The Chevrolet Astro Van, a rear-wheel drive minivan, hit showrooms in 1985 as a competitor to the Dodge Caravan. The 1998 Astro Van came standard with a 4.3-liter V-6 that cranked out 190 horsepower. Air-conditioning also came standard in the 1998 Astro Van, which used a small resistor to control the blower fan speed.
Symptoms of a Failed Blower Motor Resistor
One of the most common symptoms of a failed blower motor resistor is that the blower motor works on only one speed setting -- typically high. Another common symptom is the fan won't work at all. Keep in mind that other failures can create these symptoms, so perform pinpoint testing prior to replacing your 1998 Astro Vans blower motor resistor.
Causes of Blower Motor Resistor Failure
As your Astro Van ages, all of the seals and gaskets that Chevy designed to keep moisture out start letting small amounts of moisture in. Over time, moisture can get into the circuitry of the blower motor resistor and oxidize it, creating this failure. Other, less common issues that can cause the blower motor resistor to fail, include short circuits in your Astro Van's wiring or a defective resistor.
Removing the Blower Motor Resistor
Open the Astro Vans hood and find the climate control box on the passengers side of the firewall. Look just below the blower motor and find the blower motor resistor. Trace the blower motor resistors wiring upward until you meet where it plugs into the receptacle in the blower motor. Press and hold the unlocking tab on the resistors wiring harness, and unplug it. Press and hold the unlocking button on the harness plugged into the resistor, and unplug the harness. Remove the two screws retaining the blower motor resistor with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the blower motor resistor from the climate control box.
Installing the Blower Motor Resistor
Guide the blower motor resistor into its hole in the climate control box and tighten its two retaining screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Plug the Astro Vans wiring harness into the receptacle in the resistor, then plug the resistors wiring harness into the receptacle on the blower motor. Finish up the task by closing the Astros hood and discarding the old blower motor resistor.
