Porsche 944 Fan Speed Resistor Pack

6-6-2008

Tools needed:

• Phillips screwdriver, nice if it is stubby

Fan runs at high speed only? It's the fan speed resistor pack.

The fan speed is regulated in a brute-force way by big beefy resistors (the round things in the photo below). At least they have it in the airflow for cooling.

The fan speed resistor pack is under the hood, towards the windshield, at least on a 1986 Porsche 944. Held in with two phillips screws. On the earlier models, I think it is nearby.

Over time, the connections on the resistor pack become corroded and then your fan works at high speed only. Usually you can just unplug the connector and plug it back in again.

Works for me!

5-22-2010 Update

Ok, the fan stopped working again, and the unplug-replug routine didn't fix it.

Stuffed under the resistors are two thermal relays that will cut power if the resistors overheat. It is difficult to get to them but I managed to slip a knife blade under there and scrape at the contacts. Fan working again!