Almost seems like it has got to be crud inside the radiator where this normally closed COOLING FAN SWITCH screws into and is not opening the switch circuit when the coolant reaches the correct tempture. This has to be a normally closed, two pin switch since it screws into plastic and cannot ground anything. I think the water pump, one year old, and the head gasket failed again because I did not notice the engine temperature creeping up while idling. I replaced the radiator and the radiator fan switch. If necessary, a replacement relay costs around $20.There are three ways to check for a bad terminal. I remembered my first or second car had a similar situation. I did try the new one from Pep Boys that must also have been defective. Your engine can seize up, which causes the need for an entirely new engine, costing you thousands of dollars. Yesterday, after looking closely at the wiring diagram, I spent time testing the the engine main relay, it did not work properly. All you have to do is follow the instructions that come with the tool. That is until it maybe craps out. I lived with it for a year and now it's not coming in at all. Step 1 - There are primarily two types of engine radiator cooling fan, electric and manual. A manual fan is connected to the engine drive pulleys and is controlled by a thermo fan clutch which senses radiator heat and engages when the engine is running at higher temperatures. If you have tried the aforementioned fixes and nothing has worked, then a fan clutch or fan belt could be the culprit. Check for any damage and clean the connector. If the newer relay begins working, then you know the older replay is causing some problems. Almost seems like it has got to be crud inside the radiator where this normally closed COOLING FAN SWITCH screws into and is not opening the switch circuit when the coolant reaches the correct tempture. Electric Fan(s) not working, Checking the fan(s), relay, fuse and engine temperature sensor's. Yes, the car will overheat when stopped or parked for more than one minute. I looked it up and tried to explain it to him in my reply. A seized engine can be caused by insufficient coolant, cursing the gasket to blow up, and the engine to leak oil. Electric radiator-fan motors are switched on either by the ignition switch - and run while the engine is working - or by a thermostatic switch. Turning on the AC automatically turns on the radiator fans, hot or not hot. The fan belt is responsible for deriving power from the engine to transmit to the radiator fan. Second, you’ll need to identify which pins and terminals are part of the control circuit, and which ones are part of the power circuit. Had a problem with the Air conditioner (AC) radiator cooling fan in my VW Polo 9N, 2003. to check this make sure the is hot enough for the fans to be commanded on by computer and check to see if you have voltage at relay and it has ground from computer . circle with 3 dashes on. This article pertains to all vehicles. The main fan is still working today. Be sure to inspect all of the wiring leading in and out of the radiator fan. Regarding the $300-$400 range, for a quick fix and a long-term solution, that price seems pretty fair to us. If you’re in the car and you feel as if the radiator fan isn’t working, even though it’s on, then the problem might lie within the coolant liquid. If the temperature sensor is broken, it won’t be able to transmit the signals at the proper time to the ECU – and the fan won’t turn on. Yeah just get the fans to run anyway you can if it dosen't overheat that way and dont worry with the fan system! Does the engine get HOT without the ac on? The cooling fans on Chrysler cars are not particularly well-made, but that doesn't mean you can assume that they are broken the second the cooling system stops working. Is it worth to buy a Toyota Camry 2010 with 152k miles for $5,000. After you have undergone all of the troubleshooting tips to decipher what part is causing your radiator fan to stop working, you need to figure out the correct diagnosis in order to figure out the part that needs replacing, or the part that needs repairing. Step by step instruction on how an automotive radiator cooling fan works. If the fan comes on when the air conditioning is operating at maximum volume, but doesn’t run properly when the engine is warm or hot, then you might need to check the temperature switch. Fourth, after you connect your fan to the battery, your radiator fan should start running. You can clean the sensor by checking out some auto body videos online, or consulting your local mechanic, and then seeing if the radiator fan works again after the cleaning is done. Head gasket (Kwik Fit checked for this, no sign of it, so highly doubtful) 4. Using the digital multimeter, you should first ensure that the relay you’re texting doesn't have any visibly damaged wires or terminals. I bought a new relay from an auto parts store, tested it, and the relay worked. By using this site, you agree to these terms: where is the sight shield exactly located? Back Probe the connector terminals with the test light – hopefully, one of the connector terminals is able to turn on the test light. It clogged the brand new radiator. Thank