Wierd-ish Xantia blower motor problem

[reddeathdrinker]

And no, it's not a dodgy ignition switch

Blower started working intermittently, then it just got less and less likely that it would run at all.

Car is a '96 2.0l 16v petrol, with air-con. After ripping the steering column to bits to check the ignition switch, I then went to pull the blower itself.

On the blower itself there's 1 plug, a 4-pin, taking the feed and earth to the resistor pack (actually mounted on the motor itself), and I assume the speed control wiring. Then there's a red and black wire from the resistor pack to the motor itself. Looks like the feed from the resistor pack to the motor had overheated (all black and crusty, crimp cover melted - all classic signs!) at the resistor pack end.

Soooooo.... would I be right in thinking a trip to the scrappy is in order for a replacement motor, as the resistor pack is in-built to the motor?


Any and all suggestions appreciated!

[andmcit]

so..a trip to the scrappy is in order for a replacement motor, as the resistor pack is in-built to the motor?

Yep. Sounds likely! Don't forget the one you're after is different to most as it's for an air con car - they're different with/without ac!

Andrew

[f00lzz]

If the resistor pack was faulty the blower motor would run constantly at max speed... (if it was the resistor pack that was faulty it is easy to replace the two resistors..)

[LeeDJC]

I bet it IS the ignition switch, it's just that you've found the melted crimp during your investigation

[f00lzz]

I suppose it could be the motor... brushes etc, but i'm with LeeDJC... how did you eliminate the ignition switch??

[LeeDJC]

Best way (in my opinion) to check the ignition switch. Is to remove the cover underneath the drivers side dash, find the brown plug with the thick brown wires going to it. Unplug it, then bridge the plug closest to the centre console. If it all works fine when bridged then it's the ignition switch.

There is a diagram knocking about of how to do a proper repair somewhere on the forum...no doubt someone will shortly post a link

[Peter.N.]

If its got aircon the chances are that its got a transistor regulator mounted on the motor. The classic symptoms for transistor failure are intermittent operation. The system only goes to permanant full speed when the transistors go short circuit, they are more likely to go open circuit. They can be replaced with the aid of a drill and soldering iron, the type number you will find on my signature. Although the scrap yard would the easiest option if you have one locally.

[Clogzz]

a diagram knocking about ... someone will shortly post a link

http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=17322

http://www.geocities.com/tricky992002/fanmod.xls

[reddeathdrinker]

Best way (in my opinion) to check the ignition switch. Is to remove the cover underneath the drivers side dash, find the brown plug with the thick brown wires going to it. Unplug it, then bridge the plug closest to the centre console. If it all works fine when bridged then it's the ignition switch.

There is a diagram knocking about of how to do a proper repair somewhere on the forum...no doubt someone will shortly post a link

I did exactly that - The ignition switch is fine, I checked its resistance, and then measured the voltage passing through it. As Peter N. says, it's sounds exactly like the transistors mounted on the motor, and it displays the classsic syptoms as mentioned. Aso appears to have been a spot of water ingress in the motor (dried up rusty sediment round where the relay sits)

[mezuk04]

If it Were the ignition switch then surely the rear demister would be acting up too!