Blower Issues

Author Topic: Blower Issues  (Read 2950 times)

JuAnMo

  • Guest
Blower Issues
« on: July 13, 2007, 12:18:55 PM »
Unlike some of the threads I have read my blower issues are different.  The blower either works 100% or doesn't at all.  When it works the switch will work on all 4 switch settings.  I have checked the fuse box and even the resistor - alls well there.  In the last 3 days it hasn't worked at all.

My next step is probably to replace the blower switch.  

Question:
a.  How do I remove/replace the switch ?

b.  Is there a way to test if it's the switch or the blower motor ?


****  '91 318i Cab *********

Stück

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Thank You
  • -Receive: 0
  • Posts: 71
    • View Profile
Blower Issues
« Reply #1 on: August 18, 2007, 09:41:37 PM »
I just finished correcting my blower motor issue on my 91 318iS. If the fan only blows on switch position 4 then your resistor pack is burned out. Its a $25 part, and takes about 20 minutes to swap out. It might visually check out, but the thermo switch built into is is what fails, not typically the resistors themselves.

My blower was only working on speed 4, and even then only when it felt like it. To me that was either a loose/poor electrical connection or a faulty blower. The wiring diagram is really simple and easy to trace. I wouldn't bother blaming the switch as I personally have never seen one fail that wasn't obviously so.

The deal with my blower was the carbon brushes. They were very worn, and realistically only have about 2mm more of usable brush before the copper wick will start grinding down. 2mm ought to last 1-2 years given average blower use. The problem now... even though there is still usable brush material the spring that keeps it pushed hard against the amature is at the end of its extension and simply is not pushing hard enough to provide ample electrical contact.

As far as I know the correct brushes are not available from BMW, which is sad since they would total all of $5 or so. You can desolder the brushes and bring them to an electric motor store and find a suitable replacement... or you can apply the free bandaid I did. I bent the retaining tangs back for the spring, and inserted a 5mm square hard rubber block (hand cut from a rubber mount I had laying around) and insert it into the bush guide you opened up when you bent the tangs out. Now hold the block down and carefully close the tangs.

Now the spring will be pushing as hard as it was when it was new, and your motor will haul ass. Mine does, and all it ended up costing me was about 2 hours of my time.

FL318i

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Thank You
  • -Receive: 0
  • Posts: 111
    • View Profile
Blower Issues
« Reply #2 on: September 05, 2007, 02:35:28 PM »
BUMP!!! SAME PROBLEM HERE!!!
 wont work on any of the 4 positions !!
" ....and the little brown fox jumps over the lazy dog... "[/SIZE]
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]