I am well versed in the blower motor resistor saga on Rangers. I've changed out plenty over the years with various specimens I've owned.

My trusty 98 4.0 2wd has been burning up blower resistors. I replaced the resistor and pigtail right away after I bought it three years ago. However, I've replaced three resistors this year alone. I thought maybe it was because I'd been buying the store brand with lifetime warranty having not such a good lifetime, so I sprung for a Wells this last time. It lasted under 5 minutes, but initially I got all four fan speeds.

Since the fan blew on all four fan speeds I'd think the switch is good, even if it was just for an instant.

Would it be possible that the blower fan motor is drawing too much current? I only have a volt ohm meter so I can check the basics, but may be able to get an ammeter (I think that's what it's called) to see what it's pulling.

Anyone have any experience with this problem?

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1984 Ranger 2.8 auto, long bed (first car...truck actually) Traded it in because the license plates needed a new truck between them...I was an idiot kid
1987 Ranger XLT 2.3 5spd, long bed. Got married, wanted kids so we bought a Probe. Yup.
1991 Ranger STX, 2.9 5spd 4x4 ext cab 250K mi. Sold April 2015, arthritic clutch foot...sux getting older
1998 Ranger XLT 4.0 Auto, ext cab 211K (current)

OK, so I figured it out.

One of these nearby threads had a link to how to test the fan switch in the dash. Pulled mine out and while it tested good, it felt a little sloppy. I had noticed that when I turned it to the 2nd from lowest speed was when it died last time.

I put a new switch (and yet another resistor) in, and crossed my fingers. So far so good The new switch has a much more positive feel, too.

Well worth the hour or so of removal, testing, running to the parts store, then installation and assembly.

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1984 Ranger 2.8 auto, long bed (first car...truck actually) Traded it in because the license plates needed a new truck between them...I was an idiot kid
1987 Ranger XLT 2.3 5spd, long bed. Got married, wanted kids so we bought a Probe. Yup.
1991 Ranger STX, 2.9 5spd 4x4 ext cab 250K mi. Sold April 2015, arthritic clutch foot...sux getting older
1998 Ranger XLT 4.0 Auto, ext cab 211K (current)

I'm glad you got it figured out. I just replaced my blower motor resistor a few days ago and now my #3 fan speed works, so I'm very pleased. I watched videos of the replacement before doing it and Chrisfix recommends sealing the edges with dielectric grease to decrease the moisture that gets in and rusts it out. But I didn't do that myself.

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