Weak blower motor / fan

[cptmoney]

Seems like the blower fan in my '01 Tahoe just doesn't move much air.

When we turn on the A/C, I can feel cold air blowing out, but it's just trickling out - not blasting as you'd expect.

Where do I start to chase this thing back into formal BLOW mode? I can't hear any particular weird noise, as you might expect if something was stuck in the fan. It's just not moving much air.

Any thoughts on where to start?

 

[mdnitedrftr]

I would start with the blower motor resistor. They are a very common issue with these trucks. I just replaced mine. $25. 5 min fix.

 

[cptmoney]

I would start with the blower motor resistor. They are a very common issue with these trucks. I just replaced mine. $25. 5 min fix.

OK, right on. I'll start there.

I bet if I do a search on blower motor resistors, I'll find a good right up on all of that.

Do worn resistors keep it from pushing air at full blast?

 

[Fosscore]

Check out my build thread here with some pics and a short write up.

http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/fosscores-2006-tahoe-build-thread.65729/page-45

Post #447

@cptmoney

 

[mdnitedrftr]

OK, right on. I'll start there.

I bet if I do a search on blower motor resistors, I'll find a good right up on all of that.

Do worn resistors keep it from pushing air at full blast?

The resistors control the fan speeds. Over time, they burn up, corrode and cause the fan to lose one, more, or all fan speeds. I believe there was a TSB about it.

 

[rockola1971]

My 05 Denali That i got in late December came with a shorted blower control module/resistor. The blower motor was locked up tighter than a whistle. I put in a new blower motor and tada all fixed until I realized that the blower motor was on... without a key even in the ignition let alone put in accessory or run position! I replaced the blower control module/ resistor assembly with a updated replacement and works like its suppose to now.

 

[M1Gunner]

Seems like the blower fan in my '01 Tahoe just doesn't move much air.

When we turn on the A/C, I can feel cold air blowing out, but it's just trickling out - not blasting as you'd expect.

Where do I start to chase this thing back into formal BLOW mode? I can't hear any particular weird noise, as you might expect if something was stuck in the fan. It's just not moving much air.

Any thoughts on where to start?

Just as you've been directed towards... swap out that blower motor resistor but it's also always good practice to install a new blower motor when you have a resistor that fails!

 

[PG01]

The resistors control the fan speeds. Over time, they burn up, corrode and cause the fan to lose one, more, or all fan speeds. I believe there was a TSB about it.

X2 on this, many cars trucks ive owned......the resistors used to be springs instead of the mini circuit boards now....guess im old

 

[FATHEAD]

I just bought a 2005 Tahoe. Owner advised the blower didn't work at one point so resistor was replaced and now only speeds 3 and 5 work. Suggestions?

 

[M1Gunner]

I just bought a 2005 Tahoe. Owner advised the blower didn't work at one point so resistor was replaced and now only speeds 3 and 5 work. Suggestions?

Try a new resistor. Nissan Titans are especially finicky when it comes to blower motor resistors and will only function properly with a OEM resistor from the dealer. You could swap out the resistor as a defect and try another of the same brand or hit the dealer for the OEM part.

 

[PG01]

X2

 

[Norbecke]

I just installed my new resistor today, it was very quick and easy.

 

[deerhunter1970]

I would also replace the cabin air filters. Mine had never been replaced - its a 2002 - and I got it in 2015. Needless to say, they were seriously restricting the air flow!

 

[M1Gunner]

I would also replace the cabin air filters. Mine had never been replaced - its a 2002 - and I got it in 2015. Needless to say, they were seriously restricting the air flow!

They did away with cabin air filters in the gmt800 in 03/04 until the NBA in 07 if I'm not mistaken.

Tahoes and Silverado alike.

 

[PG01]

U can add one, dorman kits on amazon cheap and simple i would cut it open just to clean it oit and benefit there is adding the filter

 

[rockola1971]

I just bought a 2005 Tahoe. Owner advised the blower didn't work at one point so resistor was replaced and now only speeds 3 and 5 work. Suggestions?

There are a few versions out there. Do you have manual control or automatic climate control (digital display of temp)? You may have the wrong one in there.

 

[deerhunter1970]

They did away with cabin air filters in the gmt800 in 03/04 until the NBA in 07 if I'm not mistaken.

Tahoes and Silverado alike.

Didn't know that, learn something new every day. Thanks!

 

[cptmoney]

So how do test my blower motor? Should I just start with the resistor and THEN move to the motor?

Where is the front blower resistor? The rear is under the plastic cover on the passenger side in the cargo area of my Tahoe, correct?

 

[cptmoney]

Finally finding some time to get this dealt with. That, and it's warming up quickly - so momma is cracking the whip on me!

Here's the rear controls in my '01:

 

[M1Gunner]

So how do test my blower motor? Should I just start with the resistor and THEN move to the motor?

Where is the front blower resistor? The rear is under the plastic cover on the passenger side in the cargo area of my Tahoe, correct?

Does the blower motor engage at any speeds? If yes then technically it's good. If it works on one or a couple speeds but not all speeds then the resistor is bad. Typically if the resistor is bad then something caused it to over heat perhaps the cabin air filter has restricted air flow which would not be able to cool the air cooled resistor. (04ish is when GM took a break from cabin air filters so yours would have one if you are unaware of this then you more than likely need to change it out lol)
If the blower doesn't work on any speeds then you need to either check for source voltage (12v) and a good ground at the blower motor or disconnect the blower motor completely and supply it a power and ground (12v since that would be source voltage in the vehicle) and see it it's operational.
If the blower motor has failed it is good practice to change the resistor along with the blower motor.
After you accomplish this and it these two components are ruled out the we'll dive a lil deeper.

Let me know how it goes and good luck!

Edit: the blower motor resistor is in the same vicinity as the front blower motor underneath the passenger side dash secured in the evaporator case.