Air Conditioning problem
1997 Other Mitsubishi Models 4 cyl 105000 miles
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1997 Mitsubishi Mirage DE, 105000 miles

I bought a "new" used car this morning (private buyer). In the first 20 minutes of driving I noticed that the knob for turning A/C, heater, defroster worked only in the 1-3 positions. Number 4 did not work (max air). I drove again an hour later and then none of the positions worked..nothing was blowing.

I stopped at AutoZone and they checked the fuses. (nothing wrong with them). He said he could not check the relays because he didn't have a manual online for my car...that I would have to take it to dealership.

I want to know what my first step is. Could it be electrical----switch that powers the fan? (since the 4th position went out first) If not electrical, then could it be the fan motor? What am I looking at in costs or possible problems? Also, do you know if there is anything I could do to make previous owner have to help since it hasn't even been 24 hours since buying the car? (not bought on car lot)

Thanks

most likely the problem is a faulty blower motor resister. this is what lowers the fan speed and its very common for these to burn out. also try tapping on the blower motor to see if it starts working again. to tell for sure you need to check for power and ground at the blower motor with the switch on high and if there is power and ground then replace the fan motor, if not then suspect the resister

I noticed the wires from the fan had been taped up with electrical tape and they were fried (had previously been worked on obviously). I cleaned it up and then went ahead and tested the wires with a car battery and used leads to connect the wires. The fan came on.

So, if the fan does work...does this mean it is the switch itself (that sets 1-4 speeds of airflow)? Or can it still be the resister?

I got another switch from the junk yard today and do not see how I can change the switch without just replacing the whole inset (ac/heat/defrost)... How can I find out or do I even need to?

check fuses and then id still look at the resister and see if its burnt