AC and defrost suddenly stopped working

Tiny
LOSHJ
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
  • 2.5L
  • 5 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 85,000 MILES
About a week ago, what seemed like the blower motor made some odd clicking sounds during one short drive I took. I figured this was an isolated incident as it did not last. However, I noticed yesterday that the defroster was not working, and that the fans weren't blowing air at all.

The climatronic buttons all work, with the exception of the AC max or max defrost buttons. When those are pressed, their lights flash as if they were turning on, but quickly turn off and those functions don't work.

I pulled out the blower motor yesterday and when I flipped it upside down it leaked probably 1/4 cup of water. We recently had a few days where it dropped below freezing at night and got to above 50F during the day which made me wonder if the motor had froze during that period.

I also checked for and removed debris from under the plenum chamber cover.

My first thought is the blower motor is bad, but was wondering if it could also be a relay or the blower motor resistor? This problem is mostly outside my wheelhouse.

Thanks in advance for any help.
Friday, May 10th, 2019 AT 10:24 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

Most times, a bad resister will allow the fan to run on high and no other speed. With that, check to see if the fan easily turns or if there is resistance. Also, does it turn smoothly? Next, since you already have it out, try running power directly to it to see if it runs.

Here is a link that shows in general how one is replaced and what to look for when this type of problem occurs:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/blower-fan-motor-works-on-high-speed-only

Also, confirm that fuse 32 is good under the dash in the fuse panel. See pics for details.

Here are a few links you may find helpful when checking wiring and fuses:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-fuse-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Let me know if you have questions or need help.

Joe
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Friday, May 10th, 2019 AT 10:23 PM

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