KrayzieFox

Anyone have any clue where I might be able to get one of these besides the stealership? My heating went out yesterday and only works in position # 4 so this is my first step towards fixing it, and I hope the last. However I can't find this part anywhere (tried Advance Auto, AutoZone, Oreillys, NAPA, car-part, CarQuest), so I was wondering if anyone here might have an idea on where to find this.

Roddimus Prime

i called my local dealer. it's a dealer-only item. I'd suggest calling Ken @ p-garage and having him get one for you.

t24u

If it only works on position, 4 - then that will fix it. 95% chance. Like Rod said though, it's a dealer only part. Luckily, they are not TOO expensive I don't think.

KrayzieFox

Glad to hear some positive feedback on my thoughts, I'm really hoping this fixes it

The only reason I even know about this little thing is cuz of my dad's Grand Caravan that had the same thing happen a couple months ago. We pulled out the resistor, simply cleaned up the connectors a little bit .. and it worked after that. If it wasn't for that past experience I wouldn't have any idea and I'd probably be freakin out thinking I need a whole new blower unit!!

KrayzieFox

And problem's fixed .. found a new resistor at a local junkyard. Thank you for those that offered their help, I appreciate it.

t24u

Cool, glad to be of service!

KrayzieFox

And it's happened again.. now I'm pissed. I'm guessing a new resistor will fix it again, but I wanna figure out why this keeps happening.

t24u

Maybe the junk yard one was on it's way out too. I'd try a new one. If it fails again, return it as a parts warrantable part (not sure how long the warranty is on the part), and check out what keeps causing it. Your connection look good? You have the proper voltages in/out?

KrayzieFox

Yea I figured I'd do the same thing, so I have a new one coming in on Thursday or so. I'll see if that works any longer.

Connections look good/clean .. voltage I have no clue about. I'm 100% mentally challenged when it comes to electrical stuff, I don't know how to do any of that stuff.

t24u

Get a cheap volt meter at Walmart, put the positive on one pin, and the negative on the pin with the black wire. With the switch on, you should be getting about 12.5 volts.

macdaddyslomo

check for power surge from the blower as previously stated with a voltmetter...seems like you are buning up the resistors...very possible the junkyard partwas on its way out too though

KrayzieFox

I just went back to the same junk yard and got another resistor (for free too!) so I'm gonna see if the same thing happens to this one too. If it does, I'll definately take your advice and check the voltage.

KrayzieFox

Ok, now I'm just getting pissed!! The second resistor I got from the junk yard also went out. So that's the third resistor within the last month .. something's not right. I'm pretty convinced there's a problem with the wiring, but I dunno where to start looking for the problem.

A couple things I did notice is that each time the resistor got fried there were two things happening. 1) It was very very cold 2) I used my remote start to warm up the engine and when I got it in wasn't working anymore.

Automatically I would assume there may be a problem with the remote start wiring, which very well could be possible. But another thing I'm starting to notice is that my headlights dim quite a bit when I unlock my doors and I hear a squealing noise from the hatch (kinda like the lock is jammed .. but it's not). Could this be causing a large drain in power and therefore leading to a resistor blow out?

Also, I recently discovered that my radar detector has a built in voltmeter, so I've been keeping an eye on it since I put in the last resistor. With the ignition set to On (car's not started) the voltage reads 13.5 or so. When the car is idling and during regular driving it's anywhere from 14.8-15.1 .. which I think is kind of high isn't it? Secondly, when unlocking my doors it drops to about 12.8-13.2 and goes back up to 14.8-15.1 volts.

So once I find a new resistor, I would really like to pinpoint the problem and fix it for good before installing .. because I'm sick and tired of this happening!! Can anyone tell me where to start looking for electrical problems and what tools I need to get? Thank you all so very much if you are able to help whatsoever!

Luzer

Go back to the junkyard and grab a blower motor and another resistor. Replace both and see if the resistor blows again. Blower motor may be trying to draw too much current and taking out the resistor.

KrayzieFox

The thing is .. no local junk yards have any more Proteges around. I kinda cleaned them all out hehe

I did manage to find a resistor on mazdapartsonline.com so that's on its' way already and I saw a guy on msprotege that was selling a heater unit also. I'll have to send him an offer and see if I can snag a new one of them too.

Keep the suggestions coming guys!! I appreciate any help I can get on this.