[taylormiles]

My blower stopped a-blowin'. I assumed that like the first time this happened, it was the FSU. I though perhaps my new FSU had been defective because it only worked for about 3 weeks. Jared at EAC sent me a new one but I still have no blow

Please help me. Its extremely dangerous because I have to drive in the morning (I don't have an alternative) and I cannot see with the windows fogged over.

Update:


So my blower is not blowing. Not hot, not cold, not anything. It just doesn't blow.

So, someone suggested I try the fuse. I pulled the (very difficult to get to ) fuse, #76 and it appeared to be blown. I replaced it with a new one and still no luck, with both FSUs. Where do I turn now?

At least I'm a pro at replacing FSUs... I can do it in 10 seconds without looking in there, one handed.

 

[Mikes00528i]

Have you checked the fuses that are related to the heater/blower? I don't think the bent prongs on the FSU is the problem, their purpose is heat dissipation only to my knowledge.

 

[taylormiles]

Heater blower is fuse 28 yes? I'll check it now.

 

[dannyc9997]

Heater blower is fuse 28 yes? I'll check it now.

There is another one, way in the back fuse 76

 

[taylormiles]

There is another one, way in the back fuse 76

Yes your right the card said 76. However, I popped the trunk and I don't see any numbers on those fuses. Which is it? Oh, and how do I check if its bad (visual clues etc).

Geez. Once I fix this, onto my battery drain (stereo?). Then put the acs pedals on (they're nice looking), then fix the squeaky window... then maybe I'll put that missing bolt into the brakes, do the valve cover gaskets and wheel bearings and bushings.

 

[dannyc9997]

Yes your right the card said 76. However, I popped the trunk and I don't see any numbers on those fuses. Which is it? Oh, and how do I check if its bad (visual clues etc).

Geez. Once I fix this, onto my battery drain (stereo?). Then put the acs pedals on (they're nice looking), then fix the squeaky window... then maybe I'll put that missing bolt into the brakes, do the valve cover gaskets and wheel bearings and bushings.

Ha thats quite the mounting list there. Anyways ive never looked for this fuse, all I know is its in the glovebox, and its not with the other fuses. Do a search for fuse 75 or 76 I remember a few threads about them being way in the back or something. The fuse is bad if the metal wire inside is melted or broken.

 

[taylormiles]

Ah snap. Google sez its not in the glove box, its in the passenger footwell behind the glove box (kinda near the fsu I guess) and alone, along with 75.

For forum reference:
http://bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/Fuse/heaterblower.htm

I'm going to go try and report back. I still don't know what signifies a blown fuse (I'm used to a house fuse box where they pop rather than burn out)

 

[dannyc9997]

Sometimes its really hard to tell if car fuses are blown, its best to just replace it if it looks at all bad.

 

[taylormiles]

Ok so I went fishing in the bottom part. I found 2 fuses all alone. I thought BINGO! I wiggled one out... and it said 40 on it

What the hell?

edit wait shoot maybe that was the right one and it meant 40 amps. It had leakage all over the prongs.

 

[dannyc9997]

It is a 40 amp fuse. Replace it with a new one and see what happens

 

[taylormiles]

Updated, fuse didn't fix it

 

[Jase007]

Do you have a DVM (digital volt meter) and a Bentley manual? There are diagnostic tests / troubleshooting tips in the Bentley and you can use the DVM to see if when electric is on, you are getting 12v to the (various connections) fan motor. If it isn't the fuse, or the FSU, then you need to systematically work through the + feed along the path to the component that isn't working.

Good luck.

 

[taylormiles]

I have the Bentley but I don't have a voltmeter. I can buy one if necessary.

Something to add is that I hear a "humming/electrical buzz" when I press any of the HVAC buttons that would turn on the blower normally.

 

[dannyc9997]

Have you run 12 volts to the blower motor to confirm it works?

 

[taylormiles]

I don't even know where the blower motor in the E39 is. Google just comes up with results about the FSU because its such a common problem.

 

[dannyc9997]

I don't even know where the blower motor in the E39 is. Google just comes up with results about the FSU because its such a common problem.

Blower motor is behind the dash. Youll need a manual to get to it. I would just run 12 through the fuse and see if it goes, dont know if anything bad could happen.

 

[cn90]

1. Go to your local Harbor Freight Store (there is a store in Bellevue WA) and buy a DVM for $2.49:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90899
(I bought this voltmeter and am very happy with it).

2. Procedure for access to Blower Motor: I postsed this DIY on the DIY section:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=343525

Personally, I would check the fuse again b/c the Blower Motor last a long time in this car.
The E39 has so many fuses in so many places that your best bet is a dealer, maybe they can print a fuses location for you.

Also try this:
http://www.540i6.com/fuses.html

Some aftermarket FSUs are known to be bad out of the box.
Try BMW part (ask if you can insert the dealer part in the parking lot for a "try"), if that fixes the problem, you have the answer.

 

[taylormiles]

1. Go to your local Harbor Freight Store (there is a store in Bellevue WA) and buy a DVM for $2.49:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90899
(I bought this voltmeter and am very happy with it).

2. Procedure for access to Blower Motor: I postsed this DIY on the DIY section:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=343525

Personally, I would check the fuse again b/c the Blower Motor last a long time in this car.
The E39 has so many fuses in so many places that your best bet is a dealer, maybe they can print a fuses location for you.

Also try this:
http://www.540i6.com/fuses.html

This is a great response. I'm amazed how cheap that DVM is. Harbor Freight is kinda far off (I'm not sure where in bellevue but I thought it was really far) but it might be worth the trip.

I can check the fuses again, but I pulled the old one and replaced it with a new one, so I thought it would be good... that was just for the blower MOTOR though, not the heater or anything. Fuses are dime a dozen so I might just replace all the relevant ones to rule that out.

 

[taylormiles]

Any more ideas?

 

[chivas]

relays?