Chrysler Repair: Sebring Resistor block keeps blowing out, technical service bulletins, fan speed control

Question
I have the all-too-common problem with my Sebring fan blowing on high, I replaced the resistor block at a dealer and it worked on lower settings for about a week - then blew out again.  At about $30, I can't afford to replace this every week - is there some other place I can look for a short or I'd even consider putting in another type of fan speed control if thats available.
Thanks!
Tony

Answer
Hi Tony,
I have not learned of any specific fixes for what you have experienced. But it would be good to ask at the dealer if there have been any technical service bulletins (tsb's) issued by Chrysler about this problem. These highlight problem issues with their vehicles and fixes that are recommended.
If they know of none then it would be good to check the resistor block at the time you install it to make certain that the resistors are not touching one another which would otherwise encourage failure, according to the shop manual. It appears from the circuit diagram that there is an additional fuse built-in to the resistor block. It may be that is the component that is failing (check that with a continuity testor or ohmmeter). If that is the case you may be able to find a fuse with a slightly higher amp rating with which to replace it and which would provide a margin for higher current draws without blowing and still maintains safe operation. (The overall fuse for the blower is 30 amp, #1 in the junction block under the dash as shown in the '98 manual) I suspect that built-in fuse is the component that is causing the failure. You should be able to solder a replacement in place.
Finally, you might want to evaluate the performance of the blower motor as to whether it might be binding up and thus drawing more current than it is designed to do.
Please let me know if you find a fix so that I might share it with other owners.
Thank you,
Roland