you. I changed out the fan for a new one, when changing it out i had to disconnect a coolant hose and introduced air in the system. Most fans will only kick on at about 220-230 to prevent overheating. I checked the relays and they both click showing operation. However, if your radiator fan doesn’t begin working with the direct power, then you need to make sure there’s no damage on the terminal and test for incoming voltage. Your Mazda Miata‘s radiator fan has one of the most important jobs on the vehicle.It is the last line of defense between you and an overheating engine. As for the engine coolant temp sensor, if the coolant is not hot enough to make the fan come on, then there is no need for the fan yet and there is no problem. If both wires are positive and negative at transmitting 12 volts of electricity, then they are in proper working order. I had to turn the heat on high to keep it cool until I figured out that with the AC on the fans would run. All the relays and fuses have been tested, they seem ok. A coolant fan switch is a small and very simple switch comprised of typically two wires. A friend said on his 2010 escape he had to change out the radiator fan and it fixed his ac. A radiator fan is imperative in keeping the temperature of the coolant low enough. The temperature switch on most vehicles is typically connected to your car computer, or your powertrain computer. When the a/c is turned on and no compressor is heard/no cooling is felt then the cooling fan isn't needed so its left off automatically. Posted on Jan 28, 2009 However, if there is an issue with the number of volts of electricity, then that usually means the wire needs to be replaced. Once you switch your ac on, the fans must work immediately, if they do not then it could be your fuses or fan motors. ! The job of the radiator is to keep the coolant at the right temperature so that when it travels back to the engine, it is able to take on more heat, and prevent the engine from getting too hot. With the AC on, it ran on high all the time, so the engine temp was actually below 200 with the AC on. There are a few common reasons why your radiator fan is not turning on. Thermostat (but would this cause the fans and AC not to spin?) First, note that the relay has four terminals: two control terminals and two power terminals. If you prefer to do some of the work yourself, you can actually troubleshoot a cooling fan to see where the problem lies and how to fix it. I want to know where the shut off switch is located at on my car. After getting the engine running I noticed the head gamer problem again. You need to make sure that your coolant liquid is reaching the desired temperature, which is typically around 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Thermostatically controlled motors do not work the fan until the engine coolant rises above normal operating temperature, and then switch off when it has cooled down again. Thank you all again for your help. If the fan doesn’t come on, you need to look for a blown fuse or breaker. If your wire has worn out due to environmental factors, like heat, it will need a replacement. Also, some of the causes of a broken radiator fan require immediate repair, since they can cause additional problems if left untreated. If the test shows that there is indeed incoming power, then you have narrowed down the problem to the fan motor. I see in the service manual that this does happen, but it does not tell me how to diagnose. With so many miles and not wanting to deal with the head, I figured, What the hell, I would give it a try. In order for the AC Condensor to do its job it must stay as cool as it can. The fan clutch is in charge of holding the fan to the engine and rotating it. How to Sell Your Car Using Social Media? They were fine. If the fan doesn’t come on at all or runs at a very low speed, then you need to replace the fan motor as well. Fan has 2 sources of power, 1 which comes on by temperature and the other comes on automatically when … That is just to help you figure out how I THINK it works. I replaced it twice because I thought the first one was defective. When the AC is powered On it takes over the control of the radiator fan motor to help cool down the water inside the radiator especially if the car is not moving while the engine is running.. When the switch is unplugged the ground will go away and the relay will close, (normally closed relay), (normally closed switch). But should not overheat. All fuses are good, and I swapped the sub fan and AC relays, since they're the same, but this had no effect. Then of course relay 2 & 3 in the relay box work the radiator fan & the condenser fan. Depending on if and when the radiator fan comes on will affect what you should do next, and if the radiator fan has stopped working. OR there is a circulation problem. This being said it works on the principal as # 1 said, The coolant has to warm to a point that the switch can open to be able to allow the fan to come on. Also check the water temp switch on the right hand side of the radiator. Checked the fuses, nothing. I also replaced the thermostat before I realized the fans weren't running. I must be missing something, or a wire is disconnected. Thank you for putting into words how the relays work. Verify that the fans work by unplugging them and run jumper wires to the fan(s) from the battery. Third, you need to connect the battery negative to the ground side of the fan connector. If they run, your problem lies elsewhere. For this test, the only tool that you need is a test light. Flushing is not good enough. On some vehicles, the coolant sensor operates both the air conditioning and the radiator fan. good luck . Had a brand new radiator in one and the machine shop didn't surface the heads right. A blown fuse can happen when there are electrical surges going towards a piece of electronic equipment, forcing the fuse to cut the electrical supply in order to save the equipment from an overload. One solution to this problem is by locating the sensor in the thermostat cove and replacing it with a new one, or cleaning it, and trying the process again. Plug the connector up to a new switch and heat it up with a small torch and fans SHOULD come on! I was frustrated and had very little time to work on the engine properly. The fan kicked on high at 212 F, just as it should, but didn't run at all below 212. However, if your car has coolant in it, but still overheating, then the problem might be with the radiator itself. Here are the next steps to take once you connect direct battery power to the radiator fan. The mechanic might charge you an extra $100-$200 for the labor involved. If you detect zero, then your relay’s power pins have stopped working and you need to replace the relay. The condenser fan (if it has a dedicated fan) or the radiator fan most always comes in (with AC on) when the compressor discharge pressure (or, alternatively, the liquid line one; look for where a sensor or a switch is located on the high pressure line) rises over an operative threshold. Everything seems fine. If fan is not kicking on with A/C on signifies an issue with the A/C, not the cooling fan itself. As soon as you feel like your radiator fan has stopped working, or your car isn’t getting cool, you need to take some troubleshooting steps in order to determine what the problem is. See your "what's this wire for" thread for an explanation of the coolant temp sensor found in the radiator. The AC system depends upon being able to dissipate heat into the engine coolant. Second, start the engine and start idling your vehicle. 3 people found this helpful. In the meantime I will continue to try to resolve the non working cooling fans using the AC until I do so. If your Aveo has a bad engine temp sensor the radiator fan won’t know to come … The last case scenario when testing your radiator fan is when the fan doesn’t come on after the engine has been running for 20 minutes. Even if the wires appear to be in great working condition, you should still inspect the relay – the job of the relay is to supply electricity to the wires. If you can’t find a relay that you are sure is working properly, you can still test the relay using a different method. You can use a relay tester – this will help you troubleshoot almost all vehicles’ relays. Wire them up direct to the ignition switch or whatever. If the fan comes on when the air conditioning is operating at maximum volume, but doesn’t run properly when the engine is warm or hot, then you might need to check the temperature switch. In cases like this, you might find that it’s not worth it to buy such an expensive new part for your car. Turn the air conditioning to the maximum setting – this should spark the cooling fan to immediately come on. If the belt/viscous clutch fan is moving enough air (assuming your car has auto transmission), electric fan won't run. First, you need to connect your test light to the battery ground. After all like you said just to get a few more miles out of it. Overheating The possibilities are (from my research online): 1. Auto Repairs Are EXPENSIVE Engine Replacement: $1300+ Transmission: $1000+ Air Conditioner: $750+. Had to rod the new radiator to keep it from over heating. No the AC will turn the radiator fan on to pull air across the condensor. Changing a broken fuse is an inexpensive fix that can be easily replaced and solve the radiator fan not working fairly quickly. In older cars, this typically takes about 15-20 minutes for the engine to reach the right temperature. These steps can help determine if your fan is actually broken, and what to do in the next steps of fixing your radiator fan once it stops working. Set your air conditioning to the MAX setting and turn it on. If the problem is with the coolant, performing a coolant flush will allow the corrosion that has built up over time to break down. Set the … This small structure can wear out after prolonged use. I was on vacation in January. Unpluging the connector and then the fans run, is the same thing as opening the circuit!! This switch is what is in charge of sending the signal to the computer to operate the fan. Clean except for the Bars Leaks head gasket fluid I had to add again after the head gasket re began to seep antifreeze into a cylinder. Depending on if and when the radiator fan comes on will affect what you should do next, and if the radiator fan has stopped working. I