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Pelican Technical Article:

BMW Blower Resistor
Replacement
by Dave Maw

Difficulty Level: 2
Difficulty scale: Adding air to your tires is level one
Rebuilding a BMW Motor is level ten

 

For anyone that has a blower motor that only works on high speed you may have a faulty resistor pack. The following is how I replaced mine.

Part Numbers:
64-11-8-391-749 - all E36 3-Series
64-11-1-381-784 - all E28 5-Series

 

The resistor pack is located just to the right of gas pedal of left hand drive vehicles. In order to get to the pack, you must remove the pedal cover.

Two screws hold on the pedal cover. One is located just under the headlight controls; in the photo I had already removed the screw.

The other screw is under the dash to the right of the steering column, again the screw is already moved in the photo. 

Once the screws are removed there are two clips holding the cover on. One is on the far left of the dash..

The other is just right of the steering column

Pull to the rear of the car and the cover will remove easily.

Disconnect the plugs on the chime speaker and remove the cover.

Now you can see the pack back of the pack. Unlatch the small clip holding it in housing and pull out.

Remove the electrical connection and you are ready to replace the pack. Notice the rusted area on the bottom coil. This was the reason mine was not working; the rust lost the continuity of the connection.

 

Comments and Suggestions:
Frustrated single momComments: I have a 1996 328i BMW and the blower motor wont come on not does any ac come through the vents. The blower was tested and it works but it doesn't come on when I try to use my AC. The control panel for it started making a humming noise today so I disconnected it. What could be wrong. I'm in Texas it's hot.
April 17, 2012
RichComments: Hi, I think my blower motor resistor failed. The last time I was driving my heater and AC and rear windshield heater all turned on and I couldn't turn them off. Two days later I try to start my car and the battery is dead. I removed my blower motor resistor, and I'm wondering if my car will run without it? My battery is currently dead, and I'm in a pinch of what to do.
April 8, 2012
BarryComments: Help my '98 E36 is driving me mad!! when its running for about 10 mins with the heater on the inside of the car fills with water vapour though the air vents and the car then over heats. Can some one please tell me what is wrong with it?
March 15, 2012
Rick AJComments: hello, i have 328 1997 , there is no heat , it blow just cold no hot ,so can u help me please
February 21, 2012
KrazylegsComments: I have a 98 318i the blower only works on low it use to intermittently work on all levels will the resistor cure my problem
January 24, 2012
2many4meComments: I have a constant pretty regular ticking sound coming from under the dash on my 1992 325i and the blower will not run at any speed. Could this also be part 64-11-8-391-749 needs to be replaced?
January 23, 2012
johnComments: Thanks for the start, just did the FSR Resistor exchange on 1997 328i
3 screws hold cover LT and RT of steer column,and one more above gas peddle, courtesy light plug, chime has two connections,one white one blk. Resistor Pkg is held in duct work with 2ea Torix Headed self tappers. Seeing the upper back one is or will make you believe in gymnastics.
January 16, 2012
Dawn Comments: 99 323i replaced blower motor and resistor but it still doesn't seem to be heating up enough. We put the old resistor in and it get a little more heat but not like it should. Is there something else we could check. Does this car have a resistor pack that could be causing that problem?
January 14, 2012
TonyComments: I have an 98 328is with an automatic a/c. The a/c and the heater has a mind of own, it comes on and goes off by itself. I can turn it off when its running, but when it is off I can't turn it on. Any ideas???
January 7, 2012
hammer1Comments: my ferrari f355 hvac unit is allways on and when key off it goes off but when key on cant shut off speed works on 4 and 5 top speed but not on 123 and off button can this be a blower resistor
January 3, 2012
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: Yes indeed this does sound like a typical blower resistor type issue. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
IcecuberyderComments: Hello Pelican staff:
I have a strange problem with my 09/95 E38, when it is really cold outside more than -9°c and there is high moisture in the air I get the following symptoms : If I turn on the Recirc and rear window heater, they turn off after a random time, 15sec to 6min., and sometimes I hear very light relay clicking from under the glovebox. I suspect that some connections or module may have bad connections, but am unsure which box controls these functions, the LCM or the GM, can you shed any light on this? The indie bmw shop can't seem to find this, and I hesitate to go to the st/dealer just yet.
December 13, 2011
emoorComments: Thanks! After pulling the glovebox per the Haynes Manual and wasting hours searching in vain, your step by step instructions helped me replace the heater fan resistor quickly.
December 11, 2011
feexComments: Hi, i have an E36 bmw thts blowers dont work on any settings!! got hot and cold air, can u help me? snow and ice here now, cant defrost my car :
December 5, 2011
tekoComments: I have 2002 325i and it does not blows but no heat on low speed, on high speed it blows heat. my battery is getting out as the sign shows, are those related?
November 30, 2011
Nick94Comments: Hello everyone!

