistor in a more difficult spot. I wish I was left-handed, it would make replacing it much easier. Although I must say that whatever part of my brain controls the left side is sure getting a work out.

Thanks