faulty interior fan speed control

[bethgolden]

sorry, don't know what it is really called....the slider switch for the heat/ac fan only works on high. sometimes it will work on medium high if I jiggle it just right. Any ideas on what's wrong and how to fix it?
(96 Geo Metro LSI 4 cyl)
Thanks

[geozukigti]

Replace it. It's most likely a bad switch, or resistor unit. The resistor unit is clipped inside the blower motor casing.

[bethgolden]

Originally Posted by geozukigti

Replace it. It's most likely a bad switch, or resistor unit. The resistor unit is clipped inside the blower motor casing.

Thanks! Is this something I can do, or do I need a 'real' mechanic?

[mcalvo]

Beth.. it depends on your mechannical skills. Give it a try. Remember not to proceed if you are not sure about what are you doing.

MC

[bethgolden]

I do have some car mechanic background, but since I don't have a Geo manual, I think I'll take it to a pro. What exactly would I call the problem. No need to spend extra money for someone to look around and then tell me what I already know, but don't know what to call it;>)

[BrokenBeetle66]

might be a bit late to reply, but how bad do you need that fixed? i'm just throwing in my two cents here...I think that may cost you more than you think to fix it, not really because of parts, but labor. I completely took out my interior several times (painting and modding varioius panels), and so far the only one i cant seem to get is the dash unit (the whole dash), which i'm pretty has to come out to get to the fan.
If it's just the fan switch, that can be done without the dash, but if the dash needs to come out, that will probably wind up taking a long time which = lots of $$$. That's just from my experience though (I have a 94 hatchback, so my dash is different than yours most likely). My fan switch *was* broken but mysteriously fixed itself one day (???).
Good luck with it though, I know how annoying that switch can be!
Keep Mettin' ~Rob

[bethgolden]

thanks, Rob! I think I need to find a manual ;>)

[gpz2]

I had the same problem with my 96 metro. Removing the face plate from around the heat/cool controls isn't hard. The knobs just pull off of the ends of the switches. Once you have access to the fan control, I'm betting that the switch has merely "popped" apart, or like mine, one of the pieces that click together has broken. You may need to remove the 2 screws holding the assembly into the dash so that you can twist it around for better access. Inside the switch there is a small spring and ball bearing about the size of a bb that causes the switch to "click". It's not absolutely necessary, but I found mine and put it back in. A small dab of grease will hold it in place while you move it around. After you get the switch back together, you can use a small plastic zip tie to go around it to keep it from coming apart again. Good as new, not a penny spent, it doesn't get any better than that!

[barteldt]

mines been that way since i got it i have the 2 high speeds but no lower just open a window lol

[bethgolden]

it's too cold in Columbus right now for that! lol

[geozukigti]

In columbus huh, I have a buddy that lives there. His name is Richard. He's got a few metro convertibles. I bet he'll do it for a couple bucks. He's in columbus too. Give him a shout on MSN. rcobun(AT)hotmail.com Tell him Alan (Geozukigti) said he might be able to help ya out. He's a really nice guy, and a pro mechanic. And he knows these cars inside out too. He's even got a turbocharged metro convertible in the works.

[Dusty40]

most geos with any age get to where the switch only works on the top two speeds, the main problem is the switch tends to separate, its easy to fix, just dissamble the heater/airconditioner control, carefully get the switch body where you can hold on to it and either put a piece of wire around it or (in my case I used a tye wrap) anything to hold it together firmly. it will then work on all 5 speeds. when mine first happened i replaced the resistor pack, 40 dollars and i didnt even need it. bummer.

Dusty