wh won't my first 2 levels for the fan work? 1989 Camry

You most likely have a broken "blower motor resistor". It is usually located in the blower motor housing (as it is cooled by the fan itself) with an electrical conector attached to it. Disconnect the connector, remove the 1 (possibly 2) screw that hold it in and it will come right out. You will see 4 curled wires on the back side that look like pen springs. 2 of them will be broken. I believe this is a dealer only part that should run around $50.

Mike

Thanks Mike! I just learned a few minutes ago that I won't have this car for more than 3 weeks due to the fact that my dad is getting a newer car and I will be getting his 1996 VW Jetta Trek. But, I will tell the next owner of the car about the problem and what you told me.

If I were you, I'd fix it. People don't like to inherit problems.

I am giving it to my local used auto dealer and repair center. Unfortunately, I do not have any money to fix this.

Replacing the resistor is practically free. Just takes some time. I bet the cost of the resistor is less than $5.

now that you mention that it is practically free, I am gonna do it. Thanks

You're welcome

Brian,

I believe this is a dealer only part and is like $50-$60. I never did have any luck finding an aftermarket one a few years back. If you know of any available aftermarket I would greatly appreciate knowing who carries it.

Thanks.

Mike

I wasn't considering replacing the whole component, just unsoldering the bad resistor or resistors and buying/installing new ones on the circuit board. Isn't that possible? I remember seeing a description on how to do that on some discussion board.

Edit: Try this:
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Blower.shtml

I never thought of that. The next time I have a blower motor resistor problem on one of my cars I'll take it out and head over to Radio Shack with it and ask them.

I did have a friend who was an ex-Toyota tech who said he would temporarily take the unit out and tie the two broken ends of the broken resistor together. He said it would work for a short time since once they break, it means they are getting very brittle and would break again shortly. He did it to my 86 Camry about 10 years ago. It lasted 1 day.

Mike

You can just match up the color code of the resistor with the new one.

Brian,

Thanks again.

Mike