Expert: Skip Bollinger - 11/24/2006

Question
Hi,my fan stopped working so I replaced the fuse, no luck So i replaced the fan, still no luck then I replaced the resistor, it worked but only on the high setting and stopped working after half a day. So I left it on and after a while of driving
it started working,So I know it's a short but do I need a switch or how do I change it or will it cost a fortune to have the garage do it?       thanks, vin g

Answer
Vin,
  I'm a Parts Specialist, NOT a tech but I will give you my thoughts on this one. Please remember I know enough about electricity to keep my tongue out of a wall socket!!
  Firstly, you DO NOT HAVE A SHORT. A short will blow the fuse. It sounds like you have an intermittent open in the power wire to the switch. It could be between the power supply to the fuse box or from the fuse box to the switch. It can be a nightmare to find but here we go... You will have to do this when the blower is NOT WORKING. Take a test light and, with the key in the run position, check to see if it lights up on both sides of the fuse. IF it does, the supply of power is good to the fuse box. Next, see if you have power to the switch. If you don't, your problem is between the fuse box and the switch. If it does, begin testing the different connections of the resistor plug.
  Basically what we are trying to do is trace electricity from the source to the end user, the blower motor. It could even be the plug on the backside of the switch.
  As far as replacing the switch, I don't have a clue. Any Public Library has a "Reference Section" that has Automotive Repair Manuals. You can't check them out but you can find what you need and photocopy it to take home.
 Vin, I'm sorry I couldn't have given you better information but like I said, I'm a Parts person but I hope this has given you some insight. Good Luck....
  Skip
  HARD TO FIND AUTO PARTS