ATTN mechanics! help!

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Try either the cooling fan relay(The actual relay that's in the distribution box, looks to be about $30.00) or the cooling fan switch($50-$100.00). Try one. If it doesn't work take it back and try the other. If neither work then it's the fans. But I'm betting it's either the relay or the switch.

Also might take it to an auto parts store that offers free diagnostic check to make sure their scanner can't detect what it is before you buy any parts and try to figure it yourself.
 
ya, i would find the relay and jump it. if the fans switch on, the relay is bad (if you're even getting power to it...pull the relay and check for that first)
 
yeah i'm done with buying parts and then seeing if they even needed to be replaced. if i felt like throwing money at it like that (i don't have much as is) i would just take it to a mechanic
 
would the old relay look bad or would it look the same if it were good/bad?
 
you wouldn't be able to tell unless the connections are burnt or corroded


just check for power to the fans (and to the relay if there's no power to the fans) and then try jumping the relay
 
Like mentioned before, first test both electric fan motors before we can move on to other sections of the car like wiring.
 
You have two fans. It's highly unlikely that they are both dead. I wouldn;t mess around with them yet. First spend a few $ on a cheap multi-tester. Find your fan fuse, check for voltage. If you have it move to the fan relay. Check for voltage on the feed terminals. ( A relay should have 4 or 5 terminals depending on it's function. I would expect yours to have four. One for the permanent 12V battery supply, one to the fan- let's call this the fan circuit. The other two with energise the relay coil when the temp switch comes on. There is usually a simply wiring diagram on the side of a relay telling you what terminal does what) If you bridge the fan circuit terminals of the relay holder with a paper clip the fans should come on. Only do this briefly but if they do then your fans are obviously fine.
If you have a feed (check this with your tester) to the relay from the temp switch and the relay does not click, change it. If it clicks but does not work, change it. If nothing happens with it and there is no feed to the relay from your switch set your multi tester to the continuity setting and go hunting for the coolant temp switch. With the engine cold the switch should be off and give a 0reading on your tester. With the engine good and hot the switch should be on and give you a 1 reading, or at least a reading with is not a 0. If it doesn't then your switch is faulty. PM me if you need more advise or clarification.
 
I would say that the relay, fan switch or the temp sensor is bad. I wouldn't even bother with the fans. Their just a motor hooked to fan blades. The odds that both went bad are extremely low.
 
Agree with how Dubai is telling you to check it but the main thing is you need to know which terminal should have voltage, ground, etc. - Get a manual. Borrow one if you can. Even do a google search for the wiring diagram- you may find it online. I got the shop manual online for my Subaru that way. Then start checking the wiring, relay, and temp sensor (manual will tell you how to test these things too). You will need a mulitmeter to do it. If you think it is the relay, try swapping the relay from another spot in the fusebox- use the headlight or A/C relays if they are the same - make sure to plug them in correctly. Avoid using the fuel pump one. Also check the ground for the fans- grounds cause more problems than anything else in the electronics on cars. If the ground is bad- the fans will not work. Needs to be clean (to bare metal), tight, and not have frayed wire. If the car has been in an accident and repaired this could very well be the cause of the fans not working. If you doubt the ground- take it off, clean it and re-install tight.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom