1. Check the Fuses:
* Locate the fuse box: Your Beetle likely has two fuse boxes – one in the engine compartment and one inside the car, often under the dashboard on the driver's side. Consult your owner's manual for the exact location and fuse diagram.
* Identify the blower motor fuse: The manual will tell you which fuse(s) control the blower motor. It might be a single fuse or multiple fuses depending on the speed settings.
* Inspect the fuses: Carefully examine each fuse for a blown element (a broken wire inside). Replace any blown fuses with fuses of the same amperage rating. Don't use a higher amperage fuse!
2. Check the Blower Motor Resistor:
* Location: The blower motor resistor is a common point of failure. Its location varies slightly depending on the specific model, but it's usually situated behind the glove compartment or under the dashboard. You might need to remove some panels to access it.
* Inspection: Once located, visually inspect the resistor for any signs of damage, such as burning, melting, or loose connections.
* Testing (Advanced): If you have a multimeter, you can test the resistor's continuity. Consult a wiring diagram to determine which terminals to test. A faulty resistor will show an open circuit or significantly different resistance values compared to the specifications.
3. Check the Blower Motor Switch:
* Testing (Advanced): This is more difficult and often requires removing the switch from the dashboard. You'll need a wiring diagram and a multimeter to test for continuity between the switch terminals in different positions (speed settings). A faulty switch won't pass current correctly.
4. Check the Blower Motor itself:
* Access: Getting to the blower motor usually requires removing parts of the dashboard. This is a more involved process, best done if you are comfortable working on cars.
* Inspection: Inspect the motor for any obvious physical damage. Look for broken wires, loose connections, or anything obstructing the fan blades.
* Testing (Advanced): If you can access the motor's power connector, you can use a multimeter to test for power at the motor's terminals when the blower switch is activated. If you have power at the connector but the motor doesn't work, the motor is likely faulty. You can also try applying 12V directly to the motor (carefully!), but make sure you know the correct polarity. If it runs, the issue is upstream (fuse, resistor, switch, wiring).
5. Check Wiring and Connections:
* Visual Inspection: Carefully examine all wiring related to the blower motor, the resistor, and the switch for any damage, chafing, or corrosion. Look for loose connections.
* Continuity Test (Advanced): With a multimeter, you can check the continuity of the wires to ensure they are not broken.
Important Considerations:
* Wiring Diagram: A wiring diagram specific to your 1999 VW Beetle is extremely helpful. You can often find these online (e.g., forums dedicated to VW Beetles) or in a repair manual.
* Safety: Always disconnect the negative battery terminal before working with electrical components in your car.
* Professional Help: If you're not comfortable working on your car's electrical system, it's best to take it to a qualified mechanic. Incorrectly diagnosing and repairing electrical issues can lead to further damage.
By systematically checking these components, you should be able to pinpoint the source of the problem with your blower motor. Remember to always consult your owner's manual and use caution when working with electrical systems.
