Hi,
I have an 04 Dodge Dakota and had replaced the heater motor resistor after a a meltdown back in April. Well the cold weather is here and I don't have heat again. I guess it melted down again. My question is is this a common problem? And if so how can I prevent it from happening again? Thanks!
-Laura

 

Hi Laura,

Yes, it is common. Usually what happen is that the connector overheats. It could be from a blower motor drawing too much current or the connector can loosen up over time. Once it overheats it destroys the resistor. Someone then changes the resistor but doesn't inspect the connector for heat damage and the problem reoccurs.

You can get a replacement harness to replace the damaged connector. Check the amp draw on the blower motor too.

 

Thanks Dan. It's very annoying for sure. Can you list all the parts that should be replaced (I am still new at car repairs but learning) thanks!

 

Is it not blowing, or does it blow, but it's cold air it's blowing?

If not blowing, then the list may include some to all of the following:

Blower Motor
Blower Motor Resistor or Speed Control Module
HVAC Blower Motor Resistor Connector (RockAuto lists them as "Blower Motor Connector" which is wrong.)
Blower Motor Connector (yah, didn't have it on RockAuto for a 2004.)

If, however, it blows good, but it's cold, then the solution is:

Reverse flush the heater core and check the heater blend door actuator.

If it's barely blowing and it's cold, then do both *grins*

BTW - If you're doing it yourself, two things I think you need - 1) The Factory Service Manual (oh, hey, there's links to the PDFs of them here on the forum!), and 2) A link to RockAuto ( www.rockauto.com ) for a source of parts. Do be aware, you DO have to perform reasonable care on the selection of the parts - they'll sell you the cheap chinee crap as well as the well built chinese parts

RwP

 

The repair harness is p/n: 5017124AB, just Google it.
The resistor you can get at any parts store.

Do check the amp draw. It should run about 17-18 amps on high. If it's higher, change the motor.

I moved this into a new thread.