5.0
fairly significant- Typical Repair Cost:
- $140
- Average Mileage:
- 123,300 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 8 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (4 reports)
- replace the blower motor resistor (4 reports)
The fan not working on lower speeds is a pain. I want to fix it myself; can anyone tell me how in detail?
- Wayne B., Lyons, SD, US
This is the second Cavalier I have owned with this problem. Also I used to own a 1991 Chevy 1500 pickup with the same problem. I guess the knuckle heads at GM just can't figure out how fix a simple design fault. It's no wonder we have to bail out those idiots.
- Mike B., Pekin, IL, US
Well, like other users, I found the 1st setting failed, then a few months later, the 2nd fan setting failed...
I'm dreading when the 3rd and 4th settings will fail.
Right now, it's an inconvenience. Too much heat at one time. When it's hot in there, we turn it off, then turn it on again.
I don't think it's worth spending $200-$300 for labour costs to get this thing fixed...our car is at 218,000km, so I don't think it's THAT critical.
- Harry M., Toronto, ON, Canada
The Resistor should have been made from wire and not a film deposit on glass.
Wire resistors are a time proven dependable device.
They have been used for many years, so why fix something thats not broken?
- Robert V., Hazleton, PA, US
This is one of many problems with this vehicle. This problem with the AC started around 58,000 mi., however I have also had to replace the Alternator at 72,000 mi., the ignition switch twice (at 26,723 and right now), the CD player (at 62,000 mi.) and for a few years now I've had a loud, obnoxious knocking/bump sound that comes from the passenger side rear of the car when i go over a speedbump, railroad track, etc. I've had mechanics check out the shocks, etc. and they all check out. Also, the trunk opener has locked up on me three times!
- qgardner, Monterey, CA, US
I've owned this car for a year and it's been nothing but a money pit. First I have to replace the pads and rotors, a week later, the head gasket........ last month, two strut bearings, a rear mount and two wheel bearings and the damn thing still cracks and rattles in the front and I get an incredible bang in the rear when I hit a small bump. Oh, did I mention that I also lost the cruise control last year. WHAT A LEMON!!!!
- Arlene P., Corner Brook, NL, Canada
Apparently this is a VERY common problem with Cavaliers. The blower fan stopped working on the lowest setting, then about 6 months later, it stopped working on the second lowest. The blower motor resistor is pretty readily available for around $30. I haven't installed it yet, but from the instructions I've been reading, it is no simple task.
- Nick R., Cincinnati, OH, US
It seems like I'm not the only one to have this problem. It can be annoying to have to keep it on the 3 setting and then turn it off when it gets too cold or hot in the car. I know I can't fix it myself and I don't want to pay a small fortune for somebody to do it.
- gigglebunny1983, Fishers, IN, US