I am 17 and from Canada. Got my first Bimmer and my first car on the weekend... A standard '97 328is.

It runs great, but there are a few things that should be fixed up over the next while. One thing I would like to jump on is the blower.

It turns off and on by itself, and so do the cabin lights by the pedals, thus, we are thinking these two symptoms are related, and that the source is an electrical malfunction, not the blower motor. Any ideas as to what might be happening?

Any advice is appreciated! I am new, and I do not know a whole lot, so your patience is appreciated!

Thanks,

Nick
November 16, 2011
ADLSComments: My nephew just bought a 96 BMW 328i. After 15 min. of hwy driving, lower vents are super hot. As well as his right ankle. We set the temperature down to 60 degrees on both sides. Then we turned the blower all the way down till it shut the climate control pnl. off. Still blows low speed, but super HOT air. Any ideas?
November 15, 2011
Mike EspyComments: Could the intermitent blowing of my Fan/Heater in my BMW 316I SE even when the car is completely switched off have anything to do with the resistor? This goes on for hours and kills my battery. The car couldn't start in the morning because the battery was flat. Any Ideas please?
November 9, 2011
Mike EspyComments: The fan/heater in my BMW 316I SE keeps blowing on and off even when the car is completely switched off. It runs down my battery and I had to jump start the car in the morning. The car was parked for six hours.
November 9, 2011
PelicanpartsbiggestfanComments: My control unit to my 98 M3 cabriolet is digital. I heard that it is different from the analogue one shown above. How is is different; as I will be replacing mine in the next couple days. Thanks
October 28, 2011
TonyComments: I an 1994 E36 manual heat/cool controls that has a blower that works intermittently fuse is ok; when the electrical is turned on whether started ot not. The blower never comes on while the car is running, only when the started or electrical is turned on. Sometimes it goes 2 - 4 days without working. I replaced the blower resistor this week but it did not resolve the problem. What is the least extensive troubleshooting task that I can try next ...control unit?
October 28, 2011
CelComments: I have a 1994 BWW, 318, and the A/C Control unit digital sometimes turnoff itself, does not work at all, then, suddenly, it starts working again, I replaced it, but same problem persists, so is not the unit. Any idea or suggestion?
October 24, 2011
TripleComments: I have a 2008 BMW 328I, AC worked fine one day next day it wouldn't blow any air, the AC still works but doesn't blow hot or cold at all,could it be the resistor?
October 15, 2011
drewComments: I have a 99 323i and my blower/heater fan is stuck on.Even when i shut the car off.Im finding myself disconnecting my battery every where I go.I cant afford to fix it now but would like to know how to shut it down.Please help...
October 15, 2011
DrakenComments: What makes the heater fan work. I bought this car and wasnt aware of this happening fan didn't work at all? I can get the resistor for cheap but can't even find the old one in the car.
October 13, 2011
BubbaComments: Hi Wayne, I have a 1997 328i that the AC/Heat would not since I bought it. I sent my climate control out to be fixed digital display was not working properly they sent it back, non-fixable. Ordered a newer one, still no air but can read all digital characters. I found the resistor in the glove box, someone had obviously pulled it out, I put it in it's location. When I push the AC button, the compressor kicks on but no air. I have a new resistor ordered and waiting on it now. Any suggestions as to what it may be if the new resistor doesn't make a difference? I want to sell the car and here in Florida AC is crucial selling point! Thanks!
October 3, 2011
CaraComments: HI, I have a 1997 328i and my heat isn't working properly. The blower works fine but will only blow cool air when I am in idle and blows hotter air when I am driving faster. Does that seem like a blower resistor that needs to be replaced? please help, winter is coming soon!

