RRC AC Fan Switch Works, But Barely and In Reverse

StangGT5

Well-known member
Feb 4, 2019
295
130
Atlanta, GA
The AC fan switch in my 92 RRC will turn the blower on, but only if in the "O" off position. Moving it towards the "I", "II", and "III" positions does little to change the blower speed except around "III" it shuts the system off (compressor disengages, blower and condenser fans turn off). The switch also seems to activate the system in between some of the positions marked on the bezel, as if were not lined up right or not making a good connection internally. I do not think it is the blower resistor because the whole system shuts off in these in between positions, rather than just the blower.

This leads me to believe the switch is bad, or perhaps someone put the connectors on wrong at some point. In any case, I would like to have a replacement switch in hand before I get into it. Any suggestions? Is this five-pronged Four Seasons unit on Amazon a correct replacement? Or do I just spring for the Lucas switch?


 

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StangGT5

Well-known member
Feb 4, 2019
295
130
Atlanta, GA
What an interesting place to put a resistor pack. I may just toss one of those at it as well since the blower speed doesn't change much between positions. The reversed function of the switch is what make me think the switch could be bad too.

I know P38/D2 to L322/LR4 LRs pretty well. These dinosaurs are a bit different for me.
 

discostew

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Sep 14, 2010
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Northern Illinois

rover4x4

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2004
5,228
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North Carolina, Raleigh
I had a similar issue with my RRC. I replaced the switch but then started studying and it was ultimately the resistor pack which I replaced with the AB unit almost a decade ago and it has been trouble free ever since.
 
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pdxrovermech

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Jul 3, 2009
1,807
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Portland, OR
its really not too bad to remove the hood and cowl, plus its a great opportunity to do a little rust prevention under there and lube up your wiper components.
 
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StangGT5

Well-known member
Feb 4, 2019
295
130
Atlanta, GA
I wanted to follow-up here and provide a conclusion. I replaced the resistor pack with the AB kit. It wasn't that bad, though I could not get the connector to surface through the firewall hole. Wiring inside the cowl through the hood scoop wasn't fun, and it did not solve the problem.

I pulled the fan control switch out and it crumbled in my hand; it had burnt internally. A $170 Lucas switch from Rimmer Bros solved the weird function I was having, and I made a new harness for it while I was in there.

I guess the resistor pack is preventative maintenance now. Why LR put it in the scoop where it is exposed to the elements is beyond me.
 
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discostew

Well-known member
Sep 14, 2010
7,706
1,015
Northern Illinois
I wanted to follow-up here and provide a conclusion. I replaced the resistor pack with the AB kit. It wasn't that bad, though I could not get the connector to surface through the firewall hole. Wiring inside the cowl through the hood scoop wasn't fun, and it did not solve the problem.

I pulled the fan control switch out and it crumbled in my hand; it had burnt internally. A $170 Lucas switch from Rimmer Bros solved the weird function I was having, and I made a new harness for it while I was in there.

I guess the resistor pack is preventative maintenance now. Why LR put it in the scoop where it is exposed to the elements is beyond me.
Because it gets really hot.
 

Blueboy

Well-known member
Apr 20, 2004
3,205
459
Back in the USA; Rockwood, PA
I wanted to follow-up here and provide a conclusion. I replaced the resistor pack with the AB kit. It wasn't that bad, though I could not get the connector to surface through the firewall hole. Wiring inside the cowl through the hood scoop wasn't fun, and it did not solve the problem.

I pulled the fan control switch out and it crumbled in my hand; it had burnt internally. A $170 Lucas switch from Rimmer Bros solved the weird function I was having, and I made a new harness for it while I was in there.

I guess the resistor pack is preventative maintenance now. Why LR put it in the scoop where it is exposed to the elements is beyond me.
Good to know. Glad it worked out.
Does it blow cold air or is that the next issue?
 

Blueboy

Well-known member
Apr 20, 2004
3,205
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Back in the USA; Rockwood, PA
Thankfully, it almost instantly blows ice cold. I just could never get the blower to work right before the switch replacement.
Took a new 1989 Rangie for a test drive at an Oklahoma dealership. Hot as all get out. The A/C blew really cold. Hopefully I can get my ‘94 to do the same. Great to hear you still have it working well.
 

nosivad_bor

Well-known member
Mar 27, 2004
6,059
63
Pittsburgh, PA
Took a new 1989 Rangie for a test drive at an Oklahoma dealership. Hot as all get out. The A/C blew really cold. Hopefully I can get my ‘94 to do the same. Great to hear you still have it working well.
I’m taking notes on all of this as I need to give mine some attention. However my 93 isn’t blowing very cold. It’s okay at idle , but the faster I go the less effective. So I’m thinking I need to get some R12 and old charging gauges and see if that works, before I pay for a proper conversion.
 

Blueboy

Well-known member
Apr 20, 2004
3,205
459
Back in the USA; Rockwood, PA
I’m taking notes on all of this as I need to give mine some attention. However my 93 isn’t blowing very cold. It’s okay at idle , but the faster I go the less effective. So I’m thinking I need to get some R12 and old charging gauges and see if that works, before I pay for a proper conversion.
I’m getting ready to get the conversion done and then address any other issues. If I remember right pretty sure our A/C is based on a GM system which might getting parts easier. Might. Really want it for rainy days.
 
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