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Blower Motor bad - not resistor?!
August 3rd, 2011, 1:49 PM
#1
CF Beginner
Thread Starter
Blower Motor bad - not resistor?!
I have searched the forum and cannot find anything similar...
In the last few days I have noticed a burning smell when my blower was set on 4 or 5. So, I have been running at no more than 3 with no problems until today.
Earlier I got in my truck the motor would not come on at all. Then all of a sudden it came on and ran fine. Stopped in the store, came back out and now it is completely dead. I'm not surprised, but wondering where the motor is and how to change it.
I have changed resistor packs on 2 Trailblazers, but this issue seems different to me.
Also, I heard there might be a Service Bulletin out on this. Anyone know anything about that? Does it apply to Trailblazers also if there is one?
Oops... Specifics: 5.3L V8, 2 wheel drive...
Thanks,
Chuck
In the last few days I have noticed a burning smell when my blower was set on 4 or 5. So, I have been running at no more than 3 with no problems until today.
Earlier I got in my truck the motor would not come on at all. Then all of a sudden it came on and ran fine. Stopped in the store, came back out and now it is completely dead. I'm not surprised, but wondering where the motor is and how to change it.
I have changed resistor packs on 2 Trailblazers, but this issue seems different to me.
Also, I heard there might be a Service Bulletin out on this. Anyone know anything about that? Does it apply to Trailblazers also if there is one?
Oops... Specifics: 5.3L V8, 2 wheel drive...
Thanks,
Chuck
Last edited by cbenslay; August 3rd, 2011 at 1:56 PM. Reason: additional info
August 3rd, 2011, 3:52 PM
#2
CF Beginner
Thread Starter
It is the resistor!
Well, I have to correct myself. I tore into it and it is the resistor and the connector.
The black "E" wire was melted and the connector was fused together. Chevy has a problem here...
I have pictures and video if anyone is interested.
Thanks,
Chuck
The black "E" wire was melted and the connector was fused together. Chevy has a problem here...
I have pictures and video if anyone is interested.
Thanks,
Chuck
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Hornepayne1991 (March 21st, 2023)
August 3rd, 2011, 8:55 PM
#5
Super Moderator
Professional Mechanic
Professional Mechanic
SPECIAL COVERAGE
Bulletin No.: 11046
Date: April 07, 2011
Subject: 11046 - Special Coverage Adjustment - Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Blower Not Fully Functional on All Blower Speeds, Inoperative, or Runs Continuously with the Ignition Off
Models:
2003-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe
2003-2007 Chevrolet Silverado
2003-2006 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL
2003-2007 GMC Sierra
Equipped with Manual HVAC (CJ3) or Heavy Duty Heater (C42)
Due to part availability, owner letters will be released in phases starting with older model year first. Owners for model year vehicles not included in first phase owner mailing will receive an owner advisory letter.
The letter will inform the customer that parts are not yet available and that another letter will be sent to them when parts become available. A copy of this letter will be attached to the dealer message announcing this bulletin.
In the meantime, if a customer brings their vehicle to the dealership with the condition described in this bulletin, repair the vehicle using the parts called out in this bulletin.
Condition
On some 2003-2006 model year Chevrolet Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe; GMC Yukon, Yukon XL; and 2003-2007 model year Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles equipped with a manual heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system (CJ3) or heavy duty heater (C42), the interface between the electrical terminals of the relay resistor module and the wiring connector that powers the module may be incapable of conducting higher current levels for sustained periods of blower motor operation. In addition, moisture and other contaminants may enter the fresh air intake plenum and contact the internal circuit of the module or corrode the terminals. Either of the above may cause the relay resistor module or wiring connector to overheat, resulting in one or more of the following symptoms:
- The HVAC blower may not function on certain or all blower speed settings
- A burning plastic smell or smoke may be present in the vehicle
- The HVAC blower may run continually with the ignition in the OFF position
In very rare events, if the above symptoms are ignored, a fire could occur.
Special Coverage Adjustment
This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 240,000 km, whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership.
Dealers are to install a new blower motor resistor and resistor module connector. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.
For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after April 8, 2011 are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to April 8, 2011 must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.
Vehicles Involved
Involved are certain 2003-2006 model year Chevrolet Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe; GMC Yukon, Yukon XL; and 2003-2007 model year Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles equipped with a manual HVAC (CJ3) or heavy duty heater (C42).
Important
Dealers are to confirm vehicle eligibility prior to beginning repairs by using the Applicable Warranties section in the Global Warranty Management system.
Parts Information
Parts required to complete this special coverage are to be obtained from General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales (GMCC&A).
