Blower motor relay diode

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KenHen

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Minnesota
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Ken
Truck Year
1978
Truck Model
K10
Engine Size
350
In case anyone has had problems with a new blower motor relay...
I was having a problem with getting my blower motor to work, and it blew the fuse when placed in High. After purchasing my second relay with the same results I removed the cap from the relay and snipped out the diode...and then it worked!
The diode is recommended though (called a flyback or freewheeling diode) since it prevents surges and helps the relay last longer.
The problem was it was installed backward (for 1978 K10 at least). Polarity matters apparently so I soldered in a new (1N4007) opposite direction and now the blower works in all settings.
I suppose you could also swap out the black (ground) and the orange (High signal) wire on the plug for the same effect.
As usual I discovered this issue only after replacing the switch, resistors, blower motor and about 10 20A fuses.
I hope this helps someone with the same issue.
 

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Sgt Gus

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Mark
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R20 3/4 ton
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Wow, we're troubleshooting 40 +/- stuff and new parts aren't assembled right.
My high speed is more like medium low, and new relay nada. Resister low, med-low, med-high are fine.
 

Chevydad

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Jason
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1979
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C10
Engine Size
v8
Good stuff, thank you looks like all new parts be to be carefully inspected.
 

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