1. Power Source: The blower motor receives power from the vehicle's battery via a fuse and a series of circuits.
2. Switch Control: You control the speed (and sometimes whether it's on or off) of the blower motor using the climate control switch panel inside the car. This switch sends the appropriate electrical signal to the motor.
3. Resistor (Speed Control): Many vehicles, including the 1998 Malibu, use a resistor to control the blower motor's speed. The resistor regulates the amount of electricity reaching the motor, allowing for different speeds (low, medium, high). A faulty resistor is a common cause of blower motor problems.
4. Blower Motor: The motor itself is an electric motor, usually a squirrel-cage type. When it receives electrical current, it spins the fan blades.
5. Fan and Housing: The fan blades are attached to the motor shaft and housed within the blower motor assembly. This assembly is typically located behind the dashboard. It draws air from the outside or from the cabin and pushes it through the ventilation system.
6. Ducts and Vents: The air blown by the fan is directed to various vents throughout the car by a system of ducts.
In short: The climate control switch tells the resistor how much power to send to the blower motor. The motor uses this power to spin the fan, moving air through the car's ventilation system. Any interruption in this chain (blown fuse, bad resistor, failing motor, wiring issues) can cause the blower motor to malfunction or not work at all.
