Fan Problems - Alternative Solutions

[Dave Forgie <forgied@direct.ca>]

I had a similar problem with a Jetta A/C fan (4 spd).  It would only run
on max.  I bought a new resistor pack.  Installed it.  One week later,
same problem.  Removed the 'pack. Checked it out with a multimeter (ohm
setting) - resistors were fine.  Thermal fuse (which prevents things
from getting too hot and causing a fire) had blown (which I then
determined had also occurred on the original 'pack.  The real problem
was the fan was drawing too much current (like it needed lubing or
something).

Solutions:  Bought a new fan (not cheap) - maybe I could have fixed the
original who knows? And to fix the resistor pack - cut off the thermal
fuse (looks like an original transistor from 1960's - may have TR-type
logo on it) - and took it to Radio Shack.  They had the exact same one
for about $7 (vs $75 for the resistor pack). Soldered the new one in.
Has been fine for 4.5 years. Cheap fix (after spending too much) HTH.