[Coach35]

2002 Intrepid, fan blower works intermittently. Sometimes on all speeds, sometimes never, but never just on high which would indicate a blower resistor module. Will start working sometimes when I am driving. Have had two mechanics look at it, one being the Dodge dealer. Non - Dealer changed he resistor and didn't see any change, put original back in. Dealer mechanic is 99% sure its the resistor, even after I told him it didn't work on High. I have changed the Ignition Switch too after reading several threads here, that didn't work either. Thoughts?

[Crash Override]

Bad ground perhaps or motor bushes worn out.

[peva]

MTC or ATC? If not what Crahs Override said, it might be the switch or other problems in the control head. You might try replacing the control head - they are pretty inexpensive used. Before doing that, try demating and then re-mating the connector to the control head. Could try jumpering +12 volts to the motor while driving it for a while to check if problem is in the motor or ground.

[98IntrepidTan]

Pull the motor and test it. Or just literally boot it* to see it that changes anything. If the problem is with a connection or the brushes, a jolt may make it change (running to stopped OR stopped to running). Troubleshoot from that point.

You might try smacking the steering wheel/column with your palm. A loose connection there might react to a good smack. (And again, you don't care if it starts OR stops. You're mainly looking for a reaction to give you a vector for troubleshooting.)

* Pretty brutal, but fast and simple and it may be effective. Minus points for you if you kick it hard enough to break something...

P.S. Reading back to Peva's post. Yep, you guessed it; try smacking the center dash.

[Coach35]

It is ATC. I am not a mechanic, but someone knowledgeable with car stuff. My biggest problem is getting to all of these parts behind and under the dash and plastic. I can't ever get it off. I don't want to break dashboard parts trying to get to the control head. Any tips on how to get to it?

[Intrepticon]

Pull the fuse panel off (driver side) undo 1 or 2 screws, can't remember... that will loosen it across the steering wheel.. Center console (shifter) lift it and turn it sideways... then the center dash (atc head, radio, etc) that will just pull off... might have 1 or 2 screws. ATC head 4 screws attaching it to the trim you just popped off. 1/4 socket should take care of this... also there will be one connector.

I picked up a used ATC head at the wreckers for $35. as for the other parts they are a pain to get at but easy to do also... I would suggest the ATC head first as 1 it's the easiest. I've attached an image with instructions..

Hope this helps

[Coach35]

Thanks, this gives me something to try tomorrow. I will let you know if I was successful.

[Coach35]

I was able to get out the control head without breaking anything. I cleaned all the connections, got all of the dust out of it put it back in and it worked, one time. Now there are 2 sets of lights burned out. Does it sound like this unit is failing? Can I get a control head from another Chrysler / Dodge model besides an Intrepid that will work?

[tgs]

You can pull parts for your ATC from any 300M, Concorde, Intrepid from 1998 to 2004.
All of the ATC parts are interchangeable.

[Coach35]

Thanks!! I just ran the self diagnostics (thanks to other posts on here that said how to do it ) and got a 36 code. Said it is a control communication error. I am going to assume that that means the ATC is not "talking" to the other components properly. Think I will try to find a junk yard in my area that has one.

[peva]

The 36 code may not mean anything. According to Brando26, any time you disconnect the ATC and reconnect it you will get that code until you reset the computers. (I guess the BCM periodically interrogates the ATC, so the code is set if it's not there.)

[Coach35]

Well I found an ATC at the junk yard and put it in. Didn't fix the problem. That was an $80 experiment gone bad.

Do you think it is the Blower Motor resistor even though it doesn't work on HIGH? Someone has said a bad blower motor, thoughts?

[Intrepticon]

Search the forum there is a procedure to reset the ATC head when ever its disconnected (not self diag) Try this...

This is what the FSM says in case you don't have one

RECALIBRATING YOUR AC:

1. Start the engine but do not move the vehicle.
2. Set the Temp control to 75 degrees.
3. Press and hold the Floor, Mix (vent/defrost) and Defrost buttons at the same time. The floor is a bottom button and the others are upper.

4. The control head will begin to blink and enter a diagnostic mode.
5. Release the Floor, Mix and Defrost buttons.

Once the unit has gone through its diagnostics it will either return to its normal mode (with all air doors calibrated) or it will return one or more of 16 different error codes between 23 and 51. The ATC control can only show one diagnostic trouble code at a time. Under certain circumstances, more than one diagnostic trouble code could be in the membory. To scroll through any additional diagnostic trouble codes, press the Panel Mode button on the ATC control. Any other button or turning of a knob will end the diagnostic test without showing the rest of the trouble codes.

TESTING YOUR AC SYSTEM:

1) Manually set the blower fan to HIGH - fully clockwise.
2) Set the temperature to "Lo"
3) Push the "recirc"button to engage the recirculate mode.
4) Hold the engine speed to 1,000 RPM. The engine should be warmed up, and close all doors and windows.

Insert a thermometer in the left center dash vent (all dealers have these; you can get one at an auto parts store if you don't have one. It looks like a meat thermometer, with a long probe in the rear). With an outside ambient temperature of 70 degrees F, the A/C outlet temp should be no more than 42 degrees F. At 80 degrees, no more than 45. At 90, no more than 50, and 100 degrees, no more than 54. These numbers will drop slightly if you were to drive the car due to the increased airflow across the condenser. If the temperature exceeds these values, then it is not performing properly and requires service.

STANDARD PROCEDURE - HVAC SYSTEM CALIBRATION:
This procedure may be performed on both the ATC and MTC systems.

1. Start engine and let run.
2. If the vehicle has an ATC system, turn the control head on.
3. Set the temperature controls to the full cold position for two minutes.
4. Set the temperature controls to the full heat position for five minutes.

Reset to desired temp. and put back in auto mode -- air should be much colder.

[Intrepticon]

The resister is located on the passenger side by the floor. if you look down you will see a connector plug there should be two bolts that's the Resistor. here are some images to help you find locations..

[300maximilien]

$80...damn....I have one for sale for $40

Might as well grab a resistor and the fan, swap them both one at a time

Maybe the yard would let you exchange the ATC head for them