1999 Kia Sportage Blower Motor Only Works on High

EXCOACH

MEMBER
1999 KIA SPORTAGE
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
62,000 MILES

The blower motor only blows air when the control is on the highest setting. It appears the blower motor needs to be replaced. Where is this located? Do need to tear into the dash to get to the motor? Anything I need to consider before starting this project?

1 Reply

DAVE H

MECHANIC
13,383 POSTS

Blower motor speed is controlled by the blower switch and resistor assembly in the blower unit. When blower switch is in the OFF position, the motor ground circuit is open and the blower motor does not operate.
When switch is in the first position, current flow from the blower motor is restricted by the 4 resistors in the resistor assembly, and the blower operates at a low speed. Changing blower switch to the second, third or fourth positions causes the circuit resistance to decrease, and the blower motor speed increases

Blower Motor ResistorOn blower motor housing.

BLOWER MOTOR ASSEMBLY
Removal
Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect positive battery cable and remove battery. Remove blower motor assembly drain hose. Remove glove box. Remove 5 screws holding right instrument panel lower trim panel and remove panel. Remove center console upper side cover to gain access to instrument panel lower support. Remove instrument panel lower support. Disconnect fresh/recirculated air cable from inlet duct bellcrank.
Disconnect blower motor assembly electrical connectors. Pull passenger-side carpet away from floor board to gain access to firewall cover. Remove firewall cover under passenger-side floor carpet. Remove 2 top bolts and 2 bottom nuts securing blower motor assembly to bulkhead. Remove blower motor assembly.