Fan doesn't work on my '99 Cavalier

[bwebster6]

The fan that blows air inside my Cavalier doesn't work. It pretty much doesn't work at all when I just have the fan going. When I turn on the air, the fan kind of works, and cool air comes out, but barely, and only if I'm driving at higher speeds. Sometimes it will blow hard for a couple seconds but die down right after that. There is no difference when the fan is on high or low.

Do I probably need to replace the fan, or could it be something else?

Please help! Thanks!

[Ronnie_1981]

Check the resistor first, they have a bad habit of going out, but normally it only goes out on the first 2 speeds or so

[Jaysicle]

Open your hood and check 30A Blower Motor Fuse marked "BLO" located in the compartment to the right of your battery. If OK continue. If blown replace. No offence, by blown - the metal conductive strip will be burnt or interrupted.
Remember 12V x 30A = 360Watts. If this fuse is gone, you have to find the fault. The fuse is there to protect you from a fire etc... it went for a reason.

Blower Motor Resistor $35.00CDN taxes incl.

Get sockets, tools etc.
Remove (-) cable from battery.

Go to Passenger side under dash.
Locate blower casing (black plastic)
Disconnect 2-pin blower motor leads.
Remove (3) fasteners on blower case.
Lower blower case to enable visual and removal of Blower Motor resistor circuit board. Remove fan from case, taking opportunity to clean out fan cage (leaves etc.).

Just to the rear of the blower motor, is the blower motor resistor.
It is a cream colour plastic part with a green fibreglass circuit card that sticks up into the blower motor housing.
Disconnect the old one and remove it from the plastic housing.

Check it for corrosion / burns.
If toast, replace with new one.

Re-connect blower motor resistor cable, and re-install the blower itself remember to connect the 2-pin leads again.
Connect (-) cable on battery. Re-set your clock.

I think these things go when water leaks into the compartment from A/C condensation... any one have any other probable causes? In terms of difficulty, this job is a 3/10. Just some potentially awkward body positions to get at it.

-Jayson-