I can't remove the resistor from the connector. I think it was glued in by who ever replaced it. However I have learned a couple things.

Connecting the exposed metal parts of the resistor to ground does nothing.
The switch is good.

I probed the switch leads, got continuity in all positions. So clearly that works.

Hm. Never been that good at reading wiring diagrams. But if I understand this right... EDIT: Scratch that. I don't understand it.

I think my next thing to try I a new blower motor resistor. This one looks like it was replaced recently, and the wiring looks good, but looks good and is good are two different things. And it bothers me that that connector just plain won't come off. Something could be melted in it that I'm not seeing.

 

if you can't remove the resistor connector...it's probably melted together. this occurs from high current draw or loose terminal pin fit. if this is the case a new connector and resistor will be required.

even if you can't get the resistor connector off, you still should be able to backprobe the connector to check voltages.

 

I got voltage readings there. 10.5 volts, 7 volts, Uh the battery was a bit low but yes I did get voltage readings from the resistor.

 

I solved it! It was the blower motor resistor! The section where the two thick wires goes into was blown. And apparently those need to be there for the other settings to work.

Now I know that, and I have a new resistor with connector, and to ensure a good connection I'm soldering the wires and using heat shrink tubing. (I don't trust crimps, especially in car connections)

 

Little bonus: I took the old resistor apart because I wanted to see where it had failed. Remember my post about how the connector looked good but might be melted?

Yeah it was melted. The resistor itself was fine. The failure was at the connector which explains why probing the resistor itself said it was okay.

Also it's disturbing that the connector pins are so tiny for something that passes so much current. They should be thicker.

 

I'm not surprised at all.

 

Have there been any recalls over this? Because this is fire hazard levels of underrated.

 

That doesn't even match the stock wiring diagram