Dashboard heater/AC fan switch not working properly

Tiny
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?
Thursday, January 4th, 2018 AT 12:21 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,598 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
Tiny
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Could it possibly be blower resistor?
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Monday, January 8th, 2018 AT 11:51 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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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
Tiny
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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
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,598 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
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Tuesday, January 9th, 2018 AT 11:00 AM

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