Fan Blower Resistor for '99 Grand Am

[dorianstokes]

Thanks for the video, it was just what I needed. As said by many people that back bolt sucks! I got nausiated sitting on my head for too long and had to do it later! LOL!!!

[heroes91092]

Thank you! Now I know how to fix that! Your awesome

[canamgigs]

helpful video thanks now i know what its called ill go get one

i only have five working and its a pain

thanks 

[XonionbreathX]

Will this be the solution if none of the speeds are working? None of the lights turn on either for the controls (A/C, and Defrost buttons). I switched a bunch of fuses as well as the #13 Blower Motor Relay but still nothing.

[Whuntmore]

@XonionbreathX

If NONE of the speeds work (speed 5 is the tell-tale one, it doesn't use the resistor), then ya, it's something else. Possibly the motor.

Now, if you're whole panel isn't lighting up, and other things won't work, then that has nothing to do with the resistor. You've got other problems.

[styxdogg]

@Whuntmore .. 2001 grand am (same set up) .. mine quit working completely (on all 5 settings) and replacing the blower resistor fixed mine. It had been running on setting 3 thru 5 only for a few years before it died all together, but now works on all great! P.S. I went janky and didnt even attempt to take the old resistor out.. i just plugged my new one in and hoping no one kicks it.. but its shoved pretty far back there.. lol

[MyKidsAreTheBestEver]

So I did this replacement yesterday, but today my body is telling me I actually tried my hand at the rings in Olympic gymnastics.

That second bolt, the one you say is "murder" to get at? 02 Grand Am: After 2 hours, my husband ended up just having to completely destroy the old resistor to get it out. That second bolt went in the garbage. There's simply not enough space between the bolt and the floor of the car for a ratchet and we did not have a tiny enough wrench handy. GM engineer's bad joke?

[ThePALADINProject]

the fact that there are 18,000+ views is sad... but that you so much!

[Whuntmore]

@ThePALADINProject

Exactly! That many views means that this was a very common failing with the car. There's actually several with the car - ABS unit, head gasket breaks down and cross-leaks, this resistor, Bushings (do you get a soft clunk in the front when you hit a bump), Cooling issues (fan or sensor dies)...

Actually I could keep going here.

[sparki152]

This worked! Thank you soo so much!!!

[mmminty42]

This was really a great help! Thanks for posting it! My Grand am would start at 3 just like this one...

[UTubeWatcher]

If you remove the blower motor, it is much easier to remove and re-install *BOTH* screws for the blower resistor. I also used a short extension on my socket to get at some of the bolts. The replacement part is larger and uses ceramic resistors which the Parts Department at my local dealership said makes this a permanent fix - the original part is notorious for failure. I had lost speed #1 and #2, now I have all 5 again. Thanks for the video it was really helpful!

[GetNDeep]

awesome, so glad I found this vid!! I'll be trying this out tomorrow, hopefully fixing this inconvenience at least for awhile...

[Creator3571]

This is why I enjoy the power of the internet. Thanks so much for posting this video!

[salem1958]

Great video, It did help a great deal however I have an 03 model & found life much better when I spent the extra 2 mins to remove the blower motor. You could actually see what you were doing then . Thanks again

[TheAbbyhernandez]

can you make a video on how to replace the cigarette lighte (and its not the fuse did that already) and im sure its the socket, all i need to know is how the back of the socket looks like thanks...

[dstueck]

Thank you so much for posting this video! I have the Haynes book and never would have been able to figure out how to do this. I literally had to sit upside down in the seat to replace this though. It was quite comical! The hardest part was putting the larger cover back on with the screws. It was a bitch to line up!

[pauljs75]

I remember this repair job. Unless you're a circus midget/contortionist, it's also a good idea to pull that passenger seat. My back was killing me for two weeks after doing this repair because I didn't have the stuff for pulling the seat out.

[gus2405]

what a great video, it helped me a lot, thanks a lot man!!

[ampa03]

Great job man! thanks so much!

[ampa03]

Great job men! thanks so much!

[stites1410]

This is a great video helped a lot thanks man

[GodfatherJAM]

Another issue is the factory harness on the resistor is easily damaged from heat. Just the extra current draw from a failing board or blower. Some dealers automatically replace it. Just got mine back together and all but 4 speed there. Jiggled the wire and it worked. Might be the cause other electrical issues for others. I ordered part: ACDelco PT1171 Female 5-Way Wire Connector with Leads. And I forgot to transfer that gasket.

[GodfatherJAM]

Word of caution the blower fan screws break easily. In my 2001 Alero I had one break off inside of mount post. Had to cut back and thin the rubber grommet to make level with the rest of the gasket. Used a 7/16 locking axle cap nut over the outside of the now exposed post to secure.

[Whuntmore]

@GodfatherJAM

Thanks for that. Good to know.

