The blower motor resistor on a 2016 Wrangler sits behind the glove box on the passenger side. Finding the 2016 Jeep Wrangler blower motor resistor location is the first step to fixing your HVAC fan issues. This guide will show you exactly where it is and how to replace it yourself.
Your Jeep’s blower motor controls the air flow from your vents. When the resistor fails, you might only get high speed fan or no fan at all. Don’t worry, this is a common problem and an easy fix.
What Is A Blower Motor Resistor And Why Does It Fail
The blower motor resistor controls the fan speed settings in your Jeep. It changes the voltage going to the blower motor. Without it, your fan only runs on high speed or not at all.
Resistors fail because of heat buildup over time. The component gets very hot during normal use. Eventually, the internal connections break down. Moisture from your HVAC system can also cause corrosion.
Common Symptoms Of A Bad Blower Motor Resistor
- Fan only works on the highest speed setting
- Fan does not work at all
- Fan speeds are intermittent or erratic
- Burning smell coming from the dash area
- HVAC system blows fuse repeatedly
If you notice any of these signs, check the resistor first. Its a cheap part and easy to replace. Dont ignore the problem because it can strain the blower motor.
2016 Jeep Wrangler Blower Motor Resistor Location
The resistor is mounted behind the glove box on the passenger side. You need to remove the glove box to access it. The part sits low near the blower motor housing.
Look for a small rectangular component with a wiring harness plugged into it. It has two screws holding it in place. The resistor is attached directly to the HVAC case.
Tools You Will Need For This Job
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flat head screwdriver (optional)
- New blower motor resistor (Dorman or Mopar brand)
- Flashlight
- Gloves (optional but recommended)
Most of these tools you already have at home. The resistor part costs between $20 and $50 depending on brand. Mopar OEM parts are more expensive but last longer.
Step-By-Step Replacement Guide
Follow these steps carefully. The whole job takes about 30 minutes. Work slowly to avoid breaking plastic clips.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal. This prevents electrical shorts.
- Open the glove box fully. Squeeze the sides to drop it down past the stops.
- Remove the glove box by pressing in on the sides and pulling it toward you.
- Locate the resistor on the left side of the HVAC housing, near the bottom.
- Unplug the electrical connector by pressing the tab and pulling gently.
- Remove the two screws holding the resistor in place.
- Pull the old resistor straight out. It may be tight.
- Insert the new resistor in the same orientation.
- Tighten the two screws hand tight. Dont overtighten.
- Plug in the electrical connector until it clicks.
- Reinstall the glove box by aligning the hinges and pushing up.
- Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Test all fan speeds before closing up.
If the fan still does not work, check the blower motor fuse. The fuse box is under the hood on the driver side. A blown fuse is another common issue.
Where To Buy A Replacement Resistor
You have several options for buying the part. Auto parts stores carry them in stock. Online retailers offer better prices sometimes.
Recommended Brands And Part Numbers
- Mopar 68004086AB (OEM quality, best fit)
- Dorman 973-102 (affordable alternative)
- ACDelco 15-72467 (good middle option)
- Four Seasons 20559 (budget friendly)
Check your VIN number before ordering. Some 2016 Wranglers have different HVAC systems. The Sahara and Rubicon models use the same resistor though.
Price Comparison Table
| Brand | Price Range | Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Mopar | $45-$60 | 1 year |
| Dorman | $20-$30 | Limited lifetime |
| ACDelco | $25-$35 | 2 years |
| Four Seasons | $15-$25 | 1 year |
I recommend spending a little extra for the Mopar part. Aftermarket resistors sometimes fail faster. But Dorman is fine if you are on a tight budget.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
People often make simple errors when replacing this part. Avoid these mistakes to save time and money.
Forgetting To Disconnect The Battery
Always disconnect the negative terminal first. The resistor can short out if you touch the wrong wire. Its a safety issue too.
Using The Wrong Screwdriver
The screws are Phillips head but can be tight. Use a good quality screwdriver to avoid stripping them. A stripped screw is a nightmare to remove.
Installing The Resistor Backwards
The resistor only fits one way. Look at the orientation before removing the old one. Take a photo with your phone for reference.
