Troubleshooting the Blower Fan on a 2003 Rendezvous
by Tim PetruccioThe 2003 Buick Rendezvous was equipped with a 3.4-liter V-6 in both the CX 2WD and CX AWD models. The blower motor is controlled by either a manual dial on the heater control panel or an automatic speed controller in the digital control panel. The blower motor controls the volume of air movement in the Rendezvous cabin. Testing and replacing the blower motor requires removal of interior body panels, as well as electrical testing equipment.
Step 1
Sit in the Rendezvous driver's seat and turn the engine on. Set the fan speed selector to the lowest setting. Move the fan speed from the lowest to the highest setting, one step at a time. If the blower motor works on some but not all settings, the heater control panel or the blower motor control processor are faulty and need to be replaced. If the blower motor does not work at any setting, proceed to Step 2.
Step 2
Turn the engine off. Move to the passenger side of the Rendezvous and open the door. Kneel next to the passenger seat so that you can access the underside of the dashboard. Remove the right-hand side insulator panel screws from below the dashboard, using a ratchet and socket. Remove the insulator panel from the Rendezvous and your work area.
Step 3
Disconnect the electrical connector from the blower motor, using a flat-head screwdriver on the locking tabs if needed. Turn the Buick's engine back on while sitting in the passenger seat. Turn the fan speed and heat to their highest settings.
Step 4
Turn the multimeter indicator dial to the volts setting. Insert the probes from the multimeter into the electrical connector. If you receive no voltage reading, there is an electrical malfunction between the blower motor fuse, resistor and control processor. If you receive a voltage reading, the blower motor is bad and needs to be replaced.
Step 5
Installation of the blower motor electrical connector and insulator panel are the reverse of the removal processes. Tighten the insulator panel screws snug with a ratchet and socket.
References
- AllData Repair: 2003 Buick Rendezvous Blower Motor Testing
- MSN Autos: 2003 Buick Rendezvous Specifications
Things You'll Need
- 3/8-inch-drive ratchet
- 3/8-inch-drive socket set
- Flat-head screwdriver (optional)
- Multimeter
Writer Bio
Tim Petruccio is a professional writer and automotive mechanic. His writing combines more than 20 years of mechanical experience in automotive service, service management, automotive education and business ownership. He assisted in the automotive beta, which launched March 2011.
