Heater Problems

[Fixxer]

Had a remote start installed a while ago and noticed that the heater fan squealed until it warmed up some. Now since the other night it only works on high. It's most likely a burned out resistor right? I think I smelled it in the cab, was wondering why it smelt like someone was smoking a cigar in there. How much $$ am I looking at to get this fixed?

It's a 92 XLT btw.

 

[Crankcase]

Yeah...the fan only working on high is a classic example of a burned out resistor....

 

[Opera House]

There is a thermal fuse

in the resistor assembly in series with the resistors that opens when the resistors get too hot. High is not affected. This can be replaced, about $1.50 at Radio Shack, but it sounds like something has dropped down and is sticking in the fan. Are you getting any airflow. These are designed to blow when airflow is restricted. Could be a director hose was knocked off.

 

[RFR2212]

Not to hi-jack the thread, but I haven't paid much attention at all around here regarding many of the heater threads. I have a new blower motor in my truck (year old) and at times, it just doesn't blow regardless of what setting it is on (a/c, floor, defrost, etc.) I think this also might be some resistor problem. As winter is fast approaching, it'd be nice to have reliable heat. Anyone direct me to the specific problem or some more info as to what i should be searching?
Thanks
Peter

Hijack off

 

[YourmamaISSOL]

just to let you both know if you need anything for your heater let me know we can work a deal.... i have a 93 sport that im parting out the the heater works great in ........
Gary

 

[88vert]

Could be the bearings in the heater motor also

 

[Pheonixx77]

the fan speed resistor is a dealer only part as far as i have seen, luckily its like 25$ it mounts on the side of the blower in engine compartment. at least on my 94 it does.

 

[Opera House]

If the current is higher for some reason

through the resistor assembly, It will blow the thermal fuse again on a new assembly. This current doesn't even have to be near the current rating of the blower fuse to cause a condition that could cause a fire or melting of the plenum box. That is the reason they have the thermal fuse. I would make sure there is no problem with the blower motor before you throw money at it.

 

[Fixxer]

Heh... One of the Ford dealers here quoted me about $125 + GST to replace the resistor.

 

[b]

Search for threads under 'blower motor' and see if this sounds like the motor itself. The motor replacement is under $50 for the DIYer.

 

[LowGT]

Re: There is a thermal fuse

Originally posted by Opera House
in the resistor assembly in series with the resistors that opens when the resistors get too hot. High is not affected. This can be replaced, about $1.50 at Radio Shack, but it sounds like something has dropped down and is sticking in the fan. Are you getting any airflow. These are designed to blow when airflow is restricted. Could be a director hose was knocked off.

I tested the thermal fuse in the resistor and it is definitely shot in my X and I have the same symptoms of only getting a fan on the high setting.

Are these thermal fuses at radio shack the same? Do I need one for a specific temp?

Dan

EDIT: after looking at it some more I think it says 121C on the side of the fuse, but it's hard to make out. I guess it indicates 121 degrees Celcius? Radio Shack has a thermal fuse a 141 C for $1.49. Let me know if I'm on the right track.

 

[Zulu95]

A long time ago when I worked at photocopiers we used radio Shack thermal fuses to replace the Minolta ones when they blew. If you are putting a bigger fuse (i.e. 141 instead of 121) then move it closer to the part it will protect so it gets a little more heat to make it blow if needed. You do this by leaving the leads longer and bending it towards the part. This is what we did in the fuser sections of the copiers. Worked like a charm and cost $1 from RS instead of $10 from Minolta.

 

[Arnold D.]

I'd try a salvage yard. Resistors don't go out that often. Take a multimeter with you to test the donor resistor.

 

[LowGT]

Well got a 128 degree C thermal fuse from Radio Shack and replaced the one on the resistors and everything works great. I have all the fan speeds back and it only cost $1.49