thanks,
Cara
September 30, 2011
GaryComments: I have a 1996 E36 328i with digital climate control. I replaced my final stage unit. The fan still only works intermittently. Does my car also have the blower resistor? Should I try replacing that next?
September 24, 2011
Rockhead88Comments: I have a 2002 325ibmw my blowmotor runs when not on
September 3, 2011
rikkComments: I have a 1997 bmw 328i convertible the heater comes on sometimes and everything works fine but uasually never comes on. Sometimes I will be driving and it comes on, then I turn it off and it comes on again, what is the problem?
September 3, 2011
ThomasComments: I have a bmw 325i 2001 within few week sometime the fan stop working and now it finaly stop,i don't that the fan problem or the resistor problem,i need help please.thanks.
August 13, 2011
WillieRComments: I have a 02bmw 325xi the blower works some time and some times it doesnt what the problem
July 24, 2011
JunComments: I have a 1992 bmw 525i I have a problem with the auxilliary fan, the auxilliary fan does not work at all even you turn on the ac, any idea what is wrong or what parts to replace?j
July 22, 2011
dannyComments: my bmw318 E46 year 2000 the fan in side climate control unit head keep running all time that make battery drain flat in 2 or 3 days.please wayne tell me what wrong with that and what to do. thank
any one know please help,thank
July 18, 2011
RonComments: What is causing the blower fan to turn off and on whether it is on low or high settings? It does the same for both a/c and heating.
July 4, 2011
JohnComments: My BMW is a 1966 e36 325tds. My problem is a chronic battery drain . Could this be due to a defective FSU or blower resistor or both ?. I have located the blower resistor, but unable to find the FSU unit anwhere under the dash on right or left footwelld. Comment welcome. John
June 24, 2011
mrwilsonComments: I have a 94 325i convertible that has the blower resistor problem. It blew the new one also. Does anyone know what the current draw from the fan through the resistor pack should be? Fan seems to be working fine. No drag or blockage. Also, any ideas what the value of the thermal cutoff is? I have read that it could be 120C. If I knew the stock temperature I could replace the thermal cutoff with a bit higher temp to compensate for the old fan drawing too much current. Seems I can't fix the problem without this information. I have cautiously bridged the thermal cutoff with a heavy gauge wire for now. Fan works fine, but a bit worried about how hot it can get...
June 17, 2011
AceComments: I have a 1998 bmw 328i I am having trouble with AC/ blowing out the main vents, I hear the fan motor running but the air dosn't blow through the vents, although you can feel it ice cold blowing at your feet. I have replaced the climate control unit to a new one and it still didn't resolve the issue, all relays and fuses are good. any suggestions
June 15, 2011
John SavioComments: I have a 92 e36 rhd and I cannot find the blower resistor in either sides. Pls help me as the blower only works on the highest settings and I think the blower resistor might be the problem. Help pls.
June 13, 2011
TipuComments: I have 2002 BMW 325I. The blower seem to run all the time even when the key is not in ignition. The blower starts slow and gets louder and slows back down by itself. The A/C or heater only works on the driver side, passenger side blows hot air when A/C is turned on. What should I replace?
June 8, 2011
JohnComments: I have a problem removing the cover , all screws removed : the cover comes out only partially, but remains held on behind the gas pedal, have tried pulling but still remains jammed. Is the a screw there that I cannot see ? Thanks for any suggestions. John
June 8, 2011
csixComments: Hi Wayne, living in Oz I have a RHD 85 E24 M6 which has developed a blower problem,in that when ignition is on it is running at around half speed. The rotary dial will make it increase to full but turning it off will still have it running at around half speed.This happened after an elec burning smell & wisps of smoke out of the bonnethood air intakes. Do look for whatever is amiss on the left side of the vehicle, and what do you suggest I replace.
June 6, 2011
PatrickComments: I have an interesting question for you. '93 325i. I replaced the original resistor pack when the blower would only work on the forth setting. The new one i installed also broke. Thinking it could have been a faulty one, i replaced it again and this one ALSO broke. Before i dare to put another one in, i'd like to know if you have any suggestions. Could there be something else that is causing it to break? Thanks in advance
June 5, 2011
ScottComments: Spot on the money: Fixed the no-blow on 1,2, or 3 settings in a matter of minutes.
June 5, 2011
middle1956Comments: 1996 BMW 328i blower motor not working when cold. I pulled the green relay in the fuse box and put it in the freezer. When I installed it it wouldn't work until it warmed up just like in winter. I didn't know these relays could do that! I wanted to help someone else that might of had the same issues.

