Which to replace - Resistor or Blower Motor ?

[sagescribbler]

I have read SO many forum threads about the issue i'm having with my 2004 Pontiac Vibe.

The blower on the AC/Heater has been off and on for quite a few months. For several months, i have been persuading it to kick on by riding pretty hard and fast over speed bumps. The jolt would always kick it back on until the next time i shut off the engine. But recently, this method has stopped working. And i'm trying to decide whether to replace the resistor or the blower motor or both?

Can y'all give me some advice?

[gtv237]

It is definitely the motor. There are dead spots in the windings on the dc motor. That is why sometimes it wouldn't start but if you could skip it past the dead spot it will come on. And of course the momentum of running jumps over the dead spots.

The resistor just allows it to change speeds. Like if it worked on 1 and 2 but not 3 or 4. Then it would most likely be the resistor.

[BWCAVibe]

second GTV's comment...my '04 GT had the resistor go out first...the "failsafe" I think is on high all the time. The blower went about a year later...I could tap under the dash/glove box for a while to get it to come on, but that eventually stopped working...both easy repairs.

[sagescribbler]

OK. So when i replace the blower, you think the existing resistor will be fine? Or are they all one piece? (I haven't actually looked in there yet.)

[gtv237]

The resistor is separate. The blower will be large, round and have 3 screws. The resistor is small, square and only has two screws. They both mount on the bottom of the blower housing behind the glovebox.

[sagescribbler]

Thank you very much!