318i - problem with interior heat

N

ninjagaiden

Guest
#1
#1
Hi
This is my first post.
I'm hoping someone could suggest a solution to a problem I have with my 1992 318i. I recently got a new radiator installed (old one leaked). Everything worked well for a few days, but now my heat doesn't work properly. The fan blows hot air as usual, but only on the highest setting (the car has manual dials). On all the other settings, it doesn't blow at all. Could this related to my new rad?

TIA,
Andrzej
 
K

Kenny2g

Member
#2
Messages
306
Likes
0
Location
Detroit, MI
#2
I'll say no. It probably has to do with your nobs.
I have a 92" 325I and mine just doesn't blow sometimes i start the car. It then starts blowing minutes after i've drove off or if i hit a small or big pot-hole.
 
C

CTBMW

Member
#4
Messages
247
Likes
0
Location
S.E. CT.
#4
Just curious, does fan work at lower speeds?
Why the he*l does it only blow heat at high speed? That question is driving me nuts!
I just want to confirm that fan blows air at all speeds, but only warm air at high speed.
-Mel
 
P

purple_sunfire

New Member
#5
Messages
6
Likes
0
Location
Edmonton, Canada
#5
Sorry, I wasn't too clear on that.

My post should have said:
The fan only works on the highest setting. It blows cold or hot air as usual, but it only works for that specific setting. On any other setting, the fan doesn't turn on at all.




Regards,
Andrzej
 
3

325ic Convert

New Member
#7
Messages
3
Likes
0
Location
Texas
#7
It is the blower resistor at fault

if your blower will only blow air at high speed (no air at number 1,2 or 3 only on number 4) then it is your blower resistor that you need to change. It is an easy job to do. It will probably cost you $30-35 dollars at dealership for the part.
 
C

CTBMW

Member
#8
Messages
247
Likes
0
Location
S.E. CT.
#8
That "why the hell " thing was aimed at ME, MY mind trying to figure out why. NOT you.
Can't be fuse or there'd be no electricity. Fan motor can't be on the way out or almost nothing would come out. (except on high-maybe?)
I give up!
Let us know what you find out, good luck,
-Mel
 
P

purple_sunfire

New Member
#10
Messages
6
Likes
0
Location
Edmonton, Canada
#10
I checked the fuses and they're all fine. Based on the suggestions and some more research, I got a new blower resistor from the dealer, and I'm hoping I'll have some time to install this weekend. I will post the results.

Thanks to everyone for the help
and Merry Christmas!

Andrzej
ps. Andrzej = pl
 
E

eoin

New Member
#14
Messages
3
Likes
0
Location
Ireland
#14
I hope you didn't pay too much for the resistor!

I had the same problem recently in my 92 car. It only worked at the no.4 setting, but not the lower ones. Then it stopped ltogether for a while.

I removed the motor myself and found that one of the wired connecting the brushes in the motor was damaged. The wire was rubbing against the motor itself and was getting worh down to a thin thread.

I merely soldered the the wire and moved it away from the rotating part of the motor.

So if the problem arises again - as it may do if the wire is getting worn (as removing it to replace the resistor could temporarily cause the connection to improve), DON'T go to the main dealer - either remove the motor and have a look yourself, or take it to a local auto electrician.

My dealer wanted over €200 for a new motor and €150 to install it. It cost me nothing to fix it myself, only 3 hours of my time!
 
B

BimmerDave

New Member
#15
Messages
4
Likes
0
Location
Windsor Ontario
#15
Location of Resistor?

I have the same symptoms on my E36 325i, blower motor only works on hight setting, not 1,2 or 3, only 4.

I eliminated a faulty knob by jumping the pins of the wiring plug for the level adjustment knob, getting the same result (only worked when I jumped the #4 level pin to ground, but none others).

The local dealer also suggested that it was a faulty blower resistor unit (about $35). It arrived today, but the dealer was not sure as to the exact location of the resistor.

Where is the location of the resistor so that I can replace the faulty one with my new one?

I'm also really tired of going from full heat to none ever 3 minutes.

Can anyone who has already replaced their blower motor resistor pack tell me where it's located and what the best way to "get at it" is?

Thanks a ton in advance.
 
B

BimmerDave

New Member
#16
Messages
4
Likes
0
Location
Windsor Ontario
#16
Done and Done

Got the part from the dealer, along with a short description of it's location.
Just above and inboard of the top of the gas pedal, in a black plastic sleeve housing.

Replaced the blower resistor, and sure enough, it works on all 4 settings now, so I'm over joyed. I was a little upset at the price ($46 canadian) for this little set of 3 resistors, and a plug. It looks like 3 cents of injection moulded plastic and another 10 cents of resistors from radio shack. Talk about mark up.


At least I'm not going from off to full blast for my blower any more.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.


Top