Testing the blower motor resistor on the 2001-2004 2.4L DOHC Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus is not hard.
In this tutorial, I'll explain how to do it. You'll be able to find out if it's defective or not using a simple multimeter.
I'm also gonna' show you where you can buy the blower motor resistor and save a few bucks.
Contents of this tutorial at a glance:
APPLIES TO: This tutorial and the blower motor resistor in the images I'm using in this tutorial applies to:
- 2001-2004 2.4L DOHC Chrysler Sebring 4-door sedan.
- 2002-2004 2.4L DOHC Chrysler Sebring Convertible.
- 2001-2004 2.4L DOHC Dodge Stratus 4-door sedan.
WIRING DIAGRAM: You can find the blower motor circuit diagram here: Blower Motor Circuit Diagram (2001-2004 2.4L Chrysler Sebring And Dodge Stratus).
NOTE: The following tutorials will help you test the blower motor and blower control switch:
- How To Test The Blower Motor (2001-2004 2.4L Sebring And Stratus).
- How To Test The Blower Motor Switch (2001-2004 2.4L Sebring And Stratus).
Blower Motor Resistor Basics
The blower motor resistor assembly, on your 2.4L Chrysler Sebring or Dodge Stratus, is made up of three resistors. As current passes thru' them, the current is reduced.
Once this reduced current reaches the blower motor, the blower motor will run at a slower rate than if it was getting the full amount of current from your vehicle's battery.
To be a bit more specific:
- When the current is reduced by three resistors, the blower motor runs in LO speed.
- When the current is reduced by two resistors, the blower motor runs in Medium 1 (M1) speed.
- When the current is reduced by one resistor, the blower motor runs in Medium 2 (M2) speed.
- When the current is NOT reduced by any of the resistors, the blower motor runs in HI speed.
The reduction in current is the consequence of the resistor's ability to convert some of the current flowing thru' them into heat. Unfortunately it's this process (of converting current into heat) that eventually will destroy the blower motor resistor assembly.
When the blower motor resistor block fails, you'll usually see one of the following symptoms:
- Blower motor works in high-speed only.
- Blower motor works in some speeds, but NOT all speeds.
It's very common for the resistor connector terminals to corrode or for the connector to burn and melt. This will make disconnecting the connector from the blower motor resistor block very difficult.
Another common problem is finding the resistor block coils corroded or burned out when removing the resistor block for testing.
Where To Buy The Blower Motor Resistor
The blower motor resistor assembly is not an expensive part. Still, the following links will help you to comparison shop and save you a few bucks:
NOTE: The blower motor resistor in the links above will fit the following vehicles:
- 2001-2004 2.4L DOHC Chrysler Sebring 4-door sedan.
- 2002-2004 2.4L DOHC Chrysler Sebring Convertible.
- 2001-2004 2.4L DOHC Dodge Stratus 4-door sedan.
TEST 1: Resistance Testing The Blower Motor Resistor
If the blower motor resistor assembly is bad, then you're gonna' have no-continuity between 2 of its terminals.
Testing the blower motor resistor simply involves testing the resistance between all of its terminals with a multimeter in Ohms mode.
NOTE: To see actual resistance specifications for the continuity test of this test section, go here: Blower Resistor Continuity Specification Tables.
NOTE: If you don't have a multimeter or need to upgrade yours, take a look at my recommendations here: Buying A Digital Multimeter For Automotive Diagnostic Testing.
OK, let's get started:
- 1
Disconnect the blower motor resistor from its connector and remove it from its location.
- 2
Visually inspect the blower motor resistor block and connector for burn damage and severe corrosion.
If the blower resistor block and connector have any heat damage (in other words: burns or are melted), you can stop here and conclude they're bad and need to be replaced. - 3
Place your multimeter in Ohms mode.
- 4
Check for continuity across two terminals at a time. Continuity should be present between all terminals.
NOTE: If continuity DOES NOT exist between 2 terminals, your multimeter will display the letters OL (Open Loop).
Let's take a look at what your test results mean:
CASE 1: Continuity exists between all the blower motor resistor terminals. This is the correct test result and confirms that the blower motor resistor assembly is OK.
CASE 2: Continuity DOES NOT exist between some of the blower motor resistor terminals. This test result tells you that the blower motor resistor assembly is bad and needs to be replaced.
You can find my recommendations, on where to buy the blower motor resistor assembly, here: Where To Buy The Blower Motor Resistor.
