Greetings. First time here and I must say this site is very informative. My four speed fan works on settings 1,2 and 4 and setting 3 (Med high) is the same speed as setting 3. I tried to replace the resistor however that didn't fix the problem and to be honest the existing resistor still looked pretty good. I was able to return the replacement part. I put the old resistor back in and tried moving the switch from low to high and when I have it set on '3' it runs same speed as on 2 however if I move the switch ever so slightly to setting 4 the fan speeds up to what it should be but it won't stay on this setting dropping back to the indent of the switch and the slower speed. If I turn it too much it clicks into speed 4. This leads me to believe that the switch is the culprit and needs to be replaced. There must be something worn out on the settings that control the speed. How does one go about replacing this part without removing the dash assembly? Can this be done easily? I tried searching for several hours for an answer only to be directed to changing the resistor. Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

2002 F150; 4.6l; 136,000km (84,506 miles); XL model however has upgraded interior, dash, seats, overhead console.

 

You just have to remove the trim around the switch and radio. Then you will see the 4 screws that hold the temp control in the dash.

 

Thanks DJPRacer58 for the information. I took a look at the trim and it fits pretty tight so at first glance I was not aware it could come off. I tried giving it a little pull and it is attached pretty tight. I was able to snake 2 fingers up inside through the open lighter door felt a connector pin and gave it a push from the inside while pulling on the outside and I am afraid the trim might break. Any tips and tricks for releasing the connectors that hold the trim on? Can you gently push along the edges with a putty knife?

 

An update on this adventure. I did more research in this forum and found out that if you turn the two vents so you can sort of see to the edge of the trim in behind, you can get your finger in there and give a quick gently pull. One side came free then I ran my fingers around the entire trim gently pulling and behold it came free. It will hang from the wires that are connected to the key switch for controlling the airbag so let ir hang gently. Removed 4 screws and bought the replacement, around $26.00 at Piston Ring store. (Part made in USA so its got to be better quality than made in somewhere else outside North America). Clean everything up, put it back together, tried it out and it works on all four speeds.