Thread: Frustrated - Changed Blower Motor Resistor and same problem. - Need Advice

So how does one install that capacitor? Where would I buy a new wiring harness for the blower motor resistor?

Could it be the blower motor itself going bad? I should just hook the multimeter to the plug to see if there is power going to it? Yet the fan works on speed five? Am I barking up the wrong tree here?

OK I have tested the plug at the blower motor - after the resistor. I have power on all five settings so does this mean it is the blower motor itself?

i dont think so.. i mean all the blower motor does is run so if its working its working... these has to be something that controls the speed... but on another note... if you change out the motor and its still does the same thing then take it back

I had the same issue but do not have the automatic climate control but have the the manual controls. Changed the blower motor resistor and no change. Checked all the fuses-no change, The problem was the IGNITION SWITCH where the key goes into the steering column! Do as search on the forum which is how I discovered the problem and how to replace it. What happens is that most people including myself don't turn off the blower motor speed control before they start and stop the engine with the ignition key. The ignition switch in the steering column has all the current from certain accessories running through the ignition switch. The contacts in the ignition switch module spark slightly every time this sequence occurs, carbonizing the contacts over time, eventually resulting in the prevention of the current flow-thus no blower speeds. The ignition switch issue is a fairly common problem on these cars and I am surprised no one else suggested this resolution.

Someone on the forum or the internet had a step by step procedure on how to replace the ignition switch in the column which I followed after purchasing a new ignition switch from gmpartsdirect.com for about $80. It's a relatively big job since you have to take the column apart and get it all back together, Not bad but really not for a novice. You can also remove the old switch, take it apart, and lightly sand the contacts to clean them which I did on my old switch (still have as a backup) but did not use. After all the labor involved, put in a new switch. Problem solved and been perfect for the last 3+ years.

Hope that helps!

Originally Posted by iceman31

Could it be the blower motor itself going bad? I should just hook the multimeter to the plug to see if there is power going to it? Yet the fan works on speed five? Am I barking up the wrong tree here?

It's the ignition switch in the column!!! The symptoms are EXACTLY what i experienced. I tried to avoid the inevitable just like you since the ignition module job sucks but ultimately I had to bite the bullitt and take the column apart. And guess what? It solved the problem. This is a common issue.

Once you change the ignition module like I did, the way to avoid this in the future is to make sure that you turn off the blower motor before you turn the engine off and to start the engine first before you turn the blower motor on in the car-this series of actions prevents the sparking at the contacts in the ignition module!

I've been having the problem lately with the blower only working on 5 (or not at all). Plus it would dim the running lights on blower speeds 1-4. The heat level was stuck at one level also and the rear defroster wouldn't power on. I tried replacing the blower motor resistor but that didn't fix the problem. It sounds like the issue above with the Ignition Switch. I've ordered one and it arrives today. The weird thing is that last night I was having the problem and I flipped the wiper on quick and bam it all started working again. This morning the problem came back and I was able to resolve it again by turning on the wipers. Does this still sound like the Ignition Switch or something else? Couldn't find any bad fuses inside the car, but haven't tried under the hood yet.

Other little weird things for back story: The wipers have been stuck in the state of verticalness (not a word) for a long time now. Plus, sometimes, when I flick them on it will turn the low fuel light on.

2001 Grand Prix SE

jbamonte nailed it!!! I had the exact problem on the 01GT and it was the ignition switch. Here is a LINK to a write up on how to change the ignition switch without having to remove the steering wheel or airbag. I did this job last year following these instructions and it went smooth as glass. Change the ignition switch and your problems will be fixed. Keep the lock cylinder, you only change the switch, so no new keys.

Oh man! Thanx for the instruction link. That looks a lot easier than ripping the steering column apart.

It wasn't a bad job at all, one thing you will need is an E-torx socket if you don't have one to get one of the hidden bolts.