Thanks, Russ
May 31, 2011
MikeComments: I clicked on the hyperlink to order part 64-11-8-391-749 blower resistor pack. The link that came up is part # 64-11-8-391-749=m6 blower resistor. Is this the same part? I have a 95' 318ic and the blower works only on speeds 3 & 4. Thanks.
May 11, 2011
Kourosh Comments: on my E36 M3 US Model the ac/heating blower works but it doesn't blow hard air like it used to . when is on low speed i can barely feel the air and when is on max it feels like low speed.
they told to changed the pollen filter might be clogged up witch i did and still the same :
what is the problem and how can i fix it ? PLZ
i live in Houston and weather is getting too hot now i need to fix it ASAP
Thank You
May 5, 2011
middle1956Comments: See last 2 questions I tested the power to the final stage unit. When at first the blower won't run there is no power to the plug. Like before when it does come on there is power. With the volt meter on the final stage plug I can see there is no power then after a few minutes I will get power. Key is on and climate control unit looks like it's working fine. Where does the power come from that feeds the final stage? Fuse, another relay?

April 25, 2011
middle1956Comments: Thank you for the advice. The control unit should be good. In a chat room I found a way of test it. They said to unplug the final stage and put a volt meter on one of the female ends. I'm getting all the readings with all the fan speed settings they recommended or close to it.
1. 2 volts
2. 2.45 volts
3. 2.88 volts
4. 3.3 volts
5. 4.1 volts
6. 4.84 volts
7. 6 volts
8. 8 volts
If you still think it could be the unit I'll try to find one. I'm really stumped on this one. Thanks
April 18, 2011
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: The next step I would try would be to put the voltmeter on the blower motor itself (if you can reach it and hotwire in there), to see what voltage is being applied directly to the motor. It may be a weird problem where the voltage is correct, but there's not enough current to drive the motor. Odd, but definitely possible I suppose. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
middle1956Comments: My 1996 BMW 328i won't blow air when I start it up. It will kick on after 5 minute by itself. In winter I have to run it on high motor not running then turn it off for 10 minutes and try again. When it's running it works like normal. A few minutes in the store and I have to start this all over again. I've replace the blower motor, final stage and sent my unit in for repair. I don't know what to replace or check next.
April 17, 2011
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: It sounds like it could be a problem with your control unit. But if you've had it repaired, then I'm not sure. At this moment, if you can swap out the control unit with a known good one, then that would probably be the next step that I would try. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
flozzer22Comments: hi my bmw e36 318is the heater turns it self on and off when i try to turn it on it does not wont to
but as soon as it comes on it works fine then when i turn the engine off nothing but might turn on again : any ideas
April 13, 2011
wsComments: Thanks for that! The photos in the writeup were much better than the ones in the Bentley manual. This repair worked like a charm, although the old resistor was quite stubborn coming out.
April 6, 2011
FuzzComments: The climate control digital unit doesn't light up or function in my 96 328is. All the fuses are OK. With engine running the AC compressor is working clutch engaged and the front ac condensor fan also runs. However there is no power to the ac control unit and no air thru the vents. Could it be the resistor pack or is the control unit shot? Is there a cheap fix for this? Help much appreciated.
March 29, 2011
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: If the A/C control unit doesn't light up or doesn't have any signs of life at all then it's very likely that the control unit is shot. Indeed check all the fuses first before replacing the unit. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
grimreapersupraComments: I have 2002 bmw 325i the blower motor just quit. I replaced the motor with no luck. Is it this resistor your talkin bout the problem? or the one behind the glove blox?
March 21, 2011
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: It could be the resistor, the relay, the fuse or the control unit. I would check the actual blower motor by applying 12 volts to it as a test. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
FrogComments: E30 Resistor part #: 64116912633
March 17, 2011
BumperComments: Thanks, Wayne. Am really looking forward to doing that job. Not.
March 13, 2011
BumperComments: Does anyone know if the replacement procedure is the same for 633 series? Thanks
March 8, 2011
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: I believe it is extremely similar for all the BMWs. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
GeoffComments: I have a 1998 328i the Climate Control seems to work but when the outside temp hits around 85 degrees the ac can't keep up. I had the system checked for correct charge and leaks, and checked air temp at register, all looks good. The fan just doesn't seem to blow enough air. Any ideas?
March 6, 2011
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: I believe on your car, there is an Auxiliary fan that goes in front of the condenser (there's definitely one on my E39 5-Series). If this fan fails, then the condenser will not work very well - I would check there first. If you can't find the problem, it may be that there's dust in the evaporator, preventing air flow? You said temps are fine, so the issue must be volume. Other than that, I would think tinting the windows would be a bandaid solution. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
commitedComments: looking to replace blower restistor. Mechanic has done it twice in two years. I looked at the diagram on this site. I am not sure it is the same. Looking for the location of the resistor on a '97 bmw 328i convertible
March 1, 2011
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: I believe it's still located in the same spot for all of the E36 cars. Either that, or in a very similar spot. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
JimComments: Thanks Wayne for the advice. I replaced the resistor pack on my 94 and fan seems to be working fine. Easy to do as well! Jim
February 27, 2011
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: Great! Glad it worked out for you! - Wayne at Pelican Parts
