removing hi/low fan switch- help

[pusher_sr]

can anyone give me instructions on how to remove the hi/low fan switch on a 97 blazer (with a/c). the dealer wants $350 to replace the switch, which probably is only a $30 part. it'd sure be nice to attempt this myself (hopefully without destroying my dash face plate). thanks in advance. ted (pusher sr)

[chcknugget]

It shouldn't be hard if you have the switch. The front dash shroud all needs to come off. It is held on by a number of clips and 2 screws that are behind the steering wheel (above where the tach is). To make it easier (if your shifter is on the column) I apply the ebrake, put the car into first gear, and turn the car off. You may also want to put your steering wheel down, but be careful not to break your hazard light switch when you pull the dash panelout. Simply pull the plastic dash shroud off, and there are probably 4 screws holding the temperature control panel on. Unscrew them and unplug the cables from the panel. Those cables should plug right into the new switch panel you need to buy. Put it all back together and you're done.

*Note* I am not certain, but I think you may have to buy a whole temp control panel (with 3 switches-fan strength, hot/cold, and blower function). This will probably be very expensive from a dealer (I dunno maybe $150), so you might be better off going to a junk yard. However, if you can just replace the switch, you're in luck. Just pull apart the dash and see what you can see.

[pusher_sr]

Originally Posted by chcknugget

It shouldn't be hard if you have the switch. The front dash shroud all needs to come off. It is held on by a number of clips and 2 screws that are behind the steering wheel (above where the tach is). To make it easier (if your shifter is on the column) I apply the ebrake, put the car into first gear, and turn the car off. You may also want to put your steering wheel down, but be careful not to break your hazard light switch when you pull the dash panelout. Simply pull the plastic dash shroud off, and there are probably 4 screws holding the temperature control panel on. Unscrew them and unplug the cables from the panel. Those cables should plug right into the new switch panel you need to buy. Put it all back together and you're done.

*Note* I am not certain, but I think you may have to buy a whole temp control panel (with 3 switches-fan strength, hot/cold, and blower function). This will probably be very expensive from a dealer (I dunno maybe $150), so you might be better off going to a junk yard. However, if you can just replace the switch, you're in luck. Just pull apart the dash and see what you can see.

i just ordered the switch. it's only $20.00. thanks for the great instructions. my first time on the blazer forum & it may save me $300.00. hopefully it won't matter but, my shifter is NOT on the column (between the buckett seats. thanks again. ted

[chcknugget]

Sure, if you need more help just post it up! I just remembered that you might need torx bits to take the switch out (the 4 screws)- but again I can't remember. Hopefully you have some of those!