what is the difference between a blower motor and a blower motor resistor?

Question

For instance, is the resistor a part of the motor? A few weeks ago, the #2 position of my car heater/AC fan stopped working...the #3 position stopped. A mechanic said that my blower motor probably needed to be replaced. I didn't get it done at that time. Then, during an afteroon drive a few weeks later, I smelled a horrible electrical/burning smell coming from my car for about 1/2 hour while driving. I was told that it was probably the resistor burning out. In looking online for a price for a blower motor replacement, I found that a price was also offered for replacing the resistor (and that was higher). So will I need both repairs - or just a replacement on the blower motor?

Update:

Just to add...the only speed that works now is high. Am I right to avoid using it though? I'm assuming more use could damage it further? Thank goodness its autumn!!

Update 2:

Sorry - didn't think to include car details - 2009 Ford Escape.

Update 3:

FYI: This car has 40000 miles - it is no longer under warranty. Believe me - I KNOW when to bring it to the dealership...

Mike · Accepted Answer

You don't need to stop using it, it is setup to allow only a certain amount of current through in the first two setting and the full power setting has no resistance. Full power is just a regular wire with no resistor on it. 

If you want a diagram of how it works and what the insides do I could send it to you.
The resistor is right behind the glove box door, if you were to open the door to the fully open position it would be right there with nothing blocking it and it is held in by 2 screws. The resistor is usually only $25 and the repair cost shouldn't be more than a half hour labor rate. 

But like other people said, if it is under warranty get it for free.

Any other questions email me at kormanmike@yahoo.com

? · Answer

Motor Blower Resistor

Two Lane. · Answer

Without knowing the Year Make and Model of your car, I would buy both. The Resistor is separate and is the reason it stopped working on different speed's, but the Blower Motor is the part that requires the power to spin and is the component that ultimately creates the heat in the wiring by pulling too much amperage when it's bad and frying the resistor.

? · Answer

It would help to know what you're driving, year make model?  Does blower work on high? If not possible blower bad. Did you check fuse for fan?  It's also possible that you have leaves in fan housing, which can burn and give off smell.  Usually when fan won't work on lower speeds in can be  resistor which takes more time to replace. With info could be either. e-mail me if you wish

Hsiang T · Answer

2009 model

This sounds like a defect that should be covered under warranty! 
Why don't you go back to Ford and get it fixed for free?  Take some time and find anything else that is not right and get that fixed at the same time (as well as any TSB/recall work).

You are wasting your own money by going to an independent mechanic.  Also an honest mechanic would have told you to get it repaired under warranty as well

sykho · Answer

It works with the high speed, A/C blower seems ok, I assumed. As resistor aline the fan speed thrown out. Just remove and unplug on the blower, the coil element on the resistant must be fused. Good luck and all the best.

mdk68gto, ase certified m tech · Answer

the resistor trio cuts the power to the fan motor to give you  the three speeds. they are two different parts. the mechanic was a fool and misdiagnosed the issue. if the fan works with the resistor trio bridged (bypassed) then replace the trio. if it does not replace the fan.

? · Answer

replace the resister. it's a simple job once you find it. See a Chilton's manual for location.

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what is the difference between a blower motor and a blower motor resistor?

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