After searching it look like what has happened to my fan has happened to others mostly when using their A/C. So first I just want to make sure you all think this is the same problem.
A few weeks back I noticed about every third time I would turn on my car, my fan would not come on right away or would start up later on after driving a bit. Now the fan will not come on when the AC is on, the heat, the defrost or anything. However the heating and cooling themselves seem to be working. Does this indeed sound like the vent fan failure? Do I need the final stage unit? Does anyone have the part number for it and approximate cost?
Finally I found this DIY link posted by board member rassi. Has anyone actually done this repair? How hard was it (ok confess here please )? How much time did it take?
Thank you!
Anita
__________________
"When will I know that I really can't go
To the well once more time to decide on
When it's killing me, when will I really see
All that I need to look inside
Come to believe that I better not leave
Before I get my chance to ride" RHCP "Snow"
The Following User Says Thank You to Anita For This Useful Post:
I did it. It took me 15 minutes to change that resistor ! piece of Cake. If you are ever in the Northern Chicago Burbs, I can do it for you. The key is to make sure you are ready with some small hands or get ready to scratch them.
I was at the dealer last week, and a lady had the same problem, and they quoted her $375 ! I just cracked up, cause I paid something like $80 for the part and 15 minutes of my time
Thanks so much--both for your info and your most generous offer!! Yeah, I think my dealer was saying it would be about $200, but that wasn't an actual quote. That's the thing I forget going from having everything covered by warranty ormaintenence, then having to switch back to out of pocket--Ouch and Be Careful Once Again!
__________________
"When will I know that I really can't go
To the well once more time to decide on
When it's killing me, when will I really see
All that I need to look inside
Come to believe that I better not leave
Before I get my chance to ride" RHCP "Snow"
I was at the dealer last week, and a lady had the same problem, and they quoted her $375 ! I just cracked up, cause I paid something like $80 for the part and 15 minutes of my time
This past summer, during 'the hot' (in Sacramento we get 30-40 days over 100 each year) I was sitting at my SAs desk when SA next to us had a customer with 'urgent AC problems'. "My AC stopped blowing, cold air but no blower".
"Yes, not very common, but we see this from time to time- it is the fan speed control system and runs around $350 including a complete check of the system." Customer signs the work order
Once they left I commented to my SA "It's like printing money, eh?" he kind of looked at me, and I said "resistor pack, 15 minutes for $350?". We had a good laugh. He is a good guy and we both know the deal. he'll be honest with me- whatever he can do for me he does, when he can't he tells me in advance- no problems.
What is interesting is that there are 'layers' of customers- almost 3 or 4 layers. 'Ignorant and inattentive', 'Ignorant but knows they are geting screwed', 'OK Guys', 'Insiders'. Dealers make their big money on the first two, the last ones work at dealerships or have other relationships. I'll also say that YOU can't entirely determine where you fall- it is up to the SA to decide how they will treat you.
It is easy. It might take a little more than 15 minutes, but it might not, depending on how often you go back to the cooler for beer.
Practice... you'll need to do it again someday.
__________________
1989 750iL sadly ignored, but still runs great
2000 M5 117,000 miles
2001 Tundra Hauls Stuff
2008 Z4 M Coupe On the cover of Oct. '08 Roundel
2008 Mercedes C350 Sport wifey's car
2009 BMW R1200GS-Adv for on & off-road
Just ordered my part from Sweeney BMW partsbmw@jakesweeney.com for $63.20 and about $5 shipping. I'm sooo excited. Now I need to do is order my beer!!
Thanks again!
Anita
__________________
"When will I know that I really can't go
To the well once more time to decide on
When it's killing me, when will I really see
All that I need to look inside
Come to believe that I better not leave
Before I get my chance to ride" RHCP "Snow"
This past summer, during 'the hot' (in Sacramento we get 30-40 days over 100 each year) I was sitting at my SAs desk when SA next to us had a customer with 'urgent AC problems'. "My AC stopped blowing, cold air but no blower".
"Yes, not very common, but we see this from time to time- it is the fan speed control system and runs around $350 including a complete check of the system." Customer signs the work order
Once they left I commented to my SA "It's like printing money, eh?" he kind of looked at me, and I said "resistor pack, 15 minutes for $350?". We had a good laugh. He is a good guy and we both know the deal. he'll be honest with me- whatever he can do for me he does, when he can't he tells me in advance- no problems.
What is interesting is that there are 'layers' of customers- almost 3 or 4 layers. 'Ignorant and inattentive', 'Ignorant but knows they are geting screwed', 'OK Guys', 'Insiders'. Dealers make their big money on the first two, the last ones work at dealerships or have other relationships. I'll also say that YOU can't entirely determine where you fall- it is up to the SA to decide how they will treat you.
My take.
A
I think too sometimes your SA is at the mercy of management/marketplace. I saw a radical change in the price to mount tyres based what a recent survey in the area showed other dealers and tyre businesses were getting. Before they were actually not charging a straight labor rate for the change. But now they are and then some.
I just have to remind myself to check for any changes in policy and rates AND get estimates every time I come in and not get comfortable and slack!!
__________________
"When will I know that I really can't go
To the well once more time to decide on
When it's killing me, when will I really see
All that I need to look inside
Come to believe that I better not leave
Before I get my chance to ride" RHCP "Snow"
It is very easy to replace. Mine was done under warranty, but I would love to get a hold of your old one if you replace it, so I can find out what burnt out. I remember smelling the familiar burnt resistor smell before mine crapped out. I'm an electronic tech, so if it is just a $2.00 power resistor, I may be able to post a cheapo DIY for folks, instead of forking out $65-$80 for a new final stage resitor unit to the Stealor. I would be happy to pay for postage. Let me know.
)? How much time did it take?
Linear Mode
