Dashboard heater/AC fan switch not working properly

MISSKATE

MEMBER
1996 NISSAN MAXIMA
3.0L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

The dashboard switch that controls the speed of the heater/AC fan will not work. Actually, it works intermittently; I will press the switch until all speeds are highlighted but no air comes out. If I leave it on high, it will sometimes come on about fifteen minutes later. But sometimes it will not come on at all. How can this be repaired?

5 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,959 POSTS

Hello,

This sounds like you have a problem with the blower motor or the controller. Here is a guide to help us test and replace the blower motor:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/blower-fan-motor-works-on-high-speed-only

Here are blower motor wiring diagrams so we can test for power loss:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

Please run down these guides and diagrams and report back (below).

Cheers, Ken

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Friday, January 5th, 2018 AT 3:16 PM

MISSKATE

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Could it possibly be blower resistor?

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Monday, January 8th, 2018 AT 11:51 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,959 POSTS

Yes it could when you remove it please look for anu burn marks on the resistor which will tell you the unit is bad. If you have a question about it please upload an image of the part in question.

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Monday, January 8th, 2018 AT 12:08 PM

MISSKATE

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Thank you for all your help. I think however, I am going to have to take it to someone. I am pretty handy but this really intimidates me.

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Monday, January 8th, 2018 AT 1:30 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,959 POSTS

Before you take it in can you please remove the resistor and take a picture of it for me so I can tell you if that is your problem? If not I understand. Please let us know what the shop finds and if you can get a picture of the failed part so you can upload it the problem will be solved for others.

Cheers, Ken