Heater blower speed controller

[Boyo]

Can someone tell me if the gadget that has a pcb in it and what I can only describe as fins controls the blower speed (4 speed blower) is common to any other cars. I've had a price for it which nearly caused me to have a heart attack, and it's not easy trying to find a scrap yard with my model Patrol.

[mudski]

They are a heater fan resistor. At full fan speed, 12v is applied to the fan motor, at less speeds, its less than 12v , so this resistor is used to dissipate the "left over voltage" there for creating heat on the resistor. So they are mounted in the fan box to help cool the resistor. sometimes these resistors will die and make the fan only work at full speed.
eBay is the easiest place to find them at a cheap price. I would steer clear of buying these second hand.

[the evil twin]

Wot he said X2 ^^^^

If your fan only works on high it will 99% be that ballast resistor pack.
If your fan doesn't work at all check the motor etc.
OEM from Nissan is expensive but eBay or other suppliers can be much more reasonable

[Boyo]

Thanks for your replies, the blower wasn't working at all so I've fitted a switch through the live and it is blowing, at full speed all the time but at least it's working. The explanation of how the resistor pack works is much appreciated.
I'll try ebay, but I'd expect a better chance with ebay.au than up here.