Re: 1996 Dodge Dakota Sport 4x4 5-speed. Not only has the tachometer gone somewhat haywire lately, now the speed of the A/C blower is inconsistent. I first noticed that on "highest" setting, the air-flow seemed closer to a lower setting. Then the blower quit altogether, but then it began to blow again. Well, now it's just blowing when it wants to and every few minutes slows down or stops. I don't hear any noises.

I just wish I knew if it was a switch problem, a blower motor, problem, or something altogether different.

 

Add a bad connection to your list.

speaking for ralph

 

Resistor block?

 

I would bet it's probably the resistor or blower motor going out. I had the same problem on my 96 fan speeds would either be weak or not work replaced both resistor and motor and everything was back to normal. Both parts can be had for cheap as well and on a 96 if it hasn't been done probably a safe bet to do it just from age.

 

Dakota resistor test/replacement video is informational:

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I found a youtube video and was surprised (and elated) to find the blower resistor located at a convenient location on the passenger side of the firewall under the hood. The funny thing is, although the two screws (8mm) are easy to reach, I could spin both of them with my fingers and they would not come out. Resorted to using a pair of pliers and some dental surgery technique of pulling teeth to get the two screws removed.

It appears one section of the resistor is either rusty or burned or both (see lower right section in second photo). So I will begin by replacing the resistor. I have no idea, at this point, how deeply hidden the actual blower motor is on an air-conditioned '96 model.

above photo location on firewall

above photo side where damage can be seen

above photo reverse side

 

The new resistor worked like a champ for about an hour, then the blower quit working for 5 or 10 minutes. Then it started blowing again. Going to try and find the location of the blower motor next.

Is it my imagination, but does the blower work on a very low speed at all times, even when the A/C and heater are actually turned off?

 

My 94 fan is off in the off position.

 

Depends on the year of the truck. Some years, the blower would indeed still run, even though the switch was set to "Off" to maintain some airflow thru the cab.