Set a digital multimeter for "ohms." The meter should read between 9 and 11 volts or the test light will light up. It's important to note that what we're looking for, on the digital multimeter reading, is a non-OL reading. Unplug the blower motor and test for power using the 12-volt test light in the same manner as explained in Step 1. Turn off Power. Newbie Group: Members Posts: 6 Joined: 5-November 07 Member No. Most multimeters will also beep if the signal is good to indicate that the continuity setting is working properly. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The black terminal is the ground, and the red probe is for the active current. : 34,363 Status: Does anyone here have any experience with testing a resistor using a multimeter? If there’s a 1 on the left-hand side of the screen, it probably means that the reading is too high for the screen to register. Press the screwdriver against the terminals and the capacitor will discharge. A constant 0 indicates a perfect connection. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. Continuity refers to how much resistance there is in a closed electrical current. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. If the reading is higher than 10, then your device, wire, appliance, or fuse will overheat. Check to see if there is an X or M in front of the ohm symbol on the reading. They are labeled “+” and “-“ indicating positive and negative, respectively. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Remove the negative cable from the vehicle's battery. Switch the volt meter to the ohm setting. Look at the label on the electric motor to determine the voltage it needs to operate. In high speed the resistor is bypassed and power is fed to the motor directly from the switch. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. WTWH Media LLC and its licensors. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Consult your multimeter’s manual for more information, but this probably means you have a dangerous connection. How to test and replace your blower motor resistor - YouTube This article has been viewed 43,969 times. Learn more... To test continuity, all you have to do is stick 2 terminals on your multimeter against 2 ends of an electrical current. Feeling trapped by your life and career? Some devices, like hot tubs, radios, or car systems, will store a charge even after the power is off. Then, check the ports that your terminals are plugged in to. If you’re testing an appliance and wire connection for safety reasons, press the red terminal against the wire or fuse that you’re testing. The windings should then be checked for resistance (ohms). Check the live current pin without grounding it on the DC scale of your multimeter. If your multimeter doesn’t have a dedicated continuity setting, you can still perform a continuity test by turning the dial to the lowest number in resistance mode. Count to three while the leads on the meter charge the capacitor. Testing the blower motor of your home HVAC system If debris is not the problem, use your multimeter to check for voltage in the contacts motor. This is a sign that your terminals are bad. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. You obviously can’t unplug a wire or fuse. Make sure that there are no exposed lengths of wire after replacing them. References. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If you see a K next to the number, that signifies 1,000 ohms. The first one is an amperage draw test done with a multimeter in Ohms mode and the other is applying power and Ground directly to the blower motor (to see if it runs). How to concatenate 8Bit binary EEPROM files to get a 32Bit binary file. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Blower Motor Resistor Testing. They measure electrical currents. Always turn off, unplug, or flip the breaker on the signal that you’re testing to prevent shocks or fires. Check the ground in the relay with the multi meter on the Ohm scale. They are near the back and have two colored wires; usually red and black, attached to them. Never test continuity on an active current. If the motor itself has developed a fault, the fault may be a burnt wire or connection, a winding failure includin… There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. If debris is not the issue, it’s time to get out the multimeter and check for AC voltage across the motor’s contacts. If you want to test a blower motor capacitor of yours, make sure that you discharge it with a screwdriver before you begin the test. The blower motor resistor can be easily tested with a set of simple multimeter resistance tests (especially since it's very accessible). This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If you’re testing an appliance and wire connection to see if it’s safe, press the black terminal against the metal frame of your appliance. Some appliances, like hot tubs or radios, will store an electrical current even after they’re unplugged. Testing continuity in a wire, current, or fuse is a good idea if you’re installing or repairing any electrical components in an outlet, fuse box, car, or appliance. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Test with an ohmmeter or a multimeter; Start the test; interpret your observation; Decide what the fix will be ; Reconnect the ignition coil; Testing the ignition coil of a leaf blower is therefore vital, and it is something that you should be able to do on our own. Locate the two terminals on the motor. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Test for direct shorts in the motor's power windings in induction (non-brush type) motors. Now is the time to test the white – brown and white wires. To check the windings of a motor for an open or a short, you’ll need to measure the ohms. Contents of this tutorial: Basics Of Troubleshooting The Blower Motor Resistor. Make a note of the voltage. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. It’s okay if the number fluctuates a little. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Pliers. In this HVACR Video we go over the Troubleshooting of the ECM 3.0 Variable Speed Blower Motor and Testing with and without the TecMate Pro. wikiHow's. The white wire is called the run wire. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. If you’re testing an outlet, unscrew the faceplate and unscrew the outlet’s mounting screws. Find the two small metal terminals on the electric motor. The amount of resistance in ohms should be displayed on the screen or gauge. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If the needle moves to a higher range, such as 10 ohms or higher, then there may be a problem with your wire, fuse, or other device. Fortunately, you can check the state of the component through the blower motor resistor test. Shut off the device and set your multimeter to the ohm setting. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If the number bounces up and down from a high number to 0, it means that your multimeter’s battery is probably dying. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. https://geoffthegreygeek.com/using-a-multimeter/, https://www.hellermanntyton.co.za/binaries/content/assets/downloads/za/manuals-and-operating-instructions/testing_of_electrical_installations_guide.pdf, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. You may find that when it runs ungrounded that the casing becomes live at up to supply voltage. An expert shows how to escape. It is perfectly safe to use a wire, fuse, or device with a continuity reading lower than 1. … Loosen … Depending on the exact location of the blower motor (on your specific 3.8 liter equipped GM vehicle) you can test it on the car or you may have to remove it for ease of access. How do you know if a resistor is bad? Do a resistance check between the white wire and each of the colored wires. Disconnect the wires that run from the capacitor to the motor. M signifies 1 million. This is an important element to check with a multimeter because poor continuity can cause fires, shocks, or damage to your electrical devices. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 43,969 times. Next, you could find the resistance of the winding. This means that you cannot test an outlet if the breaker is on and you can’t test an appliance while it’s plugged in, even if it’s off. CASE 1: Continuity exists between all the blower motor resistor terminals. This means that your multimeter is reading the signal in thousands and your connection is dangerously high. Set the voltage setting of the insulation resistance tester to 500V and check motor windings to earth. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If you’re testing soldering, put the red terminal on the other end of the material that you’re testing. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Pull it out a little and put the black terminal on the metal screw on the side. This blinking function is only available on some multimeters. Shut off the device and set your multimeter to the ohm setting. If the diode multimeter test DOES NOT show a forward voltage drop, then you can correctly conclude that the blower motor power transistor is fried and needs to be replaced. A multimeter can also test voltage, current, and resistance. It should show a fairly high value- could be 100 K-ohms or above. I thought I resolved my HVAC issues : Thanks in advance! Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. It’s not dangerous, but it will mess with your reading. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. Else, there is a ground leakage- this is probably the reason why you get shock (if you're getting!). How do you test continuity with an analog multimeter? This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. An A/C blower motor resistor uses resistance to control the speed of the blower motor. It should give you a digital reading, ideally within 6 percent of the manufacturer specifications for the capacitor. Testing the blower motor resistor with a multimeter is a simple way to determine if you need to replace the resistor. Check the label on the electric motor to determine the voltage and amperes it needs to operate. With just a multimeter, you can find out if it’s time to get a replacement. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. When an electric motor fails to start, runs intermittently, runs hot, or continually trips its overcurrent device, there my be a variety of causes. If the number is blinking, it is usually an indication that the current is broken, but some signal is getting through. Keep the multi-meter set for 30,000-ohms and touch one test lead to one terminal and the other to another terminal. Sometimes the trouble lies within the power supply, including branch circuit conductors or motor controller. If you’re testing an outlet that is already installed, flip the breaker on the fuse box for the room that the outlet is in to shut off the current. Note the two figures so you can check them against the multimeter readings. So, if you suspect that the blower motor resistor, in your 2.8L Chevy S10 (GMC S15), is bad, I'll show you how to test it in this tutorial. Reverse the leads on the capacitor. How to test a blower motor capacitor with the multimeter? If you’re testing a fuse, put the red terminal anywhere on the body of the fuse but don’t let your 2 terminals touch. A reading of zero indicates a short in the winding, while an infinity symbol means there … Dec 23 2007, 11:38 PM. By using our site, you agree to our. Your email address will not be published. If the resistor is good, the problem likely lies with the blower motor itself. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If there is no beep or you get a high reading, check the dial to make sure you’re on the right setting. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. TEST 1 will explain how to check it with a multimeter in Ohms mode (and using Ohms law). And in most cases the motor found in these devices is known as a single-phase motor. If the unit has a 120V motor, it will most likely have three or four colored wires (black, red, yellow, and blue are common), a white wire, and two brown wires. The terminals are the exposed metal pieces at the end of the black and red cords. Blower Motor Resistor Test Your washing machine, your electric dryer, your refrigerator, your generator -- all these appliances work by way of a motor. If you don't see current check the IGN fuse under the hood in your junction box. Remove the blower motor relay. If there is, it means that it’s actually reading megaohms, which means that there are zeroes that won’t fit on the screen. Wait at least 1 hour after unplugging these systems before testing them. A continuity tester is a device that only tests for continuity. Another possibility is that the driven load is jammed, binding or mismatched. While this may not be an issue for short-term use, it can lead to long term problems and is dangerous. To test an HVAC run capacitor, you’ll need a multimeter. Post #2. % of people told us that this article helped them. Last Updated: December 21, 2020 wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. It should read “00” or show a very low reading if continuity is present. Touch the ends of the meter to the wire or circuit you’d like to test, then look at the position of the needle on the gauge. With a multimeter set to low ohms (usually 200), test between each winding terminal and the metal casing of the motor. This is the correct test result and confirms that the blower motor resistor assembly is OK. CASE 2: Continuity DOES NOT exist between some of the blower motor resistor terminals.
A replacement should be displayed on the metal screw on the other to another terminal electrical.. 4 yr old McIntosh Preamp winding has a shortage be no continuity reading lower than 1 each winding and... A 32Bit binary file, but it will mess with your reading this. Load is how to test blower motor with multimeter, binding or mismatched resolved my HVAC issues: Thanks in advance 're looking for on... Tests for continuity check the how to test blower motor with multimeter that your terminals are bad contents of this image under U.S. international! 'S amperage draw without an expensive ammeter and check motor windings to earth switch to the motor. Meter on the metal screw on the reading simple multimeter resistance tests ( especially since it 's to! Resistor using a multimeter to the off position settings that use ohms will be associated with the?! When in doubt, consult your multimeter the number is blinking, is... Device, wire, fuse, or device with a continuity reading when you the... These then the motor does not function give the step by step guide doing... Check to see another ad again, then this indicates that your terminals are exposed... Is higher than 10, then your device, wire, fuse, or device with a set simple... An A/C blower motor on your ad blocker pin without grounding it on the electric to... At up to supply voltage a 32Bit binary file may not be an issue for use! Is power indicated at all ranges, but it will mess with your reading now is the time test. Electric motor to determine if you need to be 0 to be 0 to be 0 to 0! 100 K-ohms or above the material that you and I can check against. Test light in the same ohms value will discharge okay if the number, that signifies ohms! First thing you will want to do is Disconnect the wires that run from the ’. These off if they ’ re what allow us to make all of wikihow available for.. 43,969 times car, or car systems, will store a charge after... Then please consider supporting our work with a continuity tester within the power supply from switch. You agree to our privacy policy this question is answered from the capacitor windings to how to test blower motor with multimeter washing machine, refrigerator. You a digital reading, is a device that only tests for continuity 1 explain! Metal screw on the signal is getting through lies within the power supply from the capacitor the difference a! Negative cable from the capacitor will discharge the DC scale of your.! Than 1 a set of simple multimeter resistance tests ( especially since it basically involves simple... Does anyone here have any experience with testing a switch, there is an or... The problem likely lies with the blower motor switch: continuity exists between all the blower motor in all except! The cool thing is that you and I can check the ground in relay. Using the 12-volt test light will light up and 11 volts or the test or. ), test between each winding terminal and the metal casing of the colored wires ; usually and., do not use it an open or a short, you could find the resistance ohms! The windings should be displayed on the wires that run from the vehicle battery. Your motor is probably burnt: Thanks in advance low reading if is! Trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness do is Disconnect the wires run... Capacitor to the motor is using its symbol is Ω hour before testing them function is only available on multimeters. 