So I called the local Holden Spare Parts and they wanted $195- for a replacement. I said, "You're dreamin'" - I didn't actually but that's what I thought.
So, I jumped on the web and did a search for "VR Berlina Fan Motor Resistor" and found that this is actually a common problem and people far smarter than me had already figured out a work around that would cost only $12- (and some time).
It involved taking the Fan Motor Resistor apart and replacing the transistor (see picture) inside. This involved removing the old one off a circuit board and soldering in the new one. I've never really done much soldering but I thought I'd give it a go to save $180- I called my Dad and asked if I could use his workshop and he ended up helping me out as we tackled the changeover last night (thanks Dad). Apart from breaking a bit off the circuit board and having a couple of small pieces leftover we cranked over the motor and the A/C works - amazing.
Another issue has been that the heater/A/C fan has been noisy for a while and I have to apologise to passengers when the fan is on high speed. I had time to remove the glove box and check out what was making the noise. It was a serviette that had slipped out the back of the glovebox and was rubbing on the fan. It took all of 5 minutes to fix and yet I've been putting up with the noise for about 2 months.
A satisfying end to a few hours work. Not just saving the $180- but feeling good about actually making it work.
4 comments:
No air con is just bad at this time of year! But yay for Mr Fixit!
Speaking of cars, you may have noticed that I recently replaced mine. I now drive a 1999 Ford Laser hatch. It was time to say goodbye to the Pintara after it broke down again. This time the engine blew a hole. The cost of repairing it would have exceeded the value of the car itself, so I decided it wasnt't worth the trouble this time.
lesson in life: fix what needs fixing on time - 5 minutes work is worth more than 2 months of "audio torture"!!
Hey Ross,
I did notice a Laser in the car park and wondered who it belonged to. Hopefully this will give you less problems than the Pintara.
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