Where to Find the Blower Motor Resistor on a 2013 Audi Q5

The blower motor resistor on a 2013 Audi Q5 is located behind the glovebox on the passenger side, mounted in the HVAC (heater/AC) air duct near the blower motor itself. Access typically requires lowering or removing the glovebox trim and then unplugging and unbolting the resistor unit from the ductwork. Below is a detailed, step-by-step explanation of where it sits, how to recognize it, and what’s involved in accessing it safely.

Why the Blower Motor Resistor Matters

On the 2013 Audi Q5, the blower motor resistor (often referred to in Audi/VW documentation as the “blower regulator” or “final stage” unit) controls the fan speeds for the cabin air blower. When it fails, common symptoms include the fan only working on one speed, some speeds not working, or the blower cutting out entirely even though the climate control panel lights up and appears normal.

General Location in the Vehicle

In the 2013 Audi Q5, the blower motor and its resistor are both located on the passenger side of the cabin, integrated into the HVAC housing behind the glovebox area. The resistor is designed to sit in the airflow of the duct to keep it from overheating, which is why it’s mounted directly into the plastic housing rather than somewhere loose behind the dash.

Passenger-Side Footwell Area

The key area to focus on is the passenger-side footwell and the area immediately behind the glovebox. Unlike some vehicles where the resistor is easily visible under the dash, the Q5 tucks this component into the HVAC case, meaning you generally need to remove or drop the glovebox or adjacent trim panels for access.

Exact Position of the Blower Motor Resistor

More precisely, the blower motor resistor on a 2013 Audi Q5 is mounted on the HVAC air distribution housing, close to the circular blower motor unit, behind the glovebox on the passenger side. When the glovebox and lower trim are removed, the resistor is typically seen as a small rectangular module with an electrical connector, secured with screws to the plastic ductwork so that its heat sink protrudes into the airflow.

Relationship to the Blower Motor

The blower motor itself is a round, drum-shaped unit mounted in the passenger-side HVAC case. The resistor (or “control module”) is positioned nearby, often slightly above or next to the blower motor opening. Technicians typically locate the blower motor first, then find the resistor attached to the same plastic housing.

How to Visually Identify the Resistor Module

When you have access behind the glovebox on a 2013 Audi Q5, a few visual cues help distinguish the blower motor resistor (or blower control module) from surrounding parts and wiring.

• A small rectangular or slightly curved electronic module, usually black or dark gray, with a metal heat sink section that protrudes into the air duct.
• A multi-pin electrical connector plugged into the module, running back toward the wiring harness under the dash.
• Two or more small Torx or Phillips screws that secure the unit directly into the plastic HVAC housing.
• Positioned extremely close to, or on the same housing as, the round blower motor assembly, not on a loose bracket or random dash support.

Taken together, these identifying details help confirm that the module you are seeing is the blower motor resistor/control unit and not another sensor or electronics module located behind the dash.

Steps to Access the Blower Motor Resistor

Access procedures can vary slightly by trim level and equipment, but the general approach on a 2013 Audi Q5 is consistent: you work from the passenger side, remove trim, and then expose the blower and resistor on the HVAC housing.

Preparation and Safety

Before moving to the physical steps, it’s important to understand the safety considerations. You’ll be working near airbag wiring, climate-control electronics, and potentially sharp plastic edges. Proper preparation reduces the risk of accidental deployment, short circuits, or injury.

1. Switch off the ignition and remove the key. Ensure all vehicle electronics are completely off.
2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal. This step reduces the risk of electrical shorts and avoids disturbing airbag systems while you work under the dash.
3. Allow a few minutes for residual power to discharge. Waiting 5–10 minutes is a common workshop practice before unplugging modules or working near airbag wiring.

Observing these precautions first helps provide a safer working environment before you start removing any trim or electrical connectors under the passenger-side dash.

Gaining Access Behind the Glovebox

To reach the blower motor resistor on the 2013 Audi Q5, you typically need to lower or remove trim panels and the glovebox assembly to get a clear view of the HVAC housing.