RichComments: Hi can u please tell me where the hedgehog of final stage resistor Is located on a 97 e36 323i is please and is it this that is making my heaters blow fast even when there set on slow spend thanks
February 25, 2011
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: I'm not sure what a hedgehog is, but the final stage resistor is shown in the above article? - Wayne at Pelican Parts
E36 WWUComments: Hey Thanks for the great article, hard to get the damn thing out but these instructions were very helpful,
February 24, 2011
thorComments: I have a e39 2001 and there is no airflow coming from the foot vents ?
February 9, 2011
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: Typically when you don't have airflow coming to the vents that should have airflow, the little flappers in the air duct system are not working properly. But, there are typically separate ones for each side, so it's unusual for both sides to not work properly. Perhaps there is a problem with the controller, or the buttons themselves. Still unlikely, but this is an odd problem (to have both not working). - Wayne at Pelican Parts
kevoComments: i have a 2002 bmw 325i. when im driving the car the heat comes out but when i turn the fan up it doesn't change it just stays the same speed. and when i am at idle it doesn't come out at all resistor? or blower motor
February 9, 2011
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: It might be the fan resistor - I've heard of this problem before, and I've also heard that the blower resistor replacement can fix it (but not always). If the blower motor is working at all, then it should be good. The resistor controls the variable speeds of the motor, so it sounds like replacing it would be a good bet here. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
Rusty1Comments: The heater blower motor on my 94 325I sedan has stopped working.
It started out intermittently working/failing. It would only come on if the fan was shut off before the engine was turned off. Then would only work is I hit a "bump" in the road. Finally only when I "tapped" the blower motor housing itself with a probe 1/2" dowel. Now it won't turn on at all but does make a sound as if the motor is trying to start but was some how bound up. Could it be Junk in the housing pine needles or the brushes gone in the motor. I replaced the Resistor hoping that would do the trick, : it didn't.
Any help or disassembly instruction would be greatly appreciated. BTW my skill level is 7-8 Have rebuilt a 87 535is
January 31, 2011
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: Hmm, I would maybe guess that the blower switch itself is working (assuming you have manual heat). I remember in the old days with the old rotary knob TVs - the switches would wear out, and then you had to wiggle them to get some stations to work. What you're describing reminds me of that - a failing switch. I would try to replace the unit with the switch in it and see if that makes a difference. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
MartinukbmwComments: I have a 98 3.18is saloon with climate control. The blower started making a ticking noise which gradually got louder until the blower stopped working about a month after the first noise. I've exposed the motor and you can give it a push start and it comes back to life but making a noise however with no power it spins freely and quietly.
I've push started it today and only the windscreen control keeps the blower running all other settings are slow and come to a standstill.. Blower motor, final stage resitor or? I have never had warm or hot air form the cnetre console vents either. The dial for hot and cold can be spun right round, i thought at the time this was a part no longer required with the climate control unit being installed but maybe somethign has come aprt form the control and I have it stuck in cold air postition?
Many thanks
January 23, 2011
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: Hmm, if the blower motor works fine, but doesn't work at lower speeds, then it's most likely a resistor issue. On the other hand, you seem to talk about the actual motor failing or "clicking". This is more likely an issue with the motor brushes wearing out. It's best to replace the motor, or if you're really handy, you can disassemble the motor and replace the brushes (which are a wear part). As for the climate control unit, I'm not sure - it's one of those things where you would have to see the car in question. Maybe the dial on your heater control is broken - try pulling it off to see if the actual knob is cracked? - Wayne at Pelican Parts
IIIJuanioIIIComments: I have a 93 325i e36, my ac used to work on high speed when i hit it over the dash or when i went through street imperfection it would turn on. Then it stopped working but one day my girlfriend slammed the passenger door and it turn on again. Now it wont work at all..... any suggestions???
January 11, 2011
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: Ahh electrical gremlins, very difficult to diagnose. I would check all the fuses to make sure they are not loose, and also reseat all of the connections to the A/C control unit. If you have someone with a spare unit handy, you might want to try replacing it to see if the electrical problem is located inside the unit. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
aoComments: question after i disconnect the chime speaker do i completely remove the cover form the car or just pull it down far enough because i can not see the pack back
thanks
December 27, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: If you can reach it without pulling the whole cover off, then that would be great. The trim changed on the cars through out the years, and this may or may not be possible with your car. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
JimComments: I have a 94 318i E36. Fan iether works on all speeds or it doesn't. Doesn't seem to matter whether car has been driven or not. Most of the time it works, but sometimes, nothing. Fan doesn't make any odd noises.
December 25, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: Indeed, it does sound like it might be a blower resistor problem. I would follow the instructions in this article and replace it before moving on to other potential causes. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
JonComments: I have a problem where the blower only blows on LOW speeds. High speeds are the ones that don't work. I have a 97 328is with digital climate control and from what i've heard so far most people have the problem where it only works on high speeds and the final stage unit needs to be replaced. Do you think i need the same part? i do need to check the fuses which is the first step I should have done but I just haven't done that yet.