[kylea1985]

well now i know what the resistor looks like. i have a 99 grand prix and im hoping that its the resistor. ive heard its a real pain to got to. gonna try to change it out today. hope it works!

[kylea1985]

@kylea1985 yup it was the resistor. mine looked a little different but that was the problem. it had already been changed once by someone else and they rigged things up so it was easier to change. only took maybe 10 minutes. got all 5 speeds back!!!

[DJSICKSKILLZ]

i got a pontiac grand prix GT 1989 i started with the same problem some speeds work some dont now none work when i swithc the AC on i can hear the compressor kickin in but no air coming out will this be the same problem or it will be the whole blower motor ? n thnx for posting the vid

[Whuntmore]

@DJSICKSKILLZ If none of the speeds are working, then ya could be the motor. If setting 5 (or highest setting) is still working, then no, it would still be the resistor.

[DJSICKSKILLZ]

@Whuntmore im fixing it now i took the motor out now since is 12v i hooked up to a 12v battery n started spining fast so it worked now i took the resistor out n everyting is fried is like all rusted n melted plastic so im pretty sure it is but thnx so much for the help

[Whuntmore]

@DJSICKSKILLZ Rusted?? I wonder if some moisture or water got in there... good luck on the repair. I hope that's al it is. Thanks for the kind words.

[silveradotoomuch]

@DJSICKSKILLZ Many thanks man. I have to do this on mine.

[Whuntmore]

@DJSICKSKILLZ

That year, I have no idea, but I would check it, relays, and/or possible fuses first. Go for the easiest things.

[akush55]

most air intake are where buildup of leafs, mice nest?

[imru06]

Great video, Thank You. Completed the change of the resistor and blower motor, however the new motor still only works on high...So I am back to square one..Grrr...but thanks again.

[zachman06]

OMG...this video was so helpful!!! Saved me some cash for sure.

Turns out the fan and resistor were both bad on my Grand Am. But thanks to this video I was able to fix both myself.

took like 2 hour to fix...1hr 45 mins spent on the rear resistor bolt and the other 15 on everythings else. That is the worst placed bolt of all time.

Thanks again. Feel free to keep posting about thing that are easy to fix on grand ams. :P

[69RSZ]

Nice video,my problem is when I turn my heater switch on it kills my dash,any suggestions would be helpful .

[Whuntmore]

@69RSZ

the only thing I can suggest, is it sounds like a ground issue. check wiring to see if it's not grounding out when you complete the circuit. check for any faulty wiring. good luck!

[RichKols]

Excellent video. I tried to replace the resistor on a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am a few days ago, but couldn't figure out how to drop the panels under the glove box. It was much easier after viewing your video. It was also great to know the socket sizes needed before I started..

I found that the job is far easier to do by kneeling on the ground and working through the open passenger door - everything is in reach without being under the dash. Thanks for your video - it saved the day!

[DullahanVII]

To say that the one screw closest to the firewall is murder was an understatement. I suggest using a socket with a swivel connection to make it easier. Great video and thank you!

[Whuntmore]

@DullahanVII, A swivel would have helped... If I had one to try it! lol. Thanks for the kind words. Glad this video help.

[hmz1063]

Very useful, thank you so much.

[clanDelcini]

Great video! Just replaced the blower resistor in a 2001 Grand AM GT. The only caveats I found was that it was easier to use a 7/32 inch wrench than a socket to remove those 2 forsaken screws that hold in the resistor card. I should have pulled the passenger seat out of the car to make this job easier. 

Now, I'm going to have another beer to celebrate. And apply a heating pad to get my neck loose.

Once again, great video!!!

[Whuntmore]

@clanDelcini Thx for the kind words. I was stuck in using the socket, 'cause I didn't have the wrench. glad it worked well.

Have a beer for me also, ma back is still twisted! lol

[clanDelcini]

Great video! Just replaced the blower resistor in a 2001 Grand AM GT. The only caveats I found was that it was easier to use a 7/32 inch wrench than a socket to remove those 2 forsaken screws that hold in the resistor card. I should have pulled the passenger seat out of the car to make this job easier.

Now, I'm going to have another beer to celebrate. And apply a heating pad to get my neck loose.

Once again, great video!!!

[homerdaisy]

Forgot to mention this was performed on a 2002 Grand Am, but there was no difference from the '99 in the video. Like another poster, the flex socket does come in handy when replacing the rear screw. Cheers

[homerdaisy]

You are absolutely frickin' amazing. I found your video, followed the directions and voila! Working fan again. AC Delco part was $31 CAD, tax in, and is NOT available at CTC. I got mine at B&B Dixon Automotive but try a automotive parts centre near you before going to a dealership. They'll rape you with the price.

One suggestion is to completely drop out the blower which will give you more room to get the resistor out. It's only another 3 screws. Thanks again man!!!

