Date:         Fri, 17 Dec 1999 11:12:18 -0500
Reply-To:     David Beierl <dbeierl@IBM.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Beierl <dbeierl@IBM.NET>
Subject:      Re: fresh air fan and resistor
Comments: To: Dan_Cook@IDX.COM
In-Reply-To:  <8525684A.004B127F.00@isserv9.idx.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

At 08:41 12/17/99 , Dan Cook wrote:
>I've replaced the fan switch on the dash - nothing. I've ordered a new
>fan. The
>part that I don't want to go to the dealer for is the wiring harness that goes
>from the fan switch to the fan itself - which includes an in-line
>resistor, from
>what Bentley tells me.  I'd like to;

The high speed doesn't go through the resistor, so that pretty much lets
the resistor out as the problem.  My (strong) suggestion is to turn the
thing on, wait until it starts having a problem, then follow the wiring
with a voltmeter.  What you *ought* to see is battery voltage at the fuse
panel, very gradually declining through the wiring and switch but still
close to 12v after the switch.  From what you describe, you're likely going
to find some place with a big voltage drop across a terminal, the fuse, or
some such.  Wherever the drop is, there is your problem.  However, if the
voltage is good all the way past the switch, then you are looking at a bad
ground or bad motor.  In fact I'd check the ground first of all, then the
supply side.  If neither of those is bad it kind of leaves the motor and
its connections.  But listen to your voltmeter, it will set you straight.

>1test the resistor to see if it does or doesn't work, but I don't know how...
>and,
>2)replace the resistor with something reliable without having to go to dealer
>for a $78 wiring harness (Radio Shack may have the right resistor?).

Not a chance.  You could wind your own if you were desperate, but you'd
have $80 worth of hassle doing it.  This is a big power resistor with very
low resistance and fifty-watt or more dissipation ratings.

david
David Beierl - Providence, RI
  http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/
'84 Westy "Dutiful Passage"
'85 GL "Poor Relation"