December 20, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: I would try changing the blower resistor first, as it's generally the cheapest component that typically affects this. However, as you noted, it typically causes the low speeds not to work, the opposite of what you have here. Then I would try replacing the final stage unit. Lastly, then I would look at the controller itself - there is a capacitor problem in these units that causes other problems, but it might be related to this. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
ReyesComments: i have a 93 bmw 325i just replace d water and bleed d systen but there is no heat when car is at idle only cold air come out but when driving on a hwy i get hot air any idea on how to fix that so i can get heat whem car idle also. thanks
December 14, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: See my article on coolant system bleeding - you probably need to do this a few times in order to get all of the air bubbles removed. When I did my head gasket, I found I had plenty of air in there, and it didn't bleed all the way out until I had bled the system 2-3 times completely. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
joseComments: i have a 1993 bmw 325i and my blower motor only work on high speed any idea also the heat dont work properly, after d car warn up at idle speed blow cold air and went im driving or high idle blow hot air. i just replace d water pump and bleed d system top d fluid still have same problem. any idea what it may be. thanks
December 9, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: High speed only typically means that the blower resistor is faulty. Could also be the switch too, but my money's on the resistor. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
OSMOSISComments: I JUST REPLACED MY FSU, THE AIR BLEW FOR ABOUT THREE DAY, BUT NOW AIR DONT BLOW ANY MORE. ALTHOUGH I SET THE BLOWER HIGH ,,,,,,PLSE I NEEED EXPLAINATION, THANKS
December 6, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: Not sure, it might be the blower motor, or the blower resistor that is causing problems. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
felixComments: i cannot find it i have a bmw 325i 1990 please help.....
November 26, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: Here's a neat article I found on this: http://e30.bmwdiy.info/blower-resistor/index.html - Wayne at Pelican Parts
DiggzeeComments: Is this the same process for a E46 M3? My climate control seems to be working fine and I get heat and AC just the blower seems to be affected.
November 24, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: Yes, the process should be very similar. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
ElComments: I have a 2001 325i. Everytime I start my car, the fan is on to about the 3rd bar, and I have to turn it off manually... When the fan is on, air comes out, and increases properly if I increase it, however I hear a whirring sound that immediately stops when I shut the fan off. Someone mentioned it may be the Blower Motor Resistor or possibly the Blower Motor itself... Any ideas?
November 9, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: I'm not sure if that is standard behavior, as I have a few cars that turn on the fan automatically (I think my 5-Series does it on the lowest setting). I'm not sure about the whirring sound, most fans typically make a sound similar to that? - Wayne at Pelican Parts
richComments: my ac doesnt work on 1 2 or 3 only 4 but the worst part is that now there is a heavy noise coming out of the ac unit..any idea on how i beging replacing this?
November 4, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: It could be one of many things, but it does sound like it may be the blower motor that is located behind the dash. The resistor would cause it to not work on 1/2/3, but probably wouldn't cause a noise with the motor. Or, if the motor is failing, then it might be that it also caused the resistor to fail by sending too much current (back EMF) through it. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
fleddaComments: I have an E38. The AC workd fine from a cold start. After driving a few miles and doing errands when I restart the AC won't work. The blower is not working eveb after pressing the button to the highest position. We replaced the blower and the resistor. Now it blows good air when adjusted manually but in auto mode even if temp is set at 60 and outside temp is at 85, it is not blowing hard enough to cool the car. What else should we be looking at or test to determine the problem?
October 28, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: This is a difficult one to diagnose, but there is a potential easy fix. The outside air temperature sensor often breaks or becomes damaged from road debris. I would verify that this is in place, and/or replace it. The car may think it's really cold outside and just blow outside air inside, instead of cooling it. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
beamerguyComments: Dear Wayne at Pelican Parts, mine is 1997 328i, my blower is not working in any setting. The control unit seems to show proper settings but no air flow. Is the blower resistor in the same location right side of gas pedal as decribed in this post?
October 9, 2010
RithdocComments: I have a 2000 323i and the A/C has stopped working. The digital display still shows it as working but no air comes out. This is also the case for the heating as well as the cooling. I know the FSU can cause problems such as only working on the high setting but can a bad FSU also cause it to not work altogether?
September 8, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: Yes, I believe the Final Stage Unit can cause this problem, but I would check the pressures in the system first (see here: http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/101-Projects-97-AC/101-Projects-97-AC.htm) - Wayne at Pelican Parts
joneseyComments: I have a 97 328I, my blower will not come up to full speed, even though it is in indicated on the dash display. it only works half speed. any ideas???
September 6, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: Indeed, sounds like a blower resistor that has failed. Replacing it should fix the problem. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
AtiComments: I have replaced the blower resistor and solved all my problems. Thanks
August 30, 2010
Bob McComments: I have a 92 325 ic, E30. Fan only runs on high speed and wish to replace my resistors. How is this done on the E30? Where are they?