[Whuntmore]

@homerdaisy Glad to help. Thx for the kind words. Yeah, dropping the fan is much better, but I was getting sick of taking things apart to shoot the video - Considering I Had enough stuff on the floor - getting crowded for the camera... lolol. But yeah, that the better route for sure. and Yeah, DON'T GO TO THE DEALERSHIP for the part. You'll get raped for sure. good advice Homerdaisy.

[TheDjstrut]

Video was perfect went home and swapped my out in about 15 mins. Yes that back screw was a pain in the ass but i remembered i had one of those flexible ratchet/screwdriver attachments made the job way easier u can usually find them from 9 tp 29 $ depending

[AAMellie]

I would also like to caution other people who may not spend a lot of time upside down - it is very disorienting! :) I managed to burn myself three times on the lightbulb. Sneaky little devil!

[tvguy05]

I just did this and it was successful. I used some small channel lock pliers to grip a small socket in order to get at the back screw. I was able to get it back on with this method. Also, make sure the connector is fully pushed in. If it isn't, speed 5 will still work (speed 5 is full voltage and bypasses the resistor), but the others will not.

[MASON091]

LMAO...."Oh my god it works"

[sarasemo]

Thanks for this video! I'm a 22 female and was going to have my grandpa fix this for me but I think I can handle it.

[Whuntmore]

@sarasemo Glad it was helpful.

[sarasemo]

@Whuntmore I did it! It took me 2 hours though because that back screw was impossible to get out. I also was standing on my head most of the time but it works now so I'm happy.

[tigerlove0175]

I watched your video as I changes out the resister. That last screw in the back is a bitch! I had to remove the blower so that I could reach that last screw as I was standing on my head cursing! Thanks for the video. It was a big help!!!

[Whuntmore]

@tigerlove0175 Glad to hear that. Yeah, that back screw was a total pain, but it makes it more secure. I know what you mean about standing on your head - I was doing the same thing, with a camera in my face! lol. Stupid that some shops over-charge for this fix, that almost anyone who has Yoga skills can do.

[foxfire2205]

I have the same problem on my 2000 grand am but the air only works on 3,4, & 5. I think i'll change the resistor when it all stops working bc that looks like a pain to get to. Thank for posting this video...

[moniqdannrath]

How much was the new sensor?

[Whuntmore]

@moniqdannrath:

If I remember correctly, I think it was like $13 in Can funds. I believe the 1999-2003 are the same.

[sarasemo]

@moniqdannrath Mine was $24.99 from NAPA



[moniqdannrath]

wonder if this is the same for a 2000 grand am?

[sarasemo]

@moniqdannrath I just did in on my 2000 grand am and it is the same. Good luck if you decided to do it. It is a pain to get to

[themrscottmc]

hey, i have 2000 olds alero and have similar problem. Speeds 1-2 doesn't work , and i'm wondering if its a similar fix on my car?

[Whuntmore]

All you need to do is take those two covers off, and check it. I think it's the same, but I'm not 100% sure. When you get the part, just tell them you need a 'Fan Motor Resistor' for a 2000 Alero. It shouldn't be too hard. Good luck.

[terrytaylor1187]

thanks u so much now i knw how and why my ac dont work on every number

[jeremyaudio1]

Thank you SO MUCH for posting this video! You should get an Academy Award for being able to get a camcorder down into that tiny crevace. Mine is a 1997 Grand Prix GTP and I ended up having to take the motor out. WAY EASIER at least for the Grand Prixs. The back 2 screws are impossible to get at. The new part slid right in where the old screws are. I guess they weren't made to come out :) Thanks again Whuntmore!

[rajugsw]

Great Vid. I just lost all 4 speeds and the motor was running fine. Nether the interior HTR fuse or the one under the hood is blown. My wife accidentally turnred the starter motor over while the car was still running and now we have no heat. One step at a time I guess.

[QuietBullet]

you mad that look easy in 4 mins LOL... so hows your back, got any good numbers for a chiropractor?  gotta get mine done this weekend AARRRHHHH!!!!!

[Whuntmore]

LOLOL, My back still aches, my chiro is on vacation, and hope this video is a help. You might consider taking out the fan (three bolts, to make accessing the rear bolt to the resistor easier. You decide.

Good Luck and take care of your back! lolol

[wahiawa333]

Sweet. Thanks for the info. ALOHA!!!

[Whuntmore]

No prob. Glad to help.

[erinballinger]

OH MY GOSH!!! Thank you so much for this awesome video. I have a 2002 Pontiac Grand AM SE and my fan has only been working on High for the last two years! This is a huge help! My husband was going to take it in to get fixed but watched this video and did it himself. Thanks again!

[VidzOFun]

thanks this was a HUGE help awesome vid!

[sunrunnerpei]

Excellent how-to video! Thanks for sharing!

[Whuntmore]

thanks! the lighting was soo bad and cramped, that it took me 2 hours to do the repair AND shoot the video to make it decent. I'm sure if I hadn't filmed it, the job probably would have taken like 15-20 minutes.