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Dorman 973-178 HVAC Blower Motor Resistor - Front
Reliable HVAC Blower Motor Resistor for Hyundai and Kia Vehicles
The Dorman 973-178 HVAC blower motor resistor is designed to restore proper blower motor function in select Hyundai and Kia models. Engineered to meet OEM specifications, this resistor ensures consistent airflow control for your vehicle's heating and cooling system.
- Compatible with Hyundai Elantra, Elantra Coupe, Sonata, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Sport, Santa Fe XL, and Kia Forte, Forte5, Forte Koup, Optima, Sorento, and Sedona
- Features 2 bolt holes for secure mounting
- Equipped with a single rectangular female connector housing 4 male blade terminals
- Does not include wiring harness or mounting hardware
- Includes blower motor resistor and installation instructions
Technical Details and Specifications
The Dorman 973-178 blower motor resistor is designed with a rectangular female connector that contains four male blade terminals, providing a reliable electrical connection to your vehicle's HVAC system. The part mounts securely using two bolt holes, ensuring stable installation without vibration or loosening. This resistor does not come with a wiring harness or mounting hardware, so existing components should be reused or sourced separately. The included instructions guide proper installation and help maintain optimal blower motor performance.
Compatible Hyundai and Kia Models
This blower motor resistor is compatible with a range of Hyundai and Kia vehicles, including the Hyundai Elantra, Elantra Coupe, Sonata, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Sport, Santa Fe XL, and the Kia Forte, Forte5, Forte Koup, Optima, Sorento, and Sedona. Using the Dorman 973-178 ensures proper fitment and function for these specific models, helping maintain your vehicle’s HVAC system efficiency.
Common HVAC Issues Addressed
- Intermittent or no blower motor operation at certain fan speeds
- Blower motor stuck on high speed only
- Inconsistent airflow from vents
- HVAC system failing to regulate cabin temperature properly
- Electrical resistance failure causing blower motor malfunction
Installation Notes and Tips
Before installation, verify the part number 973-178 matches your vehicle’s requirements. Disconnect the battery to prevent electrical shorts. Remove the old blower motor resistor by detaching the connector and unbolting the two mounting points. Install the new resistor by securing it with the two bolts and reconnecting the rectangular female connector. Since mounting hardware and wiring harness are not included, reuse existing components or obtain replacements as needed. Follow the included instructions carefully to ensure proper installation and avoid damage.
Quality Assurance and Warranty
Dorman parts are manufactured to meet or exceed OEM standards for durability and performance. The 973-178 blower motor resistor undergoes quality control testing to ensure reliable operation within the HVAC system. This part includes installation instructions and is backed by Dorman’s limited warranty, providing coverage against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.
| Brand | Dorman |
| Part Number | 973-178 |
| Bolt Hole Quantity | 2 |
| Connector Gender | Female |
| Connector Quantity | 1 |
| Connector Shape | Rectangular |
| Mounting Hardware Included | No |
| Package Contents | Blower Motor Resistor and Instructions |
| Terminal Gender | Male |
| Terminal Quantity | 4 |
| Terminal Type | Blade |
| Wire Quantity | 0 |
| Wiring Harness Included | No |
This part fits 78 vehicles. Search below:
| Year | Make | Model | Fuel Type | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Kia | Optima | ELECTRIC/GAS | N/A | |
| 2019 | Kia | Sedona | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2019 | Kia | Sorento | Front | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2018 | Hyundai | Santa Fe | N/A | Compatible with vehicles equipped with manual air conditioning controls. | |
| 2018 | Hyundai | Santa Fe Sport | N/A | wo/Auto Temperature Control | |
| 2018 | Hyundai | Santa Fe XL | N/A | wo/Auto Temperature Control | |
| 2018 | Kia | Forte | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2018 | Kia | Forte5 | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2018 | Kia | Optima | ELECTRIC/GAS | N/A | |
| 2018 | Kia | Sedona | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2018 | Kia | Sorento | Front | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2017 | Hyundai | Santa Fe | N/A | Compatible with vehicles equipped with manual air conditioning controls. | |
| 2017 | Hyundai | Santa Fe Sport | N/A | wo/Auto Temperature Control | |
| 2017 | Hyundai | Santa Fe XL | N/A | wo/Auto Temperature Control | |
| 2017 | Kia | Forte | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2017 | Kia | Forte Koup | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2017 | Kia | Forte5 | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2017 | Kia | Optima | ELECTRIC/GAS | N/A | |
