97 Metro Heater Fan Prob Solved.....

[cruznhonda]

Well after reading many comments about this problem...I answered my own earlier question.....I discovered that the dash/console fan switch had gunk and corrosion on the contacts. After disassembing the dash panel, pulled the switch, it was an easy deal cleaning the contacts with acetone and brushing up with emery paper. (and zip tie the assembly together for positive contact) IT NOW WORKS! Something tells me most of these fan probs have to do with that....not the fan and/or resistor pack. No parts required...just labor to disassemble, clean, and put back together. Chev wanted $45-$75 for EACH part (switch, resistor pack, fan). Come to think of it....anyone with an electrical switch prob for power windows/locks, etc....same thing can be done saving literally hundreds of dollars avoiding the repair shop labor and new parts. JUST CLEAN THOSE CONTACTS!!!

[89rsfool]

I think I am having a similiar problem with my geo metro. Before I go tearing into my dash and destroying it, do you have any pointers to easily get into my fan switch???

[cruznhonda]

Originally Posted by 89rsfool

I think I am having a similiar problem with my geo metro. Before I go tearing into my dash and destroying it, do you have any pointers to easily get into my fan switch???

There really isn't an "easy" way. You have to pull roughly a dozen screws out in the console/dash area surrounding the heater controls. Look from underside angles on some of the trim areas for screws. You'll wind up removing enough small panels to enable you to reach in and remove the fan switch assy. The last screws to remove are ones that hold the heater contols to the back of the panel. At that point you actually remove the smaller half of the switch which has two small springs and a ball bearing. Make sure you don't lose them. I lost the bearing and replaced it with a BB. There is a spring loaded 3 point contact plate that must be cleaned...and then clean the other wired half of the switch which has small circuitry. I put a rubber band and zip tie around the switch assy and reset it back into the control assy. Then put it all back together in reverse. I actually had to remove the radio as well initially. Very tight compartment area for large hands to move things around. One thing to remember is that the copper contact plate with 3 points is pretty delicate. It is spring loaded and lightweight. I had to CAREFULLY bend it (including the side attach tabs) to make proper contact.(The small BB is there to feel positive stop points for each fan speed) GOOD LUCK