Service Procedure
Note
The resistor module connector and blower motor resistor will need to be replaced if one or more of the symptoms below is present.- The HVAC blower may not function on certain or all blower speed settings
- A burning plastic smell or smoke may be present in the vehicle
- The HVAC blower may run continually with the ignition in the OFF position
Determine if one or more of the above symptoms is present. If required refer to HVAC diagnostic information in SI. Refer to Resistor Module Connector and Blower Motor Resistor Replacement in this bulletin if one or more of the symptoms is present. Other HVAC repairs are NOT covered in this product safety special coverage bulletin.
Resistor Module Connector and Blower Motor Resistor Replacement 1. Remove the blower fuses (Htr A/C & HVAC 1 fuses).
2. Lower the close-out panel enough to gain access to the resistor module connector.
3. Disconnect the connector from the resistor module.
Note
Connector replacement is required even if the connector was replaced on a previous service repair.
4. Remove the tape from the wiring harness to expose the wiring.
5. Cut the wires back far enough from the connector to eliminate any melted insulation on the wire.
Note
Use the old connector as a map for splicing the wires for the new connector. Be sure to use the correct crimping tool from the terminal repair kit J 38125. Use only Duraseal splice sleeves. Other splice sleeves may not protect the splice from moisture or provide a good electrical connection.
6. Install the new connector. Use the yellow splice sleeves provided with the connector.
7. Install the new blower motor resistor.
8. Reinstall the fuses. Test the blower motor to make sure all speeds are functional.
9. Reinstall the hush panel/close-out panel.
Customer Reimbursement
Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct the condition described in this bulletin are to be submitted to the dealer prior to or by December 31, 2012. Repairs must have occurred within the 10 years of the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, or 240,000 kilometres, whichever occurs first.
When a customer requests reimbursement, they must provide the following:
- Proof of ownership at time of repair.
- Original paid receipt confirming the amount of unreimbursed repair expense(s) (including Service Contract deductibles), a description of the repair, and the person or entity performing the repair.
If the work was done by someone other than a GM dealership, the amount of reimbursement will be limited to the amount that the repair would have cost GM to have it completed by a GM dealership.
Courtesy Transportation
The General Motors Courtesy Transportation program is intended to minimize customer inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranties. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within the warranty coverage period and involved in a product program is very important in maintaining customer satisfaction. Dealers are to ensure that these customers understand that shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be provided at no charge. Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for Courtesy Transportation guidelines.
Warranty Transaction Information
Submit a transaction using the table below.
Bulletin No.: 11046
Date: April 07, 2011
Subject: 11046 - Special Coverage Adjustment - Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Blower Not Fully Functional on All Blower Speeds, Inoperative, or Runs Continuously with the Ignition Off
Models:
2003-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe
2003-2007 Chevrolet Silverado
2003-2006 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL
2003-2007 GMC Sierra
Equipped with Manual HVAC (CJ3) or Heavy Duty Heater (C42)
Due to part availability, owner letters will be released in phases starting with older model year first. Owners for model year vehicles not included in first phase owner mailing will receive an owner advisory letter.
The letter will inform the customer that parts are not yet available and that another letter will be sent to them when parts become available. A copy of this letter will be attached to the dealer message announcing this bulletin.
In the meantime, if a customer brings their vehicle to the dealership with the condition described in this bulletin, repair the vehicle using the parts called out in this bulletin.
Condition
On some 2003-2006 model year Chevrolet Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe; GMC Yukon, Yukon XL; and 2003-2007 model year Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles equipped with a manual heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system (CJ3) or heavy duty heater (C42), the interface between the electrical terminals of the relay resistor module and the wiring connector that powers the module may be incapable of conducting higher current levels for sustained periods of blower motor operation. In addition, moisture and other contaminants may enter the fresh air intake plenum and contact the internal circuit of the module or corrode the terminals. Either of the above may cause the relay resistor module or wiring connector to overheat, resulting in one or more of the following symptoms:
- The HVAC blower may not function on certain or all blower speed settings
- A burning plastic smell or smoke may be present in the vehicle
- The HVAC blower may run continually with the ignition in the OFF position
In very rare events, if the above symptoms are ignored, a fire could occur.
Special Coverage Adjustment
This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 240,000 km, whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership.
Dealers are to install a new blower motor resistor and resistor module connector. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.
For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after April 8, 2011 are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to April 8, 2011 must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.
Vehicles Involved
Involved are certain 2003-2006 model year Chevrolet Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe; GMC Yukon, Yukon XL; and 2003-2007 model year Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles equipped with a manual HVAC (CJ3) or heavy duty heater (C42).
