2002 Grand AM GT - Heater blower issue - settings 1-3 dont work 4-5 works!

Title says it all.

Out of the blue one day, I get into the car, and turn on the AC - nothing. I crank it, and when it hits 4 - boom - air. So 4 and 5 work. 1-3 I get nothing at all.

Anyone heard of this issue? Is it an easy fix (fuse?)?

Thanks for any info!

most probable cause: resistor pack on the blower assembly.
Yes, even with the fuel efficiency bla bla, they waste power for low speed...

Never done the job, but I hear it can be painfull to get there...

Yeah, I agree, it's the resistor block....

Remove hush panel on passenger side......follow wire harness from blower motor back to resistor block.....2-5.5mm screws.....one's a bitch......

I am a real noob when it comes to car stuff.

When you say it is the resister block/pack - does this mean that has to be replaced?

Is this a very expensive part to replace?

Or is there a fuse or something that gets replaced for cheap?

Yes....no,.....no.....

I found the following online for parts:

http://www.car-stuff.com/carparts/pontiacgrandam199920054-seasonsfs202621.html?roicid=U1172810084W45e7a9647e 3bb&csblmore02pontiacgrandam199920054-seasonsfs202621

Is this what you guys are referring to?

And just so I have some backup ideas - what if this does not solve the problem?

There is a fuse on the passenger side panel, 20A that you can check which is what I did before replacing the resistor, but more than likely it is the resistor. Around $20-25 for the part. http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=665246

There is a fuse on the passenger side panel, 20A that you can check which is what I did before replacing the resistor, but more than likely it is the resistor. Around $20-25 for the part. http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=665246

There is just a problem with your suggestion of the fuse: it work at 4-5 so the fuse have to be good, as there is only and only one fuse for the blower. If the blower work at atleast one speed, then the fuse is mandatory good.

That web page is very informative. I appreciate all the info and help on this issue!

When mine went, I didn't have fan speeds 1-4, just 5 only. I was hoping that link would be helpful, as it gives you a good idea of the size tools you will need. Stretching exercises may help too :lol:

If you think the Grand Am is bad, the Grand Prix is worse....:banghead:

I was going to ask for a 'how to' on this fix as well....

Is this fix really that hard?

No, just awkward getting at the 2-5.5mm screws......

Ok - I tackled this one as well.

No kidding about the damned bolts.

I noticed that the resister doesn't plug into anything itself, just the wire harness that plugs into the resister.

So the 2 5.5mm screws simply hold the resister in that place. While I wouldn't do it, one could feasibly just plug the resister into the wire harness and just leave it dangling.

The reason why the R block is in the ductwork, is to cool it with the blower motor....that sucker gets hot.....

So having 1 screw in there - and holding it in place - should be enough to at least have it in the cooling path.... right?