Date:         Sat, 16 Jan 2010 15:19:54 -0500
Reply-To:     Mike <mbucchino@CHARTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike <mbucchino@CHARTER.NET>
Subject:      Re: Inoperative front blower issue.
Comments: To: Jim Felder <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

  It could be the main fuse, the blower switch, the blower motor or the speed resistor pack.
  There actually is a hidden (soldered-in) non-replaceable fuse element on the speed resistor assembly.  I believe it's located on the blower housing.  A multi-meter can diagnose the bad component.
  My guess is that the squealing blower was getting bound up bad enough to draw excessive current, heating up the speed resistor, which melted the fusable element on it.  The blower has bushings that need to be lubed, and the resistor pack may also need replacement, if that's the case.  That fuse element is not available, but could be replaced with a solid jumper soldered in it's place, instead of locating a somewhat hard-to-find resistor pack.  Maybe one from a Rabbit/ Golf/ Jetta will work, if needed?
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it seems that you may need to take the dash out again.  I hear it gets easier each time, but I haven't done this yet, so I don't have personal experience with that part of the job.
  My own ,Westy has very low miles and doesn't squeal at all (yet!), but I should try to lube it somehow to ward off possible failure.  Others may be able to tell you more details on possible repairs/ substitute/ replacement.
  
HTH,
Mike B.    
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Jim Felder 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Saturday, January 16, 2010 2:54 PM
  Subject: Inoperative front blower issue.


  Dear list;

  On an all-day trip home last week, I noticed an electrical smell right
  before my heater blower quit working. The switch is was relatively
  new, but I replaced it anyway as the quality of those sorts of parts
  seems iffy these days. replacing the switch elicits no response at all
  from the blower (it was squealing mildly upon starting before it--or
  something--quit). I am wondering if there is a hidden fuse to the
  motor I should be looking for; the fuses in the fuse box and the two
  up above and to the right of it seem OK.

  I just want to make sure it isn't something else before I pull the
  dash for the second time since the summer.

  Thanks,

  Jim