Blower Motor Resistor & Thermal Limiter
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1995 Ford Pickup, 1995 Ford F-Super Duty, 1995 Ford Cab & Chassis, and 1995 Ford Bronco. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The blower motor resistor assembly contains a thermal limiter, which serves as a temperature protection fuse. The thermal limiter is located a preset distance from resistor coils. If temperature of thermal limiter reaches about 250°F (121°C), the limiter contacts will open. This interrupts all blower speed operations except high speed. If thermal limiter opens, resistor assembly must be replaced.