Astra G Blower Resistor

[Razor O Rourke]

My heater blower is only working on it's max setting, which I presume is down to a knackered resistor. I've got one on way and it seems a straightforward job, glove box and pollen filter off and it should just unclip and pop out.

Anything I've missed or any banana skins I should be aware of?

[GreenV8S]

I don't know whether it applies to that car, but on other cars when the blower resistor fails it is common for it to overheat the connector and nearby wiring too. Manufacturers often provide a 'loom repair kit' consisting of a new connector and flying leads that you can splice in to replace the damaged section.

[Penelope Stopit]

Razor O Rourke said:

My heater blower is only working on it's max setting, which I presume is down to a knackered resistor. I've got one on way and it seems a straightforward job, glove box and pollen filter off and it should just unclip and pop out.

Anything I've missed or any banana skins I should be aware of?

Yes there is something that you could easily overlook
The resistor is more often than not fitted in the ventilation housing and is fitted there for a good reason. When operating the blower motor at speeds 1,2 or 3 the blower motor draws its supply through whichever resistor is used for the selected speed and that resistor gets hot yet does not overheat because the air circulating around it cools it. Should the blower motor be running slower than it should be due to having worn or dry bearings it will not cool the resistor enough and the resistor could overheat and burn out, also if the blower motor armature windings are partially burnt or damaged, the blower motor will draw too much current through the resistor and burn it out
Have a good listen to the blower motor and also try to turn it by hand to check that it's not tight
If the blower motor is in any way faulty it will burn out the resistor pack and also possibly burn the plug, connections and the wiring near to the plug

There is also a chance that your resistor is ok but the plug, connectors and wiring have overheated due to the loom manufacturer using poor quality terminals

[Razor O Rourke]

Thanks Mr/Ms? Pitstop, I'll check that out when I get the resistor.

[essayer]

Did you get an OEM or a clone? I'd be keen to use a genuine one given Vauxhall's recent issues on the Zafira and Corsa..

[Razor O Rourke]

essayer said:

Did you get an OEM or a clone? I'd be keen to use a genuine one given Vauxhall's recent issues on the Zafira and Corsa..

From Hong Kong via ebay. Car's a '99 model so well before the fire issues.