2003 optima blower motor resistor

kreigschnetz · 08-02-2011, 09:02 PM

we have a 2003 optima that has digital climate control but it only works on high. logic says that the most likely reason would be because of a bad blower motor resistor. i pulled what looks like the blower motor resistor but it only has three wires and the new one is a four wire connector.... can i get the correct wire colors and maybe a location of the blower motor resistor or a reason why they are different

DavesSpectra · 08-03-2011, 12:19 PM

Taking a guess...you probably got the resistor for the Optima model without the digital climate control. The resistor usually is located mounted into the air duct feeding the blower motor as it needs air flow to keep it cool. You only will see a plug connecting into the side of the duct.
Dave

kreigschnetz · 08-03-2011, 07:05 PM

they only sold the resistor in four wire types. i found this in the air duct like i knew the resistor would be. we called kia and they said that the digital climate control uses a TRANSISTOR... i have never heard of a blower motor transistor... they didnt even list one at the parts store. gonna see what it looks like

DavesSpectra · 08-03-2011, 08:02 PM

I'm an electronic tech and this makes sense to me... There are 3 terminals on a transistor EBC. "Normaly" the 12v goes on the C (collector) the variable voltage goes on the B (base) and the regulated output goes on the E (emitter). If you change the voltage on the base the output will reflect that voltage (minus .6v).
If the "transistor" becomes damaged (shorted E to C) there will be no control other than the full 12v (actually 13v and higher). The transistor is not all by itself . Sounds like the climate control module will need to be replaced.... Time for visiting your local bone yard as the dealer prices will amaze you.
Dave

kreigschnetz · 08-04-2011, 09:55 PM

transistor fixed it!

DavesSpectra · 08-05-2011, 02:22 AM

Can you explain how for others to benefit from your experience?
Dave

Optimisprime · 08-06-2011, 04:08 PM

Being that I cant get an answer on my post maybe it can be answered here.

If the resistor craps out. Can it make the back of the fan switch get hot and melt the back of the switch. as this is the problem Im having. now when I use jumper wires on the connector that plugs in to the switch, that has 6 wires. I connect number 1 pin to the number 6 pin to get the fan on high. but also number 2 and 4 need to be connected to give power to the a/c. now when I do this the number 1 and 6 get really hot so hot you cant touch them and the wire starts to melt as did the back of the switch. is this a result from the blower resistor taking a dump. and if I get the resistor fixed will the over heating stop so I can buy another fan switch (would be the 4th one)?