How do you test the fan motor resistor on a mk5?

[tt225]

I`ve got the normal mk5 problem of the fan switch only operating on speed 3 which I believe means the heater resistor is kaput - thing is every now and then speed 3 wont work either unless you wiggle it then it works, I suppose that might mean I`ve got two problems, the resistor and the switch?

Does anyone know how to test the resistor and what the resistance should be?

[spospe]

tt225

The heater resistor on my 1999 MK5 was mounted at the side of the driver's headlight unit and from memory it was easy to take out. A new resistor unit would have cost me in the order of £30 in 2003, so I repaired the one I had by using a pop-riviter. You will probably find that the resister wire will have broken near one of the terminals and that it is not possible to solder it back, hence using a rivit.

Sorry, but I cannot tell you the value of the resistor as I never measured it.

[tt225]

I had a look but couldnt see a broken wire a few days ago but I`ll have a closer look - I cant think why its fitted where it is though apart from making it easy to get to as mines all rusty.

[spospe]

tt225

Mine was rusty as well, but the reason for fitting it there is simply for heat dissipation. It may be as well also to check the switch, as from your original post, it does sound a bit suspect.