Blower gone crazy

[Al Rapp]

I'm a new guy on the block with a 5.0, AWD, 96 Eddie Bauer Explorer. While driving in a cold pouring rain with the heater on because my daughter was cold; the system freaked out. The blower went to high by itself. I tried to lower it with the thumbwheel & there was no response. When I pushed the off button it only went higher & would not turn off. The climate control works OK & the temp. can be put hotter or cooler but the system will blow at a high setting all the time. I opened the dash unit to check the wire jacks, ect. & everything looked OK. It was clean & dry inside. The only other problem I found was the light behind the defroster button was not working but when I inspected the bulb it was not burnt out. Can anyone clue me in as to a fix or am I looking in the wrong direction? I'm thinking a chip or relay went sour & I will have to replace the whole dash electronic climate control system. It is four screws & a few jacks & the unit comes right out.

 

[Heavymentill]

Sounds like a blower motor resistor. Its in the engine compartment, passenger side right near the blower motor.

 

[Al Rapp]

Thanks 96. I checked the dash unit for the fault codes & came up blank. I went right for the resistor & sure enough it was corroded on the inside where the resistor is. The plug/jacks/wires were fine. I read your prior post on pg.13 where you helped someone with the same problem. He had it worse the I did with melted jacks. Dealer was closed at 5 PM. so I will replace it tomm. Your theory makes sense.

 

[Al Rapp]

Sorry it is on pg.15 now. You helped Nitro SSC. Pictures & everything. Thanks again.

 

[Al Rapp]

Other guys said it will cost $9-$15 for the resistor. I don't know if they had an Eddie Bauer &/or the electronic dash control. I sent them a PM but got no reply.The dealership said it is $126.38 & they called it a blower motor controler not a blower motor resistor. Before I spent the $ I wanted to know if this is correct & if I can buy just the resistor. The resistor is held in with star screws & is soldered in place. It don't look like it will come out too easy. I have no problem replacing the whole unit if I have to.