Here is a suggestion that just might save your fan switch when you change your bulb. This is not an attempt to hijack this thread but to save you some potential trouble in the future. Do not hit on this switch if the bulb is flickering on and off.
Take a file and file down the two nubs (about 50%) on the end of the dial shaft (they are positioned 180 deg apart) after you remove it. This will not only assist you with removing it with out pliers next time but just might save you from having to replace the switch assembly at a later date. I do not have a photo of this at this time. My wife is deployed (Army) and has my digital camera. I will update this when I can track down a camera.
Place the dial in fan position 2 or 3 when you are pulling the knob off. The reason for fan position 2 or 3 is if you look at photo # 3 you will see the fan is in Position 4. When you pull the Knob out you are also pulling on the black plastic
Moving Contact which is being held in only by the two clips circled in RED. Pulling the knob out in position off or 4 could allow the contact to be pulled out of alignment and damage the switch.
The switch has three main parts.
1.)
Dial
2.)
Moving Contact
3.)
Fixed contacts
Photo of 1.) Dial and 2.) Moving Contact
Note the red circle in this photo shows the contact, this is only held together by slipping into a slot. This is a weak point and if heated it might cause it to fall out. If you ever have to fix this switch, place a little JB weld in the socket to secure it.
Photo of 3.) Fixed Contacts
This photo shows the two points that actually hold the movable switch wafer in place.
Photo of 2.) Moving Contacts in 3.) Fixed Contacts
This shows the fan switch in position #4.
OK UGLY PHOTO TIME.
This photo shows the Movable contact melted and missing a good portion of plastic. The metal contact had come out and rested down in the bottom of the switch and shorted out the contacts. NO the fuse did not blow nor did the wiring melt.
This photo shows some of the melted plastic bonded to the the inside of the switch.
This shows the damage. Photo speaks for it self.
Photo Credit: Some photos were copied and used from this thread in my write up.