Fixing a Faulty 2010 VW Jetta Blower Motor Resistor: A Step-by-Step Guide

Experiencing issues with your 2010 VW Jetta’s blower motor? If you’re only getting air on the highest fan setting, or if your fan speed is erratic, chances are the blower motor resistor is the culprit. This is a common problem in Jettas and fortunately, it’s a repair you can easily tackle yourself, saving you time and money compared to a mechanic visit. This guide will walk you through diagnosing and replacing your 2010 Vw Jetta Blower Motor Resistor, and also cover how to check and replace the blower motor itself if needed.

Troubleshooting: Recognizing a Bad Blower Motor Resistor

The blower motor resistor is responsible for controlling the different fan speeds in your car’s heating and air conditioning system. When it starts to fail, you’ll typically notice these symptoms:

• Fan works only on the highest setting (Level 4 or 5): This is the most common symptom. The resistor bypasses the lower speed circuits, leaving only the high-speed circuit functional.
• Skipping fan speeds: You might find that some fan speed settings don’t work, for example, levels 1 and 2 are dead, but 3 and 4 work.
• Intermittent fan operation: The fan may work sometimes and not others, or speeds may fluctuate unexpectedly.

If you’re experiencing these issues, replacing the blower motor resistor is a logical first step. It’s an inexpensive part and relatively easy to access and replace.

Step-by-Step 2010 VW Jetta Blower Motor Resistor Replacement

Here’s how to replace the blower motor resistor in your 2010 VW Jetta:

Tools You’ll Need:

• Short flathead screwdriver (or strong fingernails)
• Replacement blower motor resistor for a 2010 VW Jetta (ensure it’s the correct part)

Procedure:

1. Access the Resistor: Locate the passenger side footwell under the glove box. You’ll see a foam guard.

2. Remove the Foam Guard: Use your flathead screwdriver or fingernails to carefully detach the foam guard. It’s usually held in place by clips or pressure.

3. Locate the Resistor Plug: Behind the foam, you’ll see a wiring plug connected to a white or yellowish-white plastic component. This is the blower motor resistor.

4. Disconnect the Wiring Plug: Squeeze the sides of the wiring plug connector and gently pull it downwards to disconnect it from the resistor.

5. Remove the Old Resistor: Find the tab on the end of the plastic resistor housing. Pull on this tab towards the passenger side of the car. The resistor will unhook and begin to drop down. Gently help it out.

6. Install the New Resistor: Take your new blower motor resistor and push it up into the opening where the old one was removed. Make sure the tab on the new resistor is oriented towards the center of the car.

7. Secure the New Resistor: Once the resistor is flush in the hole, push it towards the driver’s side of the car until it clicks into place. This secures the resistor.

8. Reconnect the Wiring Plug: Plug the wiring connector back into the new resistor until it clicks, ensuring a secure connection.

9. Replace the Foam Guard: Reinstall the foam guard in its original position, ensuring it’s properly secured.

Test Your Repair: Turn on your car’s ignition and test the blower fan at all speed settings. If the fan now works correctly at all speeds, you’ve successfully replaced the blower motor resistor!

Alternative Issue: Checking the Blower Motor Itself

If replacing the resistor doesn’t solve the problem, or if your blower motor is completely dead, the issue might be with the blower motor itself. Here’s how to check it:

1. Access the Blower Motor Connector: Follow steps 1-2 above to access the area where the blower motor resistor is located. You’ll see another wiring connector going to the blower motor.

2. Disconnect the Blower Motor Connector: Squeeze the sides of the blower motor connector and pull it down to disconnect.

3. Test the Blower Motor: Carefully connect a low-output 12V battery or battery charger directly to the prongs of the blower motor connector. If the motor spins, it’s likely still functional. If it doesn’t spin, even with sufficient power, the blower motor may need replacing. Note: For testing purposes, a car battery can be used briefly, but always exercise caution when working with car batteries.

4. Check the Fuse: Before concluding the motor is bad, check the blower motor fuse. In a 2010 VW Jetta, this is often a 40 amp fuse, typically located in slot 33 of the fuse box. Fuse box locations and slot numbers can vary, so consult your Jetta’s owner’s manual for the precise location. Replace the fuse if it’s blown and test the blower again.

Important: Testing the motor without removing it fully is highly recommended to save time, especially if the motor turns out to be working.

Replacing the Blower Motor (If Necessary) – Glove Box Removal is Key

If you determine the blower motor needs replacement, it’s crucial to understand that removing the glove box is essential to prevent damage to the blower motor assembly, specifically the squirrel cage fan. Attempting to force the motor out without removing the glove box can lead to breakage.

Here’s how to safely remove and replace the blower motor in a 2010 VW Jetta:

Tools You’ll Need:

• T20 Torx driver or socket with extension
• Flathead screwdriver (thin blade is helpful)
• New blower motor for 2010 VW Jetta

Procedure:

1. Remove Glove Box Screws (Bottom): Open the passenger door to access the side of the glove box. Remove the two screws located at the bottom corners of the glove box.

2. Remove Glove Box Screws (Inside – Top): Open the glove box door. Locate and remove the three screws hidden near the top inside edge of the glove box – one in each corner and one in the center.

3. Remove Side Panel Screw: Close the glove box. Using the flathead screwdriver, gently pry off the side panel of the glove box (the panel that’s hidden when the passenger door is closed). Behind this panel, you’ll find the sixth and final screw. Remove it.

4. Detach the Glove Box: Slowly and carefully pull the glove box outwards. It will detach, but do not let it drop. There are wires connected to the back.

5. Disconnect Glove Box Wires: You’ll see wires connected to the back of the glove box with limited slack. You need to disconnect at least two plugs to allow you to set the glove box aside. Typically, there’s one plug at the top and one at the bottom. Use the same squeeze-and-pull method as before to disconnect these plugs.

6. Set Aside Glove Box: Once the wires are disconnected, carefully set the glove box aside on the passenger side floor.

7. Remove Plastic Tube: Behind where the glove box was, you’ll see a plastic tube partially covering the blower motor housing. This tube is held in place by a single screw. Remove this screw and pull the tube off.

8. Access the Blower Motor: With the tube removed, the blower motor is now fully accessible. Locate the plastic tab sticking out from the side of the motor housing (it should be facing the center console).

9. Remove the Old Blower Motor: Pull down on the plastic tab and simultaneously turn the motor clockwise. Once it starts to drop, gently wiggle it and let gravity assist in removing it.

10. Install the New Blower Motor: Push the new blower motor up into the housing, ensuring the tab is in a similar position as when the old motor was removed.

11. Secure the New Blower Motor: Slowly turn the motor back and forth while pushing upwards until it’s fully seated. Then, turn it counter-clockwise until the tab clicks into place, securing the motor.

12. Reinstall Plastic Tube: Place the plastic tube back into its position and secure it with the screw. Make sure it’s properly seated on both ends.

13. Reinstall Glove Box: Carefully line up the glove box and push it back into place. It should hold itself up once partially inserted.

14. Reconnect Glove Box Wires: Reconnect the wiring plugs to the back of the glove box.

15. Reinstall Glove Box Screws: Reinstall all six glove box screws in their respective locations (3 inside, 2 bottom, 1 side).

16. Replace Side Panel: Push the side panel back into place on the glove box.

17. Reconnect Blower Motor Power: Reconnect the wiring plug to the blower motor.

Final Test: Turn on your ignition and test the blower motor and fan speeds to ensure everything is working correctly.

Conclusion

Replacing your 2010 VW Jetta blower motor resistor or even the blower motor itself is a manageable DIY task. By following these steps, you can diagnose the issue, replace the faulty component, and restore proper heating and cooling function to your car. Purchasing parts online from retailers like RockAuto can often save you significantly compared to local auto parts stores or dealerships. Don’t let a faulty blower motor resistor leave you without heat or AC – take control and fix it yourself!