1. Remove the passenger-side lower trim panel. This panel under the glovebox is often held in place by a combination of screws and clips. Remove any visible fasteners, then gently pull the panel down and away.
2. Open the glovebox and locate the mounting screws. Inside the glovebox, along the top and sometimes along the sides, you’ll find screws securing it to the dash structure.
3. Unscrew and support the glovebox. Carefully remove the screws and gently lower or pull the glovebox assembly away, being mindful of any connected wiring (for the glovebox light or airbag indicator, if present).
4. Disconnect any wiring harnesses to fully remove the glovebox. If needed, unplug connectors so the glovebox unit can be set aside and you can see the HVAC components behind it.

With the glovebox and lower trim removed, the blower motor and its resistor module become far more accessible, allowing you to identify and reach the correct component on the HVAC housing.

Locating and Removing the Resistor Module

Once the HVAC housing is exposed, the next steps involve finding the resistor itself and detaching it without damaging nearby parts.

1. Locate the blower motor on the HVAC housing. Look for a large, circular plastic unit (the blower) mounted in the passenger-side HVAC box.
2. Find the resistor/control module near the blower. Identify the smaller rectangular module, with an electrical connector and several wires, mounted into the same plastic housing.
3. Unplug the electrical connector. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight off the module, avoiding excessive force on the wires.
4. Remove the mounting screws. Use the appropriate Torx or Phillips driver to remove the screws securing the resistor module to the housing.
5. Extract the resistor from the duct. Gently wiggle and pull the module straight out of its opening; you may see the heat sink or resistor elements that sit in the airflow.

By following these steps, you can cleanly remove the blower motor resistor module from its position in the HVAC housing, ready for inspection, testing, or replacement if faulty.

Common Symptoms Pointing to This Component

Knowing whether you’re dealing with a blower motor resistor issue or another fault in the climate system helps avoid unnecessary disassembly. Certain behaviors strongly suggest the resistor/control module is at fault on a 2013 Audi Q5.

• Fan only works on the highest speed or only on one or two specific speeds, while other speeds are completely dead.
• Intermittent blower operation where the fan cuts in and out even though the climate panel remains responsive.
• No air movement at all despite the blower icon and speed bars appearing on the MMI or control head, with power and fuses otherwise checking out.
• Blower running erratically with speed changes that don’t match the setting on the climate control panel.

When these symptoms are present and fuses and the blower motor itself test good, the blower motor resistor or control module is often the next suspect and may warrant removal and testing or replacement.

OEM vs. Aftermarket and Compatibility Notes

The 2013 Audi Q5 uses a blower control module matched to its specific HVAC system, and there are differences depending on engine, options, and whether the vehicle has basic or advanced climate control. Parts catalogs typically list this module using an Audi/VW part number, and buying based purely on visual similarity is not recommended.

Checking the Correct Part

Owners and independent mechanics should confirm compatibility by cross-referencing the vehicle’s VIN with an Audi parts catalog or a reputable supplier. Modules are often sold as “blower motor resistor” or “blower regulator,” but the internal electronics can differ. Using the correct part number helps ensure proper fan-speed control and avoids issues like non-functioning speeds or fault codes logged in the climate control module.

Reassembly and Final Checks

Once the replacement module is fitted, reassembly reverses the disassembly steps and should be carried out carefully to avoid rattles, loose trim, or electrical problems.

1. Install the new resistor module into the HVAC housing. Slide it into the opening, ensuring the heat sink sits cleanly in the airflow path.
2. Secure it with the original mounting screws. Tighten evenly, but do not over-torque into the plastic housing.
3. Reconnect the electrical connector. Push the plug in until the locking tab clicks into place.
4. Reinstall the glovebox assembly. Reconnect any wiring, align the glovebox, and refit all screws.
5. Refit the lower trim panel. Clip it back into place and reinstall any screws or fasteners removed earlier.
6. Reconnect the battery and test the system. Turn on the ignition, run the climate control, and cycle through all fan speeds to confirm proper operation.

Completing these steps restores the interior to its original condition and verifies that the new blower motor resistor or regulator is functioning correctly across all fan-speed settings.

Summary

On a 2013 Audi Q5, the blower motor resistor—often referred to as the blower control module or regulator—is located behind the glovebox on the passenger side, mounted directly into the HVAC ductwork next to the blower motor. Access involves removing the lower passenger-side trim and glovebox, then unplugging and unscrewing the module from the plastic housing. Typical failure symptoms include missing fan speeds, erratic operation, or no blower function despite a live climate control panel. With the right precautions, basic hand tools, and the correct replacement part, owners or technicians can locate and replace the resistor module to restore full blower control.