inside temp sensor

[honerboys]

the fan that draws air into the inside temp sensor was not operating - while I have the dash out I thought I'd give it a look - if I jump over the electronic part (see picture) the fan operates - there are no markings on this part - is it a fuse ? - is it replaceable ? - seems like if it was a resistor it would have colored markings - anybody know? - thanks

[Danglerb]

Pict too fuzzy, could be a fuse, or a thermal something. Last one of those fans I paid Porsche I think $179 for, it came as a big surprise to me, I just said fix it. (plus of course $400 in labor to R&R the dash).

Is it open, short, or some resistance?

[harborman]

It does look like a resistor. If you disconnect one end of it, you can put a Ohm meter across it and see what it reads. Hard to tell from the pictures. Possibly a thermistor or something else. Do you have a schematic?

[harborman]

I am thinking more like it is a thermistor. A devise that changes resistance with temperature. They are used in motor control. So depending on how it is in the circuit, it would possibly control the flow of current to the motor depending on ambient temperature.

[honerboys]

this might be a better picture - it has a silver line spiraling along it - about 1/2 inch long - while I have a schematic it's not very good - doesn't show this temp sensor - when I jump this thing the motor runs at full speed as long as climate control is set to anything but off - normal ? - thanks for answering

[JhwShark]

Yes, odds are it is a resistor for dropping load as you change fan speeds. Usually when they fail you either have no fan or high speed fan.

The problem is that this picture with the resistor dos not show the typical colored bands (code) to determine the resistance of it. It is not a variable resistor (potentiometer)...it also appears that this may have been replaced IMO based upon the wire insulator.

Alan may know the resistor spec.

[harborman]

Like I mentioned, lift one end and put an ohm meter on it to see resistance. It just might be a thermistor which changes resistance with temperature. Usually if a resistor fails it goes "open". You can find the standard color band codes on the internet. This one does not appear to have any color bars which leads me to believe it is not a standard resistor.

[Danglerb]

I'll make the leap, its a carbon power resistor that has overheated and opened up. Most likely from motor drawing too much current due to age, lack of lubrication etc.

You need to clean and lubricate the motor, then get someone to measure a none blown resistor and replace it.

[honerboys]

i've measured across this thing with an ohmmeter - it's open - danglerb you're right - the motor was frozen in it's own gunk - opened it up and cleaned/lubed - spins free now - now i just need the value so i can look for another - thanks