Thanks

Bob
August 28, 2010
AtiComments: I had my 2001 325i E-46 parked for a 1 ½ month outside, when I restarted the car the blower wasn’t working in any setting. Couple of days later my wife driven the car and the blower started working, that is good news, but after shutting off the engine and removing the key the blower is still on. That is not so good news. I removed the fuse. Could that be the blower resistor? Please help..
August 25, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: That sounds like it's more like the control unit. The resistor shouldn't be able to keep the blower motor running with the engine turned off. Of course, if you are referring to the radiator fans, it's not uncommon for them to continue to turn after the car is shut off (on some cars). - Wayne at Pelican Parts
azbmwComments: I replaced the final stage unit on my 97 328i but still have problems with no air flow from the ac/heat/fan at all. However, when i go over a large bump or the passenger door is shut the air starts blowing immediately. any ideas?
August 13, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: I'm not sure, but maybe the flapper valves inside your HVAC system are stuck or broken? Also, the electronic control units on these cars had some problems too - it may be just that bumping the control unit is causing an electrical connection to unite with the board. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
Daddyo8Comments: Don says-Comments: Mine will not blow but on low? Any ideas?
I have a e39 and just changed out my blower motor final stage unit and the blower blows only low and the unit gets quite hot, just like the one I replaced. Does the e39 have a resistor as well? sounds like a short... OMG!!!...I hate those things.
August 8, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: What you're describing does sound like a blower resistor problem - I believe that the E39s have one too. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
dotComments: Is it necessary to disconnect the battery to replace this part?
August 7, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: It shouldn't be, but I typically recommend that you disconnect hte battery when working on just about any part of the car's electrical system. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
alemanComments: Love the website. Many useful write-ups.

Another guy above has the same problem as I am having: we replaced our resistor pack as it was only blowing on high, and a month later it failed in the same way. I don't want to keep spending money on this part, so I need to address the underlying problem. Could it be a bad ground? Could it be overheating as another comment mentioned above? Any insight would be great.

