Heater fan stopped; smoke in cabin

[hans3]

Heater / vent fan stopped working while driving recently, followed by the cabin filling with smoke via the air vents. Moving the blower control to the off position stopped the meltdown from continuing.

Fortunately I have the ability to pull components and troubleshoot myself. From past experiences, is this more likely the resistor pack or the blower motor failing? Car was recently subjected to a heavy duty washing, FWIW. Thanks ...

 

[61porsche]

smoking....

Check your fuses first.

I suggest that you pull the fan second. You should be able to discern if the motor burned up and or bench test it with a battery charger, etc.

Only then would I contemplate taking the console apart to get to the fan resisitor.

 

[blumax]

Heavy duty washing of E-9's

BLUMAX says--"not recommended"--for about 1000 reasons--one of which you have now discovered.

 

[Arde]

If you got water flooding I'd think the motor is more likely to be the victim rather than the resistors. Any clues form the smoke/smell that got into the cabin? Motor/transformer smell used to be very distinct and easy to identify.

 

[Stefan]

fan motors in the past

I have seen some broken E3/E9 fan motors and the common denominator has been that the brush holders made ​​of plastic have become hot and melted down.

Likely reasons are worn carbon or just bad connection for the carbon against the commutator (due to excessive moisture?).

Very difficult to repair this particular part of the fan motor in a simple way, unfortunately.