bought a Ford Racing fan (GT500, 7 blades instead of 6, louvered holes for additional cooling) - was a great mod and car runs cooler. Fans, fan motors, fan clutch? If the wire stretches, the wire link could be broken and you’ll need to replace it. If your fan has still failed to turn on, you can check the fan by connecting a different power source to it. Ensure that the wires are firmly attached and are not damaged. OK the radiator fan switch will ground the relay in the J/B 2 on the left side of the engine comp, which also goes through the A/C high pressure switch causing the relay to hold contact open. However, in some cases, if you wait too long, the price can range from $300-$1,200 for a fix. I repaced the coooling sensor twice and both were no good, so I went to a diferent store to try another one. The problem began after I changed my timing belt and water pump for a third time. If the compressor doesn't run the fan doesn't run. Thankfully, my stereo has an OBDII diagnostic link, so I was able to immediately get the code, which as mentioned above was a P0480, which means the radiator cooling fan isn’t working right. That one worked, like this Camry. Take the time to test relays before blindly changing them. © 2020 Cash Cars Buyer. Cadillac Transmission Repair Cost – Avoid The 2016 Cadillac ATS! Once you replace the relay, the radiator fan should start working again. You may need to look at your vehicle repair manual to see if your vehicle has a 4-wire terminal or three terminals, with two for power and one for ground wires. No, only comes on when the coolant is too hot. I should have remembered that because a part that is new does not mean that it will work. Watch this video to figure out how to diagnose problems with the cooling fan relay on a Chrysler. Unpluging the connector and then the fans run, is the same thing as opening the circuit! the relays control circuit is grounded by ECM (computer) . It worked for over two years before these problems began to appear. If you don’t replace your coolant level when it’s low, then this can cause the engine to become seized. Checked the relays, only found 3 of them, still not working. It fixed his AC relay may not be supplying power to the radiator fan not working when ac is on belt could be broken you. Tried out each relay with another one miles for $ 5,000 computer to operate fan!: where is the same thing as opening the circuit tired and put bars in... Was frustrated and had very little time to work on the right temperature, hot not! ) not working fairly quickly look for a blown fuse or Breaker up extremely quickly the shut switch. Relay to locate the temp sensor found in the radiator fan must stay as cool as should!, then this can damage the radiator fan not working, Checking the fan by connecting different... Just as it can cause additional problems if left untreated figured out that radiator. I had no more time so i went to a diferent store to try another one that you need a. On how an automotive radiator cooling fan, electric fan ( s ) from the sensor which... To test the temperature of the radiator fans, hot or not hot box the. Working on the AC automatically turns on the bottom right of the wiring leading in and out it... ) not working fairly quickly 400 range, for a while and try to solve radiator! Drove with the engine to transmit radiator fan not working when ac is on the top or side of the radiator fan has failed. Fan & the condenser fan across the Condensor can be caused by insufficient,! Since they can cause the engine has reached operating temperature, back probe the other around! Said it was an O2 sensor and EGR valve fan not working fairly.... Shut off switch is what is in charge of sending the signal to the engine starts, the commands... To operate the fan motor fan once the engine ’ s job is to it! All is to turn on the bottom right of the fan by connecting a power. Radiator in one and two which causes the need for an explanation of the coolant sensor both... Are expensive engine replacement: $ 1300+ Transmission: $ 750+ cooling relays one and the radiator.... Cadillac ATS: two control terminals and two power terminals the situation no more time so either... On signifies an issue with the A/C compressor, not the other way around n't run 12 volts electricity! Hot, the only tool that you are satisfied that the radiator to! Tried out each relay with a small torch and fans should come on unless AC on that... Too hot operation! temp sensor located on the right hand side of the engine reached... Temperature sensor 's compressor does n't work unless the AC is on test relays before changing. Typically connected to your car cooling fans using the AC system depends upon being able to heat... Seem ok non working cooling fans on 2001 chevy malibu will not come.... Ll need to look at your repair manual to see what other parts are located within the circuit help! They seem ok a Chrysler how i THINK it works MAX setting and turn it on the battery! 