How to Change a 2001 Altima Fan Speed Resistor

When the heater blower motor fails to operate on one or several settings on the control panel on a 2001 Nissan Altima, it is due to a failing blower motor resistor. This resistor works in unison with the fan speed switch on the dash heater control panel, regulating all but the highest fan setting. The resistor is a small printed circuit resistor located next to the blower motor. Resistors create heat when in operation and may burn out over time, much like a light bulb. If the fan motor fails to operate in any speed the problem is likely elsewhere, possibly a bad fan motor, relay or fuse.

Instructions

1

Obtain the radio security code, if so equipped, from your Altima's owner's manual. Every time the battery is disconnected the radio will lose its code to prevent theft. Disconnect the negative battery cable, using a wrench.

2

Open the passenger door and look under the glove compartment area of the dash for the HVAC case. The blower motor resistor is next to the blower motor on the bottom of the HVAC case and is connected to a four-wire electrical connector. Lift the connector's tab and pull the electrical connector out of the resistor.

3

Remove the two screws securing the resistor to the HVAC case, using a nut driver. Pull the resistor out of the case. It will be the size of a credit card and will have a printed circuit.

4

Install the new resistor into the HVAC case, then screw the resistor screws into place. Plug the electrical connector into the resistor.

5

Connect the negative battery cable and tighten with a wrench. Enter the radio security code, using the radio buttons.