Fan Speed Switch Intermittent

[psea17]

Hey guys,

Not sure what to do. My blower fan switch on the A/C console is working intermittently. IOW, i have to wiggle it sometimes for it to work at the desired speed.

Is this a bad switch? If so, can that be replaced or do i have to buy the entire ac console that fits in the dash?

Or, might it be the blower motor resistor?

What would you recommend?

Thanks!

 

[gamefreakgc]

It sounds like the switch is failing to complete the circuit and has a very loose contact. I think the resister is more of an all or nothing - either it's working or not at all. I would start by removing the switch and check the metal contacts. Be aware that with age, the center dash bezel is very brittle. If you have the wood trim or silver bezel, it's even more fragile almost impossible to remove without breaking off a tab. The black is doable with patience and gentle tugging.

 

[96RedRunner]

Get you a can of DeoxIT D5 spray into the switch.

 

[fourwd1]

If this is intermittent and happens at any/all fan speeds, it's likely the switch.

If it's at 1 or 2 speeds (and especially if a speed stops completely) it's likely the fan speed resistor module.

 

[psea17]

Thanks for the feedback guys! Sounds like the switch is the culprit. Guess i'll try some contact cleaner first.

 

[96RedRunner]

Thanks for the feedback guys! Sounds like the switch is the culprit. Guess i'll try some contact cleaner first.

Not all contact cleaner is plastic safe DeoxIT D5 is.

 

[psea17]

fingers crossed. it appears just spraying some contact cleaner in there (the brand above) worked! time will tell.

thanks again, guys!

 

[davedadude]

I'm having this exact same issue with the fan lever switch. I had to wiggle it to stay on, but now doesn't turn on at all. I replaced the resistor thinking that was the issue, but the issue remains. I took off the center console and looks like the piece below the lever is broken. Looks like I might need to replace my climate control unit, but haven't seen any DIY on it. So many cables, plus the hot/cold knob pulls a cable that manual moves the heater control valve. No idea how to unhook that.

Just recorded this today

2000 3rd Gen 4runner manual climate control - YouTube