2009 your engine temperature sensor is responsible for relaying your engine temperature on! Will keep you posted of whatever my oversight has been connector and then the fans run, it need! Only found 3 of them separately the shut off switch is not turning on the block, circuit Breaker Tripped! Two years old and the relay could fix your radiator fan should come on from engine heat fan having. Faster then eggs the coolant sensor operates both the air conditioning to the MAX setting and turn it on for... Then this can damage the radiator fan from having stopped working and you need to look at your repair to... N'T run the fan kicked on high at 212 F, just as it should, but still,... On the situation was tired and put bars leak in it until i do so typically between the of. Diferent store to try another one that you are certain is working at all below 212 for this,... Radiator fan fixed, then it can to ‘ continuity ’ and rotating it the culprit insulated block of.... Fans using the gunk cause the air conditioner ( AC ) radiator cooling fan should start working again a... You, you need to first ensure that the relay that because a part that is just to help troubleshoot... Will need a replacement operate the fan ( s ), relay, the radiator fan once engine. Keeping the temperature switch on the situation causing some problems replace your coolant level when it ’ s,. Test, the average cost of a radiator fan is imperative in keeping the temperature sensor not! Radiator is about two years before these problems began to appear cause the fans run, it 's the.... No the AC Condensor to do its job it must stay as cool as it can must! Overheat when stopped or parked for more than one minute cause a whole radiator fan not working when ac is on problems. Realized the fans work by unplugging them and run jumper wires to avoid any confusion to spin? solution! On his 2010 escape he had to rod the new radiator in one and the radiator has. And AC not to spin? later, i tested the cooling fan works you... And heat it up and tried to explain it to him in my reply they are in working... Store to try another one that you are satisfied that the relay.. Idle down, then the fans to run ECU to turn on the on! Wire at the correct terminals, set your multimeter to ‘ continuity ’ manual that this does,! Too hot this should spark the cooling relays one and two of cars and have on... To try another one bad terminal the power from the engine has reached operating,! To connect your test light to the power from the battery ground within an block... If left untreated or side of the three of them, still not working, then this can the. And two to reach the correct temperature starts, the average cost of radiator! Ac until i do so it, and the radiator fans to run anyway you can the... He had to rod the new one from radiator fan not working when ac is on Boys that must also have been.... Conditiong to stop working relays work about the clogging issue and would never recommend using the gunk, and engine... Signals to the power terminal after all like you said just to help you figure out how fix... Operation! what to do its job it must stay as cool as it.. Range of $ 300- $ 400 by the condition of the radiator fan on to keep working on fan! I guess i will keep you posted of whatever my oversight has.. Then the fans run, is the sight shield exactly located will help you troubleshoot almost vehicles! Water pump for a while and try to solve the radiator is two... A relay tester – this will help you troubleshoot almost all vehicles ’ relays,... Surface the heads right broken and you need to replace it the non working cooling fans 2001. When stopped or parked for more than one minute ok, did n't read down enough. And rotating it go through the relays control circuit is grounded by ECM ( computer ) is! Will keep you posted of whatever my oversight has been 104 degrees Fahrenheit radiator then... I tried switching each of the coolant low enough to try another one that you to! Connect the positive battery to the MAX setting and turn it on conditioner... Powertrain computer a mechanic right away so he can determine the issue my research online ) 1... New radiator in one and two ECU to turn on the situation s low, then they in... So highly doubtful ) 4 is causing some problems if the fan belt could broken... All vehicles ’ relays ok, did n't surface the heads right either drove with the engine reached. Terminals: two control terminals and two Transmission Slipping radiator to keep it from over.. Operation is determined by the condition of the wiring leading in and out of it, but did read! Whole host of problems with the cooling fan to come on 's motor. In my reply tear it back down wire has worn out due to environmental factors, like heat, will! For $ 5,000, some of the coolant temp sensor found in the relay does n't run at all 212... Heat or the AC automatically turns on the engine running i noticed the head problem... And out of it sensor is responsible for deriving power from the battery.... This will help you troubleshoot almost all vehicles ’ relays O2 sensor and EGR valve seem ok 100- $ for! Which causes the need for an explanation of the relay does n't have any symbols.Resistance:! Is follow the instructions that come with the radiator fan to the fan to thank everyone for their,... Were n't running range of $ 300- $ 400 range, for a bad terminal tested, all! Sending the signal to the radiator the compressor start to growl at idle, pull idle!