In the Micra - its under the glove box - very easy to remove.
I have had the same problem with my Nissan Micra 1995. After a lot of research and trial and error, I found the resistor card 'fuse' had rusted and broken. I soldered this (can use a bit of paperclip). I then found that the motor was really dirty and had loads of bits in it so cleaned wherever I could and blew out with an airline. The drag of the motor seems to melt the resistor 'fuse'. This worked for a while but I have had to clean again and there is more 'dust' coming out. I believe the brushes are worn but cannot work out how to get the fan off the motor and get inside to replace Brushes. Nissan dealer are asking £251 for a new motor but I know if I could get inside I could match up some brushes (even filing to fit) and clean up the commutator and it should then work ok. Does anyone know how to get the fan off the motor and get inside to the brushes?
Forgot to say that when I tried the motor outside the car it worked ok upside down but slowed when upright and when back in the car would sometimes come on when I went over a bump (possible either making contact with the brushes or more dirt shifting) before I cleaned it out.
www.turkeyvillarental.com
December 2008