I have a '97 pathfinder (auto air - climate control feature) with the same problem...I came here looking for info as I just spent a couple of hours in my driveway messing around. Here is what I do know...mine started last winter and to get a break from the fan noise I would pull the relay block. (I replaced the relay but still had the same problem) The relay block is located behind the ashtray near the fusebox. There are 3 large relay's (1.5"x1.5") and it is the one higher and in the center. Removing this will cut the power to the fan. (By the end of the winter I got pretty good at removing it and replacing it while driving.) Anyway we pulled the glove box and found the resistor. There was a wire connector running into it with a white plastic cap held in by 2 screws. When you pull it out the base is a metal cast housing with finger-like probes (I assume to read the temperature in the airbox). Inside there is a small curcuit board with the resistors and this board is connected to a NEC chip. I have not been able to find the exact chip online yet but a quick search found a close number and the description was a "high speed switch". I took a picture of the part and sent it to a dealer and was qouted $246.00 (Can). My Pathfinder is rough and I don't plan on keeping it long so I don't want to pay the dealer price so here are the options I have considered...Aftermarket...no luck, junkyard...no luck in my area, find Nec chip...need to search some more, Add a new switch...tonight I wired a 3-way toggle switch directly to the coupler that used to connect to the resistor assy. I was able to turn the fan on and off for $3.99. Now I need to find out how to connect a resistor to the switch to have a reduced speed setting._'_If anyone has any ideas on how to set this up or find the prpper part at a resonable price...please let me know.
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I have a '97 pathfinder (auto air - climate control feature) with the same problem...I came here looking for info as I just spent a couple of hours in my driveway messing around. Here is what I do know...mine started last winter and to get a break from the fan noise I would pull the relay block. (I replaced the relay but still had the same problem) The relay block is located behind the ashtray near the fusebox. There are 3 large relay's (1.5"x1.5") and it is the one higher and in the center. Removing this will cut the power to the fan. (By the end of the winter I got pretty good at removing it and replacing it while driving.) Anyway we pulled the glove box and found the resistor. There was a wire connector running into it with a white plastic cap held in by 2 screws. When you pull it out the base is a metal cast housing with finger-like probes (I assume to read the temperature in the airbox). Inside there is a small curcuit board with the resistors and this board is connected to a NEC chip. I have not been able to find the exact chip online yet but a quick search found a close number and the description was a "high speed switch". I took a picture of the part and sent it to a dealer and was qouted $246.00 (Can). My Pathfinder is rough and I don't plan on keeping it long so I don't want to pay the dealer price so here are the options I have considered...Aftermarket...no luck, junkyard...no luck in my area, find Nec chip...need to search some more, Add a new switch...tonight I wired a 3-way toggle switch directly to the coupler that used to connect to the resistor assy. I was able to turn the fan on and off for $3.99. Now I need to find out how to connect a resistor to the switch to have a reduced speed setting._'_If anyone has any ideas on how to set this up or find the prpper part at a resonable price...please let me know.