Hi Michelle,
I expect that behind or near the fan switch is a faulty rheostat (resistor) that would have to be replaced. It's what makes the dash feel quite warm when the fan is running. I'm not sure about your car model specifically, but some rheostats are mounted right on the switch, and some are a separate component.
It likely is NOT the switch itself, but there is such a large current draw by the fan, that the switch likely sparks a bit every time that you change the setting and sometimes this burns our the contacts. I had this happen to me on a 1986 Toyota Corolla fan switch that started to stink of burnt plastic for a whole winter of commuting... finally making it to spring time. When I went to Pick-Ur-Part to get a replacement from some wrecked car... ALL of the switches were either burnt as well, or had been taken by other people in need! (Obviously a weak point of that model!)
So you may have to pull your dashboard apart a bit... shouldn't be too hard if I have the correct photo below. DISCONNECT THE BATTERY BEFORE YOU START... just in case. That large piece of plastic that looks like a figure 8 that frames your controls, it likely is just snapped on in place and can be carefully levered off. Try to loosen all sides a bit first so you don't twist it off too much. Once it is off you may be able to get a visual of the fan switch and rheostat. Maybe take a photo of it with your cell phone or compact camera and go shopping for a replacement rheostat. Once you have the replacement, all you likely need is a Phillips screwdriver (starshaped end) and you can loosen and remove the switch panel and make the switch.
So now that you sorta know what to look for, you likely know what to ask for at an auto-recycler ($) or dealer ($$$$$$) and then replace it yourself... giving you a feeling of great satisfaction!
Hope this helps!
/denis
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