Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => Technical / Authenticity => Topic started by: DaveShreiner CLC#23834 on August 16, 2015, 02:31:12 PM

Title: Power module for climate control fan 88 Brougham
Post by: DaveShreiner CLC#23834 on August 16, 2015, 02:31:12 PM
What do you do when the power module for the fan motor fails and no replacements are available?  Just to get the fan running again, I have made a new ground connection with an on-off switch.  But the switch gets hot when its on at full speed.  Can one somehow use the resistors in the module?
Title: Re: Power module for climate control fan 88 Brougham
Post by: Walter Youshock on August 16, 2015, 03:35:36 PM
Parts for these cars are getting harder to find.  Did you check with a dealership?  The one on my '91 went on the way to Grand Nationals in 2011.  The fan wouldn't shut off.  I had to order one from Cadillac and it was available but not cheap.  It is also different from your carburetored '88 but may be worth checking.  It may have been used in other GM vehicles.

I do see them on ebay.  Other option is junkyards.
Title: Re: Power module for climate control fan 88 Brougham
Post by: DaveShreiner CLC#23834 on August 16, 2015, 03:59:32 PM
Thanks for your comments.  I have found these modules on ebay too but they are never the right model for the 88 Brougham.  I have been told they are unavailable from the dealership.  I didn't check personally but someone did for me.  I know the 90 Broughams have a different module and Eldorados of the early 80s are even more different and not like each other except for two years in a row.  A local aftermarket dealer told me these were a hot item years ago but unavailable now.  My 79 Eldo had a simple design and it was easy to wire into the open resistors, but the 88 module is very different and is transisterized.  The only thing they have in common is a heat sink.  I haven't been able to find any on junkyards either.  They seem to be all extracted from the few cars I have found.  If I could find one on ebay that looks like it can fit, I may try to adapt it, but I know the shape is different. 
Title: Re: Power module for climate control fan 88 Brougham
Post by: Walter Youshock on August 16, 2015, 06:19:47 PM
Should be the same for all the Olds powered 5.0 brougham including 1990.  Unfortunately my parts guru passed away and I really don't know what to tell you.

What's the part number?  Should be on the module somewhere.
Title: Re: Power module for climate control fan 88 Brougham
Post by: DaveShreiner CLC#23834 on August 16, 2015, 07:28:47 PM
After reading your comment I looked again on ebay and found a used one for almost 200 bucks.  I have sent the seller a note asking if he knows if it works or if I can return it if it doesn't work.  If I get a reasonable reply, I will buy it.  I had installed the old one in the car and I don't remember the part number.  I had done a search for that part number and it was listed several places online but none of the listings showed they had an actual part.  They all said not available, not in stock, or something similar.
Title: Re: Power module for climate control fan 88 Brougham
Post by: Walter Youshock on August 16, 2015, 07:39:56 PM
I paid around $300 for a new one from the dealer.  For a used one, I'd want to be absolutely positive it works.

Mine went with no warning.  After driving about 4 hours with the air on, we stopped for dinner.  I shut off the car snd the fan kept running.
Title: Re: Power module for climate control fan 88 Brougham
Post by: cadillactim on August 16, 2015, 10:01:42 PM
For your reference, the 1981-89 RWD Fleetwoods and Broughams use the same module. The Eldo/Seville are 80-81, and 82-85. They are getting tough to find. Typically the compressor turn on circuit goes bad and/or the fan stays running.

When you do find one replace your blower motor. As these motors age, they will pull more current and can contribute to the module failing sooner. Since blower motors are fairly cheap, it worth the added protection.

Tim
Title: Re: Power module for climate control fan 88 Brougham
Post by: DaveShreiner CLC#23834 on August 17, 2015, 09:19:20 AM
In my case the fan wouldn't turn on but the compressor worked.  I am awaiting a reply from the guy who has a used one.  I am skeptical about getting it because I don't know if it will work.