I was curious how common is it for this switch to go bad. I am talking about the one that controls fan speed. Mine only does off and speed 4. I remember my dad having this problem a long time ago, but I couldn't remember if people would buy this switch new or used? Any ideas?

 

blower motor resistor

 

look under the thin plastic cover at your wipers... there is a resistor unit mounted in the fan cover on the driver side . Unplug, unscrew and replace.

 

Is it always the resistor? Can you get them at autozone or a local auto parts store?

 

It sounds like it's the series resistor, and AFAIK, it's a dealer only item. Are you ready for it - around $230 for a new one.

But try this first - remove the resistor from the blower assembly and soak it overnight in white vinegar. There are a couple of contacts that get corrosion on them and the vinegar cleans it off. I had the same issue as you and soaking it fixed it.

 

$230!!? Holy crap...

Here I was thinking it was a cheap and easy fix like my wrangler. $4.55 for the resistor, 1 minute to replace it. Must have skipped my mind that were talking about a P-car.

 

While the resistor is soaking in vinegar can I still use the blower motor at all?

 

nope

 

Here is the new and old part... Its a Porsche part and I never paid anything near $230. It might have been equivilent to around $30. I will have to check the invoice for the price. (Ballast Resistor 944 616 105 00)

 

pic

 

New here about $250

 

The vinegar worked wonders thanks to everyone for the help.

 

That's better - $73.25. But the part number I have is 944-616-101-00-M100. Mine is white and has more pins. I think the one you posted would have worked for the OP though - I just looked up what my car (951) took.

 

My part number was for a 92 968. Sorry.. forgot to mention it.. I assumed that part was univeral to the range.