Well, if one disturbes the hardess [ that is not a typo, I call them HARDNESS from now on ...
] at all in doing any repairs in that chassis, it is a good probable...I hate to even change pliugs on one that has a suspect original hard-ness..they don't start shorting until they are disturbed...
Real deal is to cut it open and look...you will know for sure once you get the wrapping open...it is not a pretty site.
I would go into pins 8 and 14 for codes too....
Your blower uses a regulator , not a Resistor...but I know what you meant..just for info..