Typically,  the speed control on fans is, as Mike notes, just a
switch for the different positions. The temperature (thermostat) is
usually just a rheostat. I.E. Variable ohm resistor. To get something
functional, you should be able to substitute generics.

Usually what goes bad is that rheostat. Either the contacts wear, or
the oxidation on the contacts cause the metal to heat up and melt the
plastic.

On May 25, 2006, at 9:51 PM, Mike Collum wrote:

> It's been awhile ... but thinking back ... the speed control is
> simply a
> switch ... no electronics onboard ... so a separate switch wouldn't
> have
> to be wired to the old one.  Just move wires.