Cheers,
Alex
July 29, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: Hmm, the only thing I can really think of would be if the blower motor is sticking or getting old and stuck, and drawing more current that it should be because it's not spinning as well. The back EMF from the motor will help to counter the current draw and prevent the motor from burning out. In this case, the motor may be sticking and burning out the resistor. Just a guess off the top of my head... - Wayne at Pelican Parts
97M3Comments: Im quite unclear on this. So car with Auto AC have both the Blower Resistor and Final Stage? My blower wont work at any fan setting. Which one i need to replace? Thanks
July 11, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: I would pull the blower motor and apply 12 volts to it to test to see if the actual unit is still good or not. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
BigandspeckieComments: My blower stopped working on my 2003 325. The a/c was showing working on the dash but no air was coming out. I live in Houston and it has been near 100degrees all week. I drove it home 3 miles, replaced a 5a blown fuse and now the car wont start!? All electrics are coming on and it seems the starter is cranking but engine won't turn. Help please. I just had a radiator replaced 3 weeks ago - $1200 - could do without extra cost.
July 10, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: 5 amp is very low, and is typically only used for side marker lamps and such. Sounds like someone put the wrong size fuse into your blower motor slot. The only thing I can think of is that you bumped something in the fuse panel - remove all the fuses and try reseating them, or check each one to make sure they are good. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
TonyComments: I have a 96 328i with a digital climate control. My ac nor heat no longer works. I checked all the fuses and all of them looked good. I have been reading online of possible problems and i think it may be the final stage unit but i am not sure. The digital climate control appears to be fine and the blower has not been making any weird noises.Any idea of what it might be?
July 8, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: There is a capacitor in this unit that blows up, and renders it inoperable. I think we have a tech article on this somewhere, or there's one on the Internet. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
DComments: Is this part different than the triangular "Final Stage Unit" with twelve long protruding heat sinks? I can't seem to locate the "blower resistor" part depicted in this article.
June 17, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: The blower resistor is different, and it is used to slow down the blower motor to run at different speeds. - Wayne at Pelican Parts 
seanComments: is this resistor under the drivers steering wheel on a right hand driveUK bmw
May 28, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: I'm not sure where it is on the right-hand drive cars, but it's pretty big for a resistor, and I believe there is only one on the car. So if it looks like it, it should be correct. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
seanComments: Where is this resistor on a right hand drive BMW 316i 1994??
May 28, 2010
direwolfComments: I replaced mine, but it runs warm to the touch. Is that normal? And I hear a clicking sound when it runs, but that isnt from the resistor, its from behind the dash somewhere.
April 5, 2010
iRoccoComments: I can't seem to locate this. Do you need to remove the knee bolster? Also, Haynes manual says its behind the glove box. I undid all those screws and can't get the glovebox out. Any assistance would be appreciated, including a picture of the location of the resister housing. The one you have posted is too up close and doesn't give sufficient perspective on the surroundings.
March 26, 2010
MichaelComments: I had this problem and recently replaced my resistor pack but within a week it the problem resurfaced and I'm worried that I may have major electrical issues. Any ideas on what could be causing this repeated shorting?
March 16, 2010
randumbmwComments: I have a '94 325i and the heat works on 1, 3, and 4, but 2 just blows the same speed as 1. Do you think this is the blower resistor?
January 12, 2010
cwhiteboyComments: For Future Reference, here is a link to checking the resistor on an E30, for those needing it.

http://e30.bmwdiy.info/blower-resistor/index.html
December 18, 2009
anonComments: I have a 97 E36 M3 with the digital climate control. I'm in the process of replacing my final stage resistor pack........and was wondering, does my car also have the blower resistor pack that you have shown above?
December 5, 2009
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: I'm pretty sure that yes, your 97 should have the resistor blower pack. This is used to regulate the speed of the blower motor. If you don't have a problem with that, I wouldn't worry about replacing it. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
DonComments: Mine will not blow but on low? Any ideas
November 17, 2009
djbmwComments: So for anyone with an OBDI E36 heater controls are the dial types,.. you can REPAIR your resistor pack! The pack has a Thermal Fuse at the very end of it that will blow open if the unit overheats at 240 degrees Celcius. This is why most of them fail. The fuse is: pat microtemp 4468a ckacn 240 degree celcius and costs no more then $2.

WARNING: if you try to solder this fuse understand that it will open at 240 degrees celcius,.. so use cold solder paste or watch your iron temperature use heat sinks when soldering.

** To test that the thermal fuse is the culprit, just jump/bypass the thermal fuse with a paperclip/wire and hook it up for a few seconds.
September 22, 2009
whmComments: Is the same procedure applies on E30 1990 model ?
July 17, 2009
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: I believe it's very similar. - Wayne at Pelican Parts 
AjoyComments: Thanks for great information.

Ajoy
july 4,2009
July 4, 2009
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