Where is the low speed cooling fan resistor?

[03Vue]

I've been googling and searching here, and I think have the problem identified...

The fan in the Vue has been loud lately, and the AC hisses sometimes. I'm thinking the low speed fan resistor is bad.

But I can't find it :) Can anyone tell me where it is/what it looks like/etc?

Thanks!
Joe

[ssicarman]

Assuming 03 VUE.
Engine?
Have you checked the underhood fuseblock to see if you have the high speed and low speed cooling fan relays?

The resistor, if you have it, is here.

At the LF corner of the vehicle, behind the headlamp assembly attached to the frame rail

[03Vue]

Thanks for the reply!

Yes, 03 Vue, 3.0 v6.

There are high & low speed relays for the fan in the fuse box. They were the same part #, so I switched them to see if the relay was bad.

I found a large ceramic resistor on the frame rail where you said. Searching for the part # on it (22618754), I see it called the daytime running lights resistor - do they use the same part #? Did I find the wrong one?

BTW, what impedance should it have? I put an ohm meter on it and it said 0.000.

Thanks!
Joe

[OhioVueBoy]

I think I found mine from underneath when I was changing my oil 2 weeks ago.

It needs replaced as well... $80 from the dealer. Actually going to call and order it tomorrow.

~D.J.~

[03Vue]

It needs replaced as well...
~D.J.~

How did you confirm the resistor is bad?

Thanks!
Joe

[OhioVueBoy]

How did you confirm the resistor is bad?

Thanks!
Joe

Same symptoms as yours. Some people on here suggested that I take a look at it, and mine is rather corroded and nasty looking.

~D.J.~

[03Vue]

ssicarman - can you clarify where it is?

The resistor I found is for the daytime running lights. I confirmed this by disconnecting it and putting it in drive - the DRL wont come on.

The DRL resistor I found is on the outside of the frame rail in front of the drivers side tire. It is visible by laying on the ground in front of the tire, looking up (photo in ebay link below).

So now I'm back to trying to find it again :hmpf:

OhioVueBoy - if you do need the DRL resistor, you can get it for $48.50 delivered on ebay (link (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GM-J-BODY-HEADLAMP-RESISTOR-SWITCH-NEW_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247 QQcategoryZ42613QQihZ005QQitemZ150193045740QQrdZ1Q QsspagenameZWD1V))

Thanks for the suggestions!

-Joe

[ssicarman]

If I recall correctly the DRL resistor is on the outside of the frame.

You may need to remove battery box and such to see it from above. It may be easier to see from under the car.




#04-01-37-006: Heater-Ventilation-Air Conditioning (HVAC) Hiss-Type Noise (Replace Low Speed Engine Cooling Fan Resistor) - (May 12, 2004)


Subject: Heater-Ventilation-Air Conditioning (HVAC) Hiss-Type Noise (Replace Low Speed Engine Cooling Fan Resistor)


Models: 2002-2004 Saturn VUE Vehicles with Two-Speed Cooling Fan


Models Affected Chart
Model
Engine/RPO Code
VIN Breakpoint
Two-Speed Cooling Fan

2002 VUE
3.0L V-6

VIN B - RPO L81
Built Up To and Including VIN Breakpoint 2S812653
Conversion Kit Installed - Labor Code J3702 Present in Vehicle History

2002-2003 VUE
Built After VIN Breakpoint 2S812653
Built with Two-Speed Cooling Fan

2002 VUE
2.2L 4-Cyl.

VIN D - RPO L61
Built Up To and Including VIN Breakpoint 2S812654
Conversion Kit Installed - Labor Code J3702 Present in Vehicle History

2002-2004 VUE
Built After VIN Breakpoint 2S812654
Built with Two-Speed Cooling Fan


Condition
Some customers may comment on a "hiss"-type noise when the air conditioning (A/C) compressor is turned OFF. The hiss-type noise may also be heard if the cooling fan comes on in the high-speed mode with A/C compressor ON.

Cause
When the A/C compressor comes on, the engine cooling fan should be on in the low speed mode. If the fan is inoperative in low speed mode, the condenser will not have the ability to fully condense the gas refrigerant to a liquid state, and eventually the gas will reach the thermal expansion valve (TXV). The TXV is not designed to expand gas and may make a hiss-type noise if gas refrigerant is going through it.

Correction
Replace engine cooling fan low speed resistor assembly.

[03Vue]

ok, I found it.

It was immediately above the DRL resistor I found yesterday (which is outside the frame, in front of the tire). There is a support that holds the fender, and blocks view of the fan resistor from below. The wires going to it are visible though. I could feel it and got a socket on the bolt to remove it.

And its definitely bad - it has pieces missing and the ohm meter shows it as open circuit.

thanks for the help guys.

-Joe