Gah! Thought it was heater resistor.....wrong!

[mrblotto]

Hey everyone.

We recently got an 08 RAV4 with 100K on it. It's been working great so far, but recently (past month) the fan would only work on the 'high' setting. After looking around some/researching, the most probable cause pointed to the resistor.

I finally got out there today and replaced it.....and.....same thing

Turns out the airflow on settings 1-3 is the same - very very low but there is some airflow. I could tell only by placing my cheek up next to the vents and swtiching the speeds on the knob. On high - well, it works like it should...unless........

...... if you lightly turn or touch the knob, the fan will stop. Almost like there's a 'dead zone' on the knob somewhere. You need to wiggle it a bit to get it back on. That trick only works on high tho. The other speeds yield zilch with the highly scientific 'wiggle it around some' test lol.

Is it then reasonable to replace the Blower Switch/Knob component?

I've little knowledge on how to use a multimeter. About the only thing I know how to do with one is find out if a wire/connection is broken or not (continuity I think).

 

[LTC8K6]

http://www.rav4world.com/forums/99-4-3-mechanical/86282-c-blower-motor-problem.html

That thread might help.

 

[mrblotto]

Cool...Thx for the link. Apparently the head unit needs to be removed to access the switch. I'll give that a try.

:salute:

 

[mrblotto]

Update:
Ordered a replacement 'blower switch knob' assembly a couple weeks ago. Been too busy w/Mother's Day/Proms/Daddy-Daughter Dances/8th Grade formals last week to even try to replace it.
Finally got to it today
-Looked up 'how to remove stereo from 2008 Rav4' and lo and behold had how to do it. Even included pictures lol
-Remove the left and right LSD, Hazard light covers. easy-peasy. They just pop out
- Began to remove stereo unit, then discovered the whole 'head unit' needs to be removed instead. Guess I didn't realize the head unit included more things other than the stereo *shrugs*.
-Was even easier than the stereo removal itself. 3 10mm bolts and the whole unit kinda slides out.
-Unplug the fan switch harness, take a few mins to figure out how to remove old assembly from the frame (little plastic tabs it turned out), replace w/new fan switch
-assemble everything back and voila, fan speeds now work on all levels. Took me about an hour total, but I'm real cautious and like to look over stuff a few times before I dive in/commit.

 

[LTC8K6]

:thumbsup: