How do I replace a blower motor resistor on a 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GT?
I have removed the cover under the glove box and am planning to remove the passenger seat, but need to buy a torque wrench. I’m 61 and female, but determined to do this myself. My AC only works on 5.
I called the auto store and was told I would need a torque wrench to remove the seat. He will check to see what size I need so I don’t have to buy a set.
4 Responses
Teddy
15 Aug 2010
Joseph
15 Aug 2010
the resistor block should be located in the blower motor housing, under the hood. it will be a 4 wire connector that will go to a piece that can be removed by loosening 2 screws.
CactiJoe
15 Aug 2010
A torque wrench? Usually there’s a three pronged plug you see under the hood that plugs into it while it resides inside the plenum.
This sounds like you are talking about the fan/blower switch on the climate controls. The switch that controls the speed of the blower?
If you have it in your head that it’s in the plenum then look for a coiled spring like device sticking out into the air stream. Or is that the temperature sensor? Yes, I think it is.
OK back to the blower motor switch.
Need to pull the climate control console out of the dashboard.
Might want to invest in a Haynes or Chiltons manual first and read it in detail.
Good Luck!
don r
15 Aug 2010
You don’t need a torque wrench to remove any seat. The guy wants to sell you a $75 tool you don’t need. A ratchet wrench will make it easy with a set of sockets to fit all different nuts and bolts- that might cost you $15. The bolts on the seat mounts might be 9/16" or 14mm. You’re better off using an adjustable wrench ( called a crecent wrench).
Buy the blower resistor at a Chevrolet dealer, but make sure they know it’s for a Pontiac- year make and model. Go to the library and look in Chilton’s Auto Repair manual and it will show you how the do the job. If it looks too hard in the book, at least you tried and know you need a shop to do the job. You more than like ly can do the job yourself.
Removing the seat is not necessary, but seeing your situation, if it helps, there no rule saying you can’t, just more work. You do not need a torque wrench. It’s cramped down there, but look for a electrical connector on the blower box (by the blower motor) with 2 or 3 screws, that should be it. Mind you those screws can be pretty tough to get at on many cars. Probably going to frustrate you a little just so you know… They should be 7mm or 1/4" heads. The resistor CAN be in the engine compartment (still on the blower box) on some cars, but if memory serves me correctly, on your car it is right where you are looking. You diagnosed it correctly, irregardless, so good job.