Blower Resistor

kdog_x · 01-30-2019, 09:50 PM

So, went to start the car today. Indicator reads -18 degrees. It took a good 25 seconds to come to life, but amazingly started. Only issue us, now the heat only works on low. Guess the low voltage start damaged the bimmers overly sensitive electronics.

Defrost still kicks on high. All other settings the fan stays on lowest speed. Stepper motors work and change zones. It looks like they have a regulator now instead of what I usually see called a resistor. Any idea if there's a fuse I can check, or should I just get a new regulator / resistor? It was too cold to mess with fuses, but may take a peek tomorrow when we warm up to a balmy 0 degrees, if anyone knows where the likely fuse would be located? Any help much appreciated!

kdog_x · 01-31-2019, 07:18 AM

Well, I pulled the car in the garage and left my little heater on overnight with the battery tender going. Got up this morning and everything is working as expected. Must have been a fluke.

Went to check the oil catch can, seems like I caught a few ounces of water in the last couple thousand miles... could be related to the deep freeze. Not sure.

rbreding · 01-31-2019, 08:25 AM

Where do you have your can mounted?

kdog_x · 01-31-2019, 09:30 AM

Drivers side of the bay

Enabled · 01-31-2019, 07:39 PM

For completion's sake, the blower resistor (N2) is right under the blower motor, next to the cabin filter.

It can malfunction with low voltage, or extreme temps can cause the built in sensor to reduce output.

kdog_x · 02-01-2019, 08:13 AM

Nothing like a heater component that doesn't like to work in cold weather lol. At least it's easy enough to get to if it needs changing. I get the feeling giving it a few minutes with a hair dryer could also do the trick if it's frozen. Usually on my old 'merican cars you needed to kick the lower dash panel in just the right spot!

01-30-2019, 09:50 PM	#1
kdog_x First Lieutenant 197 Rep 368 Posts Drives: 14 328d Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	So, went to start the car today. Indicator reads -18 degrees. It took a good 25 seconds to come to life, but amazingly started. Only issue us, now the heat only works on low. Guess the low voltage start damaged the bimmers overly sensitive electronics. Defrost still kicks on high. All other settings the fan stays on lowest speed. Stepper motors work and change zones. It looks like they have a regulator now instead of what I usually see called a resistor. Any idea if there's a fuse I can check, or should I just get a new regulator / resistor? It was too cold to mess with fuses, but may take a peek tomorrow when we warm up to a balmy 0 degrees, if anyone knows where the likely fuse would be located? Any help much appreciated!
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01-31-2019, 07:18 AM	#2
kdog_x First Lieutenant 197 Rep 368 Posts Drives: 14 328d Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Well, I pulled the car in the garage and left my little heater on overnight with the battery tender going. Got up this morning and everything is working as expected. Must have been a fluke. Went to check the oil catch can, seems like I caught a few ounces of water in the last couple thousand miles... could be related to the deep freeze. Not sure. Attached Images
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01-31-2019, 08:25 AM	#3
rbreding Second Lieutenant 54 Rep 238 Posts Drives: 328d, 335d, x5d Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: OKC iTrader: (0)	Where do you have your can mounted?
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01-31-2019, 09:30 AM	#4
kdog_x First Lieutenant 197 Rep 368 Posts Drives: 14 328d Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Drivers side of the bay Attached Images
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01-31-2019, 07:39 PM	#5
Enabled Lieutenant Colonel 1410 Rep 1,803 Posts Drives: 328xd Wagon, M2 Competition Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	For completion's sake, the blower resistor (N2) is right under the blower motor, next to the cabin filter. It can malfunction with low voltage, or extreme temps can cause the built in sensor to reduce output. Attached Images __________________ -2014 328d Wagon, 8HP. Self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs. -2019 M2 Competition MT, Alpine White. Self-tuned 560hp -2016 Mini Cooper S, MT. Many plans. Others: -E36 328is. 2000 Z3 Roady. 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual. Estoril Z3M Coupe.
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02-01-2019, 08:13 AM	#6
kdog_x First Lieutenant 197 Rep 368 Posts Drives: 14 328d Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Nothing like a heater component that doesn't like to work in cold weather lol. At least it's easy enough to get to if it needs changing. I get the feeling giving it a few minutes with a hair dryer could also do the trick if it's frozen. Usually on my old 'merican cars you needed to kick the lower dash panel in just the right spot!
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