Important
Dealers are to confirm vehicle eligibility prior to beginning repairs by using the Applicable Warranties section in the Global Warranty Management system.
Parts Information
Parts required to complete this special coverage are to be obtained from General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales (GMCC&A).
Service Procedure
Note
The resistor module connector and blower motor resistor will need to be replaced if one or more of the symptoms below is present.- The HVAC blower may not function on certain or all blower speed settings
- A burning plastic smell or smoke may be present in the vehicle
- The HVAC blower may run continually with the ignition in the OFF position
Determine if one or more of the above symptoms is present. If required refer to HVAC diagnostic information in SI. Refer to Resistor Module Connector and Blower Motor Resistor Replacement in this bulletin if one or more of the symptoms is present. Other HVAC repairs are NOT covered in this product safety special coverage bulletin.
Resistor Module Connector and Blower Motor Resistor Replacement 1. Remove the blower fuses (Htr A/C & HVAC 1 fuses).
2. Lower the close-out panel enough to gain access to the resistor module connector.
3. Disconnect the connector from the resistor module.
Note
Connector replacement is required even if the connector was replaced on a previous service repair.
4. Remove the tape from the wiring harness to expose the wiring.
5. Cut the wires back far enough from the connector to eliminate any melted insulation on the wire.
Note
Use the old connector as a map for splicing the wires for the new connector. Be sure to use the correct crimping tool from the terminal repair kit J 38125. Use only Duraseal splice sleeves. Other splice sleeves may not protect the splice from moisture or provide a good electrical connection.
6. Install the new connector. Use the yellow splice sleeves provided with the connector.
7. Install the new blower motor resistor.
8. Reinstall the fuses. Test the blower motor to make sure all speeds are functional.
9. Reinstall the hush panel/close-out panel.
Customer Reimbursement
Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct the condition described in this bulletin are to be submitted to the dealer prior to or by December 31, 2012. Repairs must have occurred within the 10 years of the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, or 240,000 kilometres, whichever occurs first.
When a customer requests reimbursement, they must provide the following:
- Proof of ownership at time of repair.
- Original paid receipt confirming the amount of unreimbursed repair expense(s) (including Service Contract deductibles), a description of the repair, and the person or entity performing the repair.
If the work was done by someone other than a GM dealership, the amount of reimbursement will be limited to the amount that the repair would have cost GM to have it completed by a GM dealership.
Courtesy Transportation
The General Motors Courtesy Transportation program is intended to minimize customer inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranties. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within the warranty coverage period and involved in a product program is very important in maintaining customer satisfaction. Dealers are to ensure that these customers understand that shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be provided at no charge. Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for Courtesy Transportation guidelines.
Warranty Transaction Information
Submit a transaction using the table below.
August 4th, 2011, 2:26 PM
#7
CF Beginner
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: San Diego
Posts: 9
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Myself and a guy I work with had the same problem, I may have just hit the ten year limit for the message but he has an '05 and didn't know about this message...let me be the first to say that if you have the dual climate control with digital display, expect to pay $135 for the resister, if you just have a selector switch like myself... $26 at autozone.
Trending Topics
August 4th, 2011, 8:04 PM
#8
CF Beginner
Thread Starter
Thanks!
Thanks for the Service Bulletin info! I could not find anything specific last night, but I heard there was one.
I am glad to hear I can get reimbursed for my parts from Autozone at least. I wonder if they will pay me for my time?!
Chuck
I am glad to hear I can get reimbursed for my parts from Autozone at least. I wonder if they will pay me for my time?!
Chuck
August 6th, 2011, 8:40 AM
#10
CF Beginner
Thread Starter
Interesting because my 2005 Trailblazer had the exact same problem and I fixed it a year or so ago. I notice it is NOT on the list. My connector was melted as bad if not worse on it than on my truck...
Bulletin No.: 11046
Date: April 07, 2011
Subject: 11046 - Special Coverage Adjustment - Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Blower Not Fully Functional on All Blower Speeds, Inoperative, or Runs Continuously with the Ignition Off
Models:
2003-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe
2003-2007 ChevroletSilverado
2003-2006 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL
2003-2007 GMC Sierra
Equipped with Manual HVAC (CJ3) or Heavy Duty Heater (C42)
Bulletin No.: 11046
Date: April 07, 2011
Subject: 11046 - Special Coverage Adjustment - Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Blower Not Fully Functional on All Blower Speeds, Inoperative, or Runs Continuously with the Ignition Off
Models:
2003-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe
2003-2007 ChevroletSilverado
2003-2006 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL
2003-2007 GMC Sierra
Equipped with Manual HVAC (CJ3) or Heavy Duty Heater (C42)
