jahMcS

My heater/AC fan switch quit working, I check for pwr at the fan no pwr. So I suspected the switch, it was a PITA to change out. It wouldn't slide out, the electrical connector would not disconnect. After cutting some of the plactic off I found it was shorted out and welded to the connector. Had to recrimp a new connector on the harness side, have some melted plastic around the heater control assy, but it seems to work O.K. Has anyone seen this problem before? I think Toyota should be aware, my truck could have caught on fire.
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AkitaDog

iTrader: (1)

Mine did the same thing! I was told this seems to be a common occurance with this switch burning up due to a high current draw.

I placed a 2"l 13ga jumper wire to run the blower without the switch and it gets so hot you can not keep your fingers on it for long.

Does anybody know what causes the current to be so high to cause the switch to burn up?

Mark

2ToyGuy

It's the draw from the fan. They just didn't design the switch to carry the current properly. They should have made the switch contacts and runs heavier. By the same token, from the looks of the switch design, it would be easy enough to get dirt, dust and so on in there, increasing the resistance of the switch, causing it to dissipate more of the current flowing through it as heat, making it fail like that. Especially in a moist environment. A little dirt, a little moisture, a little corrosion build up, and Voila! Toasted switch. If they had sealed it correctly, not a problem, but it looks like it's all out there in the open, and therefore vulnerable to this failure method.
I can't tell from the picture, and I'm not about to go take my dash apart to find out, but could you perhaps seal it up a little better with RTV or some epoxy? That's what we used to seal up circuit cards on the radar system I worked on in the Marines. We'd seal them up in epoxy to keep the environment out of them, and this from happening to them...
Anyway, thanks for the heads up, I'll keep an eye on mine...

94x4

Yes, I've been victimized by the blower speed switch recently myself and have had to replace it.

Judging by the color of the housing on the switch you shorted out, jahMcS, I'd have to say that your's has been replaced before in that the switches housings are black in color when stock from the manufacturer, not the yellowish-white pictured in your post which is similar in color to the replacement that I got from a 'Yota dealer.

Just a little heads up for you as a posible indicator that the real problem may actually lie elsewhere, which is something that I'm investigating now myself and will post the results when I come up with them.

Until then, I feel your and everyone else who's also suffered this pain and suggest that we should perhaps address this issue to the Toyota gods themselves by way of a possible free recall/upgrade campaign... what do you say fellow "Yotatechers" ???

AkitaDog

iTrader: (1)

My original one was the same yellow color also.
I was looing for a replacement in a local wrecking yard and found one out of seven that was not discolored or burned due to heat!

Count me in on a recall!

94x4

Interesting... is your 'Runner of Japanese manufacture, as is mine and which would probally explain why my switch is black in color and yours is that off whitish color that I, too, now have as the replacement for my original ?

Yes, the recall sounds like the route to take, now the only thing that is needed is alot of people with the same issue/interest... any takers ?

callmej75

My fan switch works on the 1st 2 clicks...doesn't on the 3rd click...and works all the way on high. hmmm...sounds like mine is going slowly

94x4

It's already developed a short, so you should definitely start looking for another switch ASAP to avoid further complications.

callmej75

How much are you guys paying for this switch?

jimbo74

your trucks are already pretty old in the vehicle world, i doubt any recall would ever happen......

callmej75

I say lets get a hold of Strap22 at toyota parts sales for a group buy on this

Strap22

Chances of a recall at this point in time are slim in my opinion.

It list for $55.07.
Our Yota Tech price is $38.08. As far as a group buy, this is the best it gets. To get any real break from Toyota I would need to buy several hundred to get any better buy.
If you need one send your request for Part#84732-35030 $38.08 plus shipping. Include your zip for freight quote to:www.info@trdparts4u.com

Thanks Jeremy for the plug...............

callmej75

Notta problem buddy...alot of people need prices like your alls around here instead of getting ripped a new one!

94x4

The recall would'nt be an issue if it were proven that the switch is "demonstratably faulty" (no problem there judging by the number [read as "all"] of 'yota's with a faulty switch) and/or is a "proven cause of vehicular hazard", i.e., "fires".

With this being the case, Toyota should readily provide an improved switching array devoid of demonstrable fault.

Damn, I needed strapp22 just this past week as I ended up with a $66.55 ticket for mine from the local stealership, not to mention a $17.55 ticket for a thermostat and a $1,000+ quote for an AC condenser... any help there strapp ??

callmej75

Phil (strap22) is a great guy...get a hold of him anytime and he will hook you up with any parts needs! Very fast at replying too in emergency situations...

Strap22

PM me with what you need. I'd be happy to help. If it's late in the day I may not get back to until morning. You can always post your questions to www.info@trdparts4u.com and you will get a reply just as fast.