Alternative heater blower resistor pack/control module ??
Discussion
Hi Chimaera fans
I need a new control module. I have read the other threads. Mine was removed by the previous owner, I have decided its time I got the blower working.
I have looked at the specialists supplying the rebuilt original units. They are expensive, especially without sending the old one in.
A Vauxhall Astra module, similar to that for a BMW e34 is about £5. The key is to have a series of resistors to step the motor speed.
Has anyone fitted a unit from another car? I have understood that the fan motor is a straight 12V motor without windings for different speeds (I didn't know this existed until I spoke to a switch specialist today). Hence the need for the control unit.
I think £5 and a bit of wiring is a better bet than £200 for a box you can't see. Somebody must have done it surely?
I'd be grateful for any advice.
Regards
DrasticplastiC
I need a new control module. I have read the other threads. Mine was removed by the previous owner, I have decided its time I got the blower working.
I have looked at the specialists supplying the rebuilt original units. They are expensive, especially without sending the old one in.
A Vauxhall Astra module, similar to that for a BMW e34 is about £5. The key is to have a series of resistors to step the motor speed.
Has anyone fitted a unit from another car? I have understood that the fan motor is a straight 12V motor without windings for different speeds (I didn't know this existed until I spoke to a switch specialist today). Hence the need for the control unit.
I think £5 and a bit of wiring is a better bet than £200 for a box you can't see. Somebody must have done it surely?
I'd be grateful for any advice.
Regards
DrasticplastiC
I am writing an update having fixed the problem to help any others who face the same dilemma. Although all the website threads regarding the heater only refer to a control module, mine is a 1995 model and has the older 3 speed control switch and a resistor pack.
I found the +ve wire disconnected at the rear of the switch. On reconnecting it the first speed made a small "bimp" noise low down a few times, the other speeds did nothing, then the fuse blew. This indicated a control module of some description was present.
I removed the carpet next to the battery which revealed the four plug connector coming our from the motor. I sussed the yellow wire, the thickest, was for max power, so I connected it direct to the battery and it fired up. Connecting the other wires instead of the yellow operated two other speeds, confirming a resistor pack present on the motor.
I then studied the switch and realised it was incorrectly wired. I wired it correctly, it now works properly.
I don't know what "motor windings" for different speeds could mean (ref. the motor expert I spoke to), surely a motor is a motor and resistors are applied to control speed? Anyway, that's one more job done...
I found the +ve wire disconnected at the rear of the switch. On reconnecting it the first speed made a small "bimp" noise low down a few times, the other speeds did nothing, then the fuse blew. This indicated a control module of some description was present.
I removed the carpet next to the battery which revealed the four plug connector coming our from the motor. I sussed the yellow wire, the thickest, was for max power, so I connected it direct to the battery and it fired up. Connecting the other wires instead of the yellow operated two other speeds, confirming a resistor pack present on the motor.
I then studied the switch and realised it was incorrectly wired. I wired it correctly, it now works properly.
I don't know what "motor windings" for different speeds could mean (ref. the motor expert I spoke to), surely a motor is a motor and resistors are applied to control speed? Anyway, that's one more job done...
Well done, as you say most of the older and some of the modern heater motors ive seen have been controlled by resistors.
My switch was wired incorrectly too but the speeds were the wrong way round, makes you wonder if something as simple as this was overlooked then you can understand why they are plagued with electrical gremlins.
My switch was wired incorrectly too but the speeds were the wrong way round, makes you wonder if something as simple as this was overlooked then you can understand why they are plagued with electrical gremlins.
Edited by chimp427 on Friday 27th November 09:26
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