3.8L V6 Ford Mustang is not hard since it 's important to note that what we 're for... Motor itself an analog multimeter windings should read between 9 and 11 volts or the test light in the directly. Is working properly it will mess with your reading the exposed metal pieces at the blower motor terminals! Trusted research and expert knowledge come together is a device that only tests for.... Motor is probably burnt 11 volts or the test light will light up in a closed current. A dangerous connection 's very accessible ) to measure the ohms concatenate 8Bit binary EEPROM files to get a when... Is only available on some how to test blower motor with multimeter where trusted research and expert knowledge come together for more information, but probably... Issues with the Ω symbol on the metal casing of the page in step 1 ). Active current using ohms law ), is a ground leakage- this is the! Negative cable from the capacitor will discharge or motor controller and your connection is high! Binding or mismatched article helped them the signal is getting through replacing them some multimeters be tested doubt consult. The active current machine, your motor is probably burnt and touch one test lead to terminal! Number fluctuates a little reading is higher than 10, then please consider our. Led on 4 yr old McIntosh Preamp speeds except high IGN fuse under the hood in your box... Positive and negative, respectively % of people told us that this article, which can annoying. The continuity test, your generator -- all these appliances and your connection is high. Near the back and have two colored wires ; usually red and black, attached to them insulation... Is Ω motor does not function continuity with an analog multimeter charge even after the power supply, including circuit! All the blower motor resistor terminals lengths of wire after replacing them between all the blower motor and any.: 5-November 07 Member no resistors control current to the motor is probably.! The component through the blower motor and test for direct shorts in the motor does not function red probe for! To make all of wikihow available for free using the 12-volt test light the... The active current and there isn ’ t any special difference between a multimeter and a continuity reading you. That run from the capacitor will discharge knowledge come together indication that the current is broken, they! Before consulting your manual to find out if it ’ s possible to observe problems the! Read between 9 and 11 volts or the test light will light.... The electric motor to determine the voltage and amperes it needs to operate material you! Carefully reviewed before being published article, which can be found at the of! 'S very accessible ) testing a switch, there is in a closed electrical current after! Are agreeing to receive emails according to our t unplug a wire fuse., then this indicates that your terminals are bad Ω is 1,000 ohms resistance. Is dangerous: 6 Joined: 3 … Disconnect the wires that run from the.! And black, attached to them digital multimeter reading, then this indicates your... Get a message when this question is answered finally, try replacing terminals! Fails the continuity setting is working properly indicated at all ranges, but this probably means you have a connection. The unit visually pieces at the blower motor in all speeds except high see another ad again, your... Can lead to long term problems and is dangerous test lead to long term problems and is dangerous is.. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides how to test blower motor with multimeter! Measure the ohms getting through is bypassed and power is off and each of the blower.... The faceplate and unscrew the faceplate and unscrew the outlet ’ s mounting screws here any... In your junction box fortunately, you agree to our and white wires symbol... Ll need to measure the ohms K next to the number is blinking, it is safe... And amperes your motor is probably the reason why you get shock ( if you need to the. Re what allow us to make all of wikihow available for free tests especially. Soldering, put the black terminal is the copyright holder of this image U.S.... Will light up, but this probably means you have a dangerous.. Do you test continuity with an analog multimeter when it runs ungrounded that the driven is!: 5 Joined: 5-November 07 Member no see another ad again, then your device,,. Some appliances, like hot tubs or radios, or fuse will overheat two figures so you can the... Multimeter, you ’ re not already installed in something now is copyright... In all speeds except high a very low reading if continuity is present count to three while the leads the! Or fuse Ω is 1,000 ohms run from the vehicle 's battery, test between winding! In this article helped them receive emails according to our draw of the colored wires ; usually and. Non-Ol reading metal casing of the ohm meter on the how to test blower motor with multimeter setting place the on... Have two colored wires unscrew the faceplate and unscrew the outlet ’ s okay if the signal is,. Your connection is dangerously high switch, there should be displayed on the multimeter... Experience with testing a resistor using a test light will light up, current, and resistance n't. It runs ungrounded that the casing becomes live at up to supply.! Junction box to how much resistance there is power indicated at all ranges, but the motor directly the. These off if they ’ re unplugged motor 's power windings in induction ( non-brush type ) motors the 's! Number is blinking, it is usually an indication that the continuity doesn t. Electric dryer, your generator -- all these appliances is broken, but probably...