[lemmalone]

08 X - Replaced the resistor board for the 2nd time in 2015. Read here that some folks have been replacing boards every year or 2. When the board installed in 2015 failed in 2016, I also replaced the fan motor and haven't had a problem since. So the blower motor get crappy and overloads the resistor board causing the board to fail.

Thank you. That's kinda what I thought, but figured it's good to check on the forum.

 

[lemmalone]

I'm trying to learn electrical diagnostics myself, so I looked at the factory service manual (FSM) "Heating and AC Control" section.

Still a novice, but it looks like the setting 4 (highest speed) circuit completely bypasses the blower motor resistor, whereas fan settings 0 to 3 go through the blower motor resistor. Suggesting the resistor is the problem. Assuming the dial switch is good and since the motor itself was still working, swapping out the resistor seems like a good call.

I'd just swap out the motor too based on whatnext's comment above, but there's a how to diag the fan motor in the FSM too. 17 steps....I'll post a few steps, but you should download the FSM sections and have at it.

DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR BLOWER MOTOR
1.CHECK FUSES
Check 15A fuses [No. 24 and 27 (Located in the fuse and fusible link box)]. For fuse layout refer to PG-69,
"Terminal Arrangement".
Is the inspection result normal?
YES >> GO TO 2.
NO >> GO TO 9.
2.CHECK FRONT BLOWER MOTOR POWER SUPPLY CIRCUIT
1. Turn ignition switch OFF.
2. Disconnect front blower motor connector.
3. Turn ignition switch ON.
4. Rotate blower control dial to maximum speed.
5. Press the A/C switch.
6. Check voltage between front blower motor harness connector
M62 terminal 2 and ground.
Is the inspection result normal?
YES >> GO TO 12.
NO >> GO TO 3.
3.CHECK FRONT BLOWER MOTOR RELAY (SWITCH SIDE) POWER SUPPLY CIRCUIT
AWIIA1211GB
Fuses are good.
2 - Ground : Battery voltage
WJIA1331E

Thank you. I probably will get the motor, as both of you have suggested. I actually have the FSM but hadn't looked at any of them in a long time and didn't think of it, so if I get a chance I'll check that out. Good suggestions--Thanks again to both Xtra 99 and whatnext. I appreciate it.

 

[lemmalone]

that resistor does get really hot

Thank you, that's what I was wondering, so I guess I fried it.

 

[lemmalone]

I would start with the resistor. Mine went for the first time a couple months ago, and from reading here and clubfrontier the OEM resistors are no better than the aftermarket ones - at least not at this point - so I went with this one from Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K89ZQGD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have only had it a couple months but so far so good.

Possibly your motor is pulling too much current - which the motor can do when it gets old and the insulation gets old. However when that becomes the case the motor isn't usually long for the world anyway - and my experience on blower motors is the bearing is usually what fails - so I would try replacing the resistor again first and see what happens.

If you do end up changing the motor stick with OEM. I tried the "premium" one on Rock Auto and it was squealing again in 6 monts.

Thank you, especially for the amazon link to a cheap part. Maybe I will just go with that and hold off for now, especially if the aftermarket motors aren't good. Do you remember which one you got from Rock Auto? I think they have several.

 

[lemmalone]

VDO / CONTINENTAL PM9282 {#27226EA010} - mine lasted less than 6 months.

I went ahead and bought the resistor that you posted, and then saw a blower motor on Amazon that had been returned but not opened for $20, so I thought there was nothing to lose. This is the product:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VFAOEO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks again to all for your suggestions. I figured that alot of people wish whey had bought both the motor and the resistor at the same time, and for $40 total not too much can go wrong. I appreciate all the help.