Blower Fan Resister - Mod

[seethru]

I have read, here and other forums, that the blower fan only works on one or two speeds because the resister fails. I have found this to be true. Of the several millions of Ranger and B Series trucks that have this anomaly, why has no one found a work-around or a mod...maybe a potentiometer or other regulator placed in the system. I'm not a mechanic or electronics wiz, but I bet you they are out there that could solve this. I'm on my third resister module in 6 years.

 

[Doom's Day Custom]

i don't think that a pot can handle that much power going through it ..You could try a ceramic resistor with the same ohm rating..

 

[seethru]

there has to be something out there to replace those springs. Something out of a chev maybe, or a Range Rover, what kind of a system do they use?

 

[adsm08]

Everyone uses the same thing and they all have the same problems. Ford, Chevy, Chrysler, not one of them doesn't have issues with blower resistors crapping out regularly. If you really want a good reliable one, go find a 1st gen, pull that unit, and figure out how to wire it into your truck. My 87 is still on its first one.

 

[sloth69mustang]

its only 2 bolts and one plug. i could go bad once a year. its so easy to replace. but you who could ever complain about that ford heatttttttt in the winter.

 

[TS6034]

I've always just accepted the fact that the resistor will fail. They're only $20 and simple to replace. That is of course, if the stupid wiring isn't all corroded!

 

[kunar]

make sure that the inside of the heater box is clean and clear of obstructions. the air movement around the resister is supposed to help keep them cool, if they overheat they are more prone to failure.

 

[snoopdoggie]

make sure that the inside of the heater box is clean and clear of obstructions. the air movement around the resister is supposed to help keep them cool, if they overheat they are more prone to failure.

Yeah. Look for a cause. I've had RBVs for years and none have had a resistor failure.

 

[skippy]

I suffered my first failure after 26 years,not too bad in my opinion.Simple fix,20 dollar motor from advance,resistor from toolbox,30 minutes in the Georgia sun and presto.

 

[Doom's Day Custom]

You could use a power resistor with the right ohm rating for that coil that broke ...

 

[drifter98ranger]

I replaced both the resistor and the fan switch and still the same problem. If I were me....the one lesson I have learned when working on my Ranger is: before going out and buying new parts, check all the wiring and fuses. God knows how much money I wasted on replacing parts that weren't bad.

 

[adsm08]

I replaced both the resistor and the fan switch and still the same problem. If I were me....the one lesson I have learned when working on my Ranger is: before going out and buying new parts, check all the wiring and fuses. God knows how much money I wasted on replacing parts that weren't bad.

Which is why I don't ever throw a part out. I never know when I might need one that I've taken off the truck, or what I might be able to fix with it. If you can ever use the old part again, the money isn't wasted.

 

[Mark_88]

One of the main problems with the older Rangers is the location of the resistor...it is in a direct line of fire for moisture...even though it is on the inside of the box...

I've taken the same part out of an F150 that had A/C and it was in perfect condition...why? Because on the models with the A/C box, the resistor is turned away from direct roadspray...therefore...no rust on the resistors...

So...maybe spray the part with a silicone spray or something else, and put a slice of duct tape or some other material over the resistor opening...and make sure the little foam insulator that is on the back of the resistor plate is in good shape...or just replace it with a silicone bead...so water does not get into the box...

Or maybe move to Arizona...

 

[B2 Addict]

make sure that the inside of the heater box is clean and clear of obstructions. the air movement around the resister is supposed to help keep them cool, if they overheat they are more prone to failure.

Just a little story to share......I had my heater going one day in my 84 B2 going down the highway, I started smelling something burning & figured somebody was just burning something somewhere. Instead of it gradually going away, it kept getting worse, next thing I know there is thick smoke coming from the vents.

Before I could get stopped, the entire truck was filled with smoke, I couldn't see or breathe. I rolled down the window to no avail, but had to stick my head out the window to get pulled over. When I opened the door to get out, smoke was rolling out so thick I couldn't see the B2.

Long story short, a dry leaf got lodged in the springs on the resistor & burned up, luckily that was all! That was the only time I have ever had to replace my resistor!

 

[moonmullens]

Hey,
something said but maybe over looked...
Fan Motor.
Measure the amp load of the motor and that may show the problem.
If the motor is going bad, the amp load rises and that could be the cause of over heater coils.

JMHO
Jim