DIY Blowser Regulator Replacement and Diagnosis...
Hello,
I sure this topic has been covered but I just replaced mine today and had a little spare time to document this simple repair. It's a 10-15 minute job if you take your time, so simple a caveman can DO IT! I am not an expert but discovered this worked wonders for my car's A/C!
I got my blower regulator off eBay for $75 with a supposedly German OEM supplier: Hamburg Technic. I called stealership and they quoted $292 and $399 for two brands. I didn't ask but assume it's Bosch or equivalent. Autohaus has German name brands for ~$170-230 so I took a chance with eBay...
Tools needed: Philips screwdriver #2 and Torx-20 driver. That's it!
Symptoms: very weak air flow especially though out the day in Dallas, TX heat. I noticed air flow getting weaker in a period of a month. So I broke out my Fluke DVM and only measured 2-3VDC across the blower terminals. If your press REST on the climate controls for 10sec. you get into the diagnostic mode. I pressed the left AUTO button to cycle up to step 10 then adjusted (+-) fan buttons. On MAX, I only measured 4VDC. First start up in the morning yielded me 7VDC but still didn't flow a lot. When I commanded 1 or 2 bars (MIN), I got a whopping 1VDC.
So below are the snapshots with comments, hopefully I covered everything and didn't leave out anything critical...
Finals comments: I believe the former owner must have replaced the regulator since it's a BEHR made in France and had thermal paste applied sloppily all over the place. I recommend using bare minimum. Notice how some paste was over applied to the bottom heatsink with no contact to the blower housing thus acting as an insulator.
If this lasts a few years, I'll be happy vs. $399...the amount of air being moved in the passenger cabin is like a sh*t storm...WOW...no need to block off the back and passenger side vents anymore to get airflow.
This repair is an extremely welcome need in my part of the woods!
Well, the eBay source Hamburg Technic regulator failed 100% and left me with absolutely no airflow during stop and go on the highway, 105F yesterday. Sucked big time so I ordered a KAE version from Autohaus...
The eBay source is offering to send a replacement but I'm not so sure anymore about these no name fan regulators. $75 makes it too attractive...(*&^&$@
My old BEHR still works but low speed is all it's got...
Well, the eBay source Hamburg Technic regulator failed 100% and left me with absolutely no airflow during stop and go on the highway, 105F yesterday. Sucked big time so I ordered a KAE version from Autohaus...
The eBay source is offering to send a replacement but I'm not so sure anymore about these no name fan regulators. $75 makes it too attractive...(*&^&$@
My old BEHR still works but low speed is all it's got...
Hi MOS500,
Thanks a million for the pics and process notes. I need to replace my blower regulator, too. I already replaced the In-Dash control module for the Heater/AC... still no fan response - so blower regulator is next step.
I was also going to pickup the parts on eBay. Are you sure, yet, that it was the eBay part? Where do you recommend we get the Fan Regulator and Thermal Paste?
That was faster then expected usually they last up to 2 month.
Behr is not a french company but the OEM part for Mercedes,you can find sometimes one on Ebay ,I just bought a new one for $150 otherwise the dealer price is $250 but worth the money.
How I know,I tried twice one of the cheaper ones all from Germany they all didn't last.
I just saw you ordered the KAE,it's made in Berlin Germany it lasted 2 month .
My indy warned me before I bought it but I wanted to save money.
That was faster then expected usually they last up to 2 month.
Behr is not a french company but the OEM part for Mercedes,you can find sometimes one on Ebay ,I just bought a new one for $150 otherwise the dealer price is $250 but worth the money.
How I know,I tried twice one of the cheaper ones all from Germany they all didn't last.
I just saw you ordered the KAE,it's made in Berlin Germany it lasted 2 month .
My indy warned me before I bought it but I wanted to save money.
Good luck let us know
Ulf
Well, my BEHR unit sounds German but the sticker says Made in France. I just got my KAE version from Autohaus and it has "very efficient" copper based paste instead of the white thermal paste. It is already applied so you just have to mush it down. It also comes with a blue cloth to wipe down (polish) the blower housing heatsink. Hopefully this one will last a while. I found no less than 5 versions available: BEHR, KAE, Bosch, Genuine, and Hamburg Technic. I personally think there are only 2 versions based on the footprint and housing. Typically, one or two major suppliers with different stickers. AllPartsExpress - quality automotive parts for less!
That was faster then expected usually they last up to 2 month.
Behr is not a french company but the OEM part for Mercedes,you can find sometimes one on Ebay ,I just bought a new one for $150 otherwise the dealer price is $250 but worth the money.
How I know,I tried twice one of the cheaper ones all from Germany they all didn't last.
I just saw you ordered the KAE,it's made in Berlin Germany it lasted 2 month .
My indy warned me before I bought it but I wanted to save money.
Good luck let us know
Ulf
Well, my BEHR unit sounds German but the sticker says Made in France. I just got my KAE version from Autohaus and it has "very efficient" copper based paste instead of the white thermal paste. It is already applied so you just have to mush it down. It also comes with a blue cloth to wipe down (polish) the blower housing heatsink. Hopefully this one will last a while. I found no less than 5 versions available: BEHR, KAE, Bosch, Genuine, and Hamburg Technic. I personally think there are only 2 versions based on the footprint and housing. Typically, one or two major suppliers with different stickers.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Linear Mode
