AC fan switch stuck and the switch is getting hot | FerrariChat
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AC fan switch stuck and the switch is getting hot

Discussion in '308/328' started by tgeddings, Dec 1, 2012.

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  1. tgeddings

    tgeddings Karting

    Apr 16, 2010
    108
    Redneck Riviera, SC
    Full Name:
    Tim Geddings
    #1 tgeddings, Dec 1, 2012
    I pulled into the garage a short time ago after several drives today with the AC both on and off. As a habit I always turn off the AC fan before parking. Today the switch is stuck. I can feel the plate below it getting hot so I know there must be a short. As I frantically struggle with the switch I can get it to alternate between high (position 3) and 'high and a half' about position 3.5, but it will not turn counter clockwise. I have disconnected the power so I have a little time and it appears this switch only has power on it with the key in the on position. My question is this - This appears to be part number 101990 with a price of over $200 - does anyone know of another part that will work?

    I did a search but could not find anything.

    Thanks.
     
  2. chairpilot

    chairpilot Formula 3

    Mar 3, 2007
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    PlateClipGuys
    #2 chairpilot, Dec 2, 2012
    I would disconnect and pull out the switch from the console and try to free it up with electrical contact cleaner spray (Radio Shack). If it feels crunchy it may be cracked internally and needs to be replaced. If it frees up check the contacts with an ohm meter for integrity of each position's connection. You may be able to fit a generic replacement if someone here knows a switch part number that would work (I do not, sorry).
     
  3. PT 328

    PT 328 F1 Rookie
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    May 1, 2005
    4,008
    #3 PT 328, Dec 2, 2012
    As Bob noted, remove and take a close look at the current switch to make sure it isn't an easy fix before shelling out dough on a new one.

    If in fact you need a new switch I would try a used one from Ferrparts or Specialized Parts Planet. I am sure the cost would be less than $200.
     
  4. Ferraridoc

    Ferraridoc F1 World Champ
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    Jun 20, 2012
    17,222
    Gold Coast, Aust.
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    Patrick
    #4 Ferraridoc, Dec 2, 2012
    Mine did the same thing ('85 QV) - It'll be molten slag on the internals, but if you're lucky, the plastic shoe over the spade terminal won't have melted.
    I bought a replacement (different housing, but same contacts) - I thought there was an internal rheostat, but the resistor is external and all the switch does is switch circuits, so maybe there are cheaper alternatives.
     
  5. tgeddings

    tgeddings Karting

    Apr 16, 2010
    108
    Redneck Riviera, SC
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    Tim Geddings
    #5 tgeddings, Dec 8, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I tried to order a replacement from eurospares but it was NLA, so I had to fix it myself.

    First, I removed the two screws from the ashtray and lifted the panel holding all of the switches. I took several pictures from every possible angle to be sure I knew how to replace the 5 wires. I removed the small allen screw holding the knob to the switch. The switch is held together by bent over tabs. After carefully prying them up, the switch easily comes completely apart. It was apparent that the contact plate attached to the hot wire had overheated and had melted into the plastic holder. Since it was not even with the other plates, the triangular contactor attached to the knob could not rotate. I cleaned all of the switch internals with contact cleaner and then did a careful plate realignment with a hammer. After reassembly it works like new.

    Finished just in time for the Army/Navy game... Go Navy, beat Army.

    Tim
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  6. PT 328

    PT 328 F1 Rookie
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    #6 PT 328, Dec 8, 2012
    Gotta love the cheap fixes. Nice work.
     
  7. chairpilot

    chairpilot Formula 3

    Mar 3, 2007
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    PlateClipGuys
    #7 chairpilot, Dec 8, 2012
    Nicely done Tim!!!
     

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