Mercedes-Benz 280-500SL/C Fan speed resistor replacement
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Mercedes-Benz 280-500SL/C Fan speed resistor replacement
Do Mercedes-Benz 280-500SL/C fan speed resistors need to be replaced?
The fan speed resistor, also known as a blower motor resistor, is an important part of the vehicles heating and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Many of us rely on the HVAC system working at its best, especially if it is extremely hot or cold outside.
The fan speed resistor is an electrical device used to control the blower fan speed. The blower fan pushes air through the air vents into the cabin of your Mercedes-Benz 280-500SL/C.
The higher the fan speed, the more power is required to run it. If you select the lowest fan speed, the resistor will be working at its hardest and generating a lot of heat.
Due to this heat, a resistor can fail over time and melt itself and the connections around it. This is more likely if the fan is run on the lowest setting or the fan selection is being toggled between speeds repeatedly.
Corrosion or overheating are the most common reasons for fan speed resistor failure.
When the fan speed resistor malfunctions, you can expect to have issues with the HVAC system and notice the following signs of failure:
- Blower fan speed doesn’t change when you select various speeds
- The blower fan doesn’t work on low or medium speeds
- The blower fan may only work on the highest speed - when the system bypasses the resistor and has a direct circuit with the battery
The more you use your blower fan, the more likely it may wear or overheat. It is designed to last the life of the Mercedes-Benz 280-500SL/C, but overuse can cause failure.
Let’s be honest, it’s not a ‘must replace item’. You could live without it, as long as you’re not living in a very cold or extremely hot climate.
In saying that, the heater and air conditioner are a ‘nice-to-have' option and, for some, the thought of not being able to use it may cause some minor panic!
If this is you and your Mercedes-Benz 280-500SL/C AC fan is not working, then book in with an AutoGuru technician today to get you back into your comfort zone.