Not Testing Before Reassembly
Always test the fan speeds before putting the glove box back. If something is wrong, you dont want to take it apart again. Test all four speeds.
Why The Blower Motor Resistor Fails Often
This part fails more frequently on Wranglers than other vehicles. The design puts it in a spot that gets hot and humid. Dust and debris also accumulate around it.
Another factor is the blower motor itself. If the motor is drawing too much current, it stresses the resistor. Check the motor for binding or noise while you are working.
How To Extend The Life Of Your New Resistor
- Replace the cabin air filter regularly
- Keep the HVAC system on recirculate in dusty conditions
- Run the fan on medium speed instead of high all the time
- Clean debris from the cowl area near the windshield
- Check the blower motor for excessive resistance
Simple maintenance can double the life of your resistor. The cabin air filter is cheap and easy to change. Do it every 12,000 miles.
Alternative Location For 2-Door Models
The 2016 Jeep Wrangler 2-door has the same resistor location. It is still behind the glove box on the passenger side. The process is identical for both models.
Some early 2016 models built in late 2015 might have slight differences. Check your build date on the door jamb sticker. If its before October 2015, the resistor might be a different shape.
Differences Between Manual And Automatic HVAC
Manual HVAC systems use a simple resistor. Automatic climate control systems use a blower motor control module. The module is more expensive and located differently.
If you have automatic climate control, the part is behind the glove box but higher up. It looks like a larger black box with multiple wires. Do not confuse the two parts.
Testing The Blower Motor Resistor
Before buying a new resistor, test the old one with a multimeter. This confirms the part is actually bad. Sometimes the issue is a bad connection or fuse.
How To Test With A Multimeter
- Remove the resistor from the vehicle
- Set your multimeter to ohms (Ω)
- Touch the probes to the terminals on the resistor
- Check for continuity between different pairs
- A reading of zero or infinite means the resistor is bad
If you dont have a multimeter, just replace the part. Its cheap enough that testing is optional. Most people skip this step anyway.
Related Parts You Might Need
While you are working on the resistor, check these related components. Replacing them now can prevent future problems.
Blower Motor
The blower motor itself can fail and cause resistor issues. If the motor is noisy or slow, replace it. The motor is located under the passenger side dash, near the resistor.
Blower Motor Resistor Connector
The wiring harness connector can melt from heat. Inspect it for burn marks or corrosion. Replace the connector if it looks damaged.
Cabin Air Filter
A clogged cabin filter restricts air flow. This makes the blower motor work harder. Replace the filter while you have the glove box out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Is The Blower Motor Resistor On A 2016 Jeep Wrangler?
It is located behind the glove box on the passenger side. Remove the glove box to access the resistor. It sits low on the HVAC housing near the blower motor.
Can I Drive With A Bad Blower Motor Resistor?
Yes, but you will have limited or no fan speed. It does not affect engine performance. However, it can cause the blower motor to overheat if left unrepaired.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Jeep Wrangler Blower Motor Resistor?
The part costs $15 to $60 depending on brand. Labor costs $50 to $100 if a shop does it. DIY replacement is free and takes about 30 minutes.
What Causes The Blower Motor Resistor To Fail?
Heat buildup, moisture, and corrosion are the main causes. A failing blower motor can also damage the resistor. Dust and debris contribute to early failure.
Do I Need To Reprogram Anything After Replacing The Resistor?
No, the resistor is a plug-and-play part. No programming or calibration is needed. Just install it and test the fan speeds.
Final Tips For A Successful Replacement
Take your time and dont rush the job. The plastic clips on the glove box are fragile. If you break one, the glove box will rattle.
Use a magnetic screwdriver to avoid dropping screws into the dash. Lost screws can cause rattles later. A telescoping magnet tool is helpful for retrieval.
If the new resistor fails within a few months, check the blower motor. A bad motor draws too much current and kills resistors. Replace the motor to fix the root cause.
Keep your old resistor as a spare. Sometimes you can clean the contacts and reuse it in an emergency. But dont rely on it long term.
You now have all the information to find and replace the 2016 Jeep Wrangler blower motor resistor location. The job is straightforward and saves you money. Your HVAC system will work like new again.