It just developes a hairline crack with age and just goes one day. Once I found this out, I change it when I see that the shine leaves the aluminum. It's so cheap to replace, why not. It takes a while for it to change. Unless there's a problem with the blower wiring, this is the number one cause of sudden failure.

Temp fix you describe will work until you can get the correct fuse. Bridging it for a moment to test the fan should work. Be warned though, I'm an owner like you and not a mechanic...
though the other night, I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express...

Al

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03 CLK430 Cabrio 211K Pweter Silver/ Oyster Leather
90 300SEL 214k Pearl Black/ Alto Grey/Black Leather

Prior: 85 190E, 88 300TE, 89 300TE, 90 300E 2.6, 90 300TE, 92 300E 2.6, 91 and 93 300SL, 87 Ferrari Mondial Cabrio