| 2017 | Kia | Sedona | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2017 | Kia | Sorento | Front | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2016 | Hyundai | Santa Fe | N/A | Compatible with vehicles equipped with manual air conditioning controls. | |
| 2016 | Hyundai | Santa Fe Sport | N/A | wo/Auto Temperature Control | |
| 2016 | Hyundai | Santa Fe XL | N/A | wo/Auto Temperature Control | |
| 2016 | Kia | Forte | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2016 | Kia | Forte Koup | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2016 | Kia | Forte5 | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2016 | Kia | Optima | ELECTRIC/GAS | N/A | |
| 2016 | Kia | Sedona | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2016 | Kia | Sorento | Front | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2015 | Hyundai | Santa Fe | N/A | Compatible with vehicles equipped with manual air conditioning controls. | |
| 2015 | Hyundai | Santa Fe Sport | N/A | wo/Auto Temperature Control | |
| 2015 | Hyundai | Santa Fe XL | N/A | wo/Auto Temperature Control | |
| 2015 | Kia | Forte | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2015 | Kia | Forte Koup | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2015 | Kia | Forte5 | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2015 | Kia | Optima | GAS | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning |
| 2015 | Kia | Sedona | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2015 | Kia | Sorento | Front | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2014 | Hyundai | Santa Fe | N/A | Compatible with vehicles equipped with manual air conditioning controls. | |
| 2014 | Hyundai | Santa Fe Sport | N/A | wo/Auto Temperature Control | |
| 2014 | Hyundai | Santa Fe XL | N/A | wo/Auto Temperature Control | |
| 2014 | Hyundai | Sonata | GAS | N/A | wo/Auto Temperature Control |
| 2014 | Kia | Forte | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2014 | Kia | Forte Koup | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2014 | Kia | Forte5 | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2014 | Kia | Optima | GAS | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning |
| 2014 | Kia | Sorento | Front | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2013 | Hyundai | Elantra | N/A | Compatible with vehicles equipped with manual air conditioning controls. | |
| 2013 | Hyundai | Elantra Coupe | N/A | Compatible with vehicles equipped with manual air conditioning controls. | |
| 2013 | Hyundai | Santa Fe | N/A | Compatible with vehicles equipped with manual air conditioning controls. | |
| 2013 | Hyundai | Santa Fe Sport | N/A | wo/Auto Temperature Control | |
| 2013 | Hyundai | Santa Fe XL | N/A | wo/Auto Temperature Control | |
| 2013 | Hyundai | Sonata | GAS | N/A | wo/Auto Temperature Control |
| 2013 | Kia | Optima | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2013 | Kia | Sorento | Front | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2012 | Hyundai | Elantra | N/A | Compatible with vehicles equipped with manual air conditioning controls. | |
| 2012 | Hyundai | Sonata | GAS | N/A | wo/Auto Temperature Control |
| 2012 | Kia | Optima | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2012 | Kia | Sorento | Front | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2011 | Hyundai | Elantra | N/A | Compatible with vehicles equipped with manual air conditioning controls. | |
| 2011 | Hyundai | Sonata | GAS | N/A | wo/Auto Temperature Control |
| 2011 | Kia | Optima | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2011 | Kia | Sorento | Front | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2010 | Hyundai | Elantra | N/A | Compatible with vehicles equipped with manual air conditioning controls. | |
| 2010 | Hyundai | Sonata | N/A | wo/Auto Temperature Control | |
| 2010 | Kia | Optima | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2009 | Hyundai | Elantra | N/A | Compatible with vehicles equipped with manual air conditioning controls. | |
| 2009 | Hyundai | Sonata | N/A | wo/Auto Temperature Control | |
| 2009 | Kia | Optima | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2009 | Kia | Sorento | Front | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2008 | Hyundai | Elantra | N/A | Compatible with vehicles equipped with manual air conditioning controls. | |
| 2008 | Hyundai | Sonata | N/A | wo/Auto Temperature Control | |
| 2008 | Kia | Optima | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2007 | Hyundai | Elantra | N/A | Compatible with vehicles equipped with manual air conditioning controls. | |
| 2007 | Hyundai | Sonata | N/A | wo/Auto Temperature Control | |
| 2007 | Kia | Optima | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning | |
| 2006 | Hyundai | Sonata | N/A | wo/Auto Temperature Control | |
| 2006 | Kia | Optima | N/A | wo/Dual Air Conditioning |
* Always verify fitment with your vehicle's VIN if unsure. Submodel & trim restrictions may apply.
This part directly replaces or is cross-referenced with the following part numbers:
Cross-reference numbers are provided for identification purposes only. Always confirm fitment before ordering.