Where is the coolant fan switch located?

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Locate the cooling fan switch near the thermostat housing on the left side of engine behind the distributor assembly. The switch wire colors should be green and black. Disconnect the wire terminal at the fan switch. Allow the engine to reach a coolant temperature of 196-203°F (91-95°C).



Beside this, what are the symptoms of a faulty cooling fan switch?

Several symptoms may point to a bad or failing thermo coolant fan switch.

  • Engine overheating. Engines generate an enormous amount of heat and as a result are subjected to very large temperature swings if this switch does not operate effectively.
  • Check Engine Light comes on.
  • Broken or shorter signal wire.

Beside above, what makes the cooling fan come on? Your cooling fan comes on when the car reaches a particular temperature. The trigger is the thermostat in the radiator of your vehicle. It is what sends the signal for the fan. Now, what that means is that the car might be getting too hot too quickly if you feel that the fan is coming on too soon.

In this way, does the coolant temperature sensor control the fan?

The sensor works by measuring the temperature that's being given off by the thermostat and/or the coolant itself. The temperature is then sent to the on-board control system. As the control system receives the temperature from the CTS, it may trigger the cooling fan to either shut off or turn on.

Should radiator fan run when AC is on?

Both radiator fans should always run when the AC compressor is engaged. Both radiator fans should always run when the coolant temperature sensor in the bottom tank of the radiator reaches about 212*F.

22 Related Question Answers Found

How do I know if my coolant temp sensor is bad?

Signs of a bad Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
  1. Poor Mileage.
  2. Check Engine Light Activates.
  3. Black Smoke from the Exhaust pipe.
  4. Engine Overheats.
  5. Poor Idling.
  6. Do not Use Tap Water to Refill Radiator.
  7. Fix Oil Leaks and Gasket Immediately.
  8. Check for Coolant Leaks.

How long can a fan run continuously?

When you set your fan to “ON,” you're telling it to keep running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless of the heating or cooling setting.

How much is a cooling fan relay?

So, when the cooling fan relay stops working, the coolant can get too hot, and the car can overheat. To get your cooling fan relay replaced, you will pay, on average, $80-$160, depending on the type of car you have and the mechanic's fees. The labor should cost around $70, while parts should run you $10-$50.

What does a coolant temp sensor do?

The coolant temperature sensor, also known as the coolant temperature switch, is an engine management system sensor that is used to monitor the temperature of the engine's coolant. Most coolant temperature sensors operate using electrical resistance to measure the temperature of the coolant.

What temp should my electric fan turn on?


To check the temperature at which the fan comes on, turn the A/C off and keep the engine running until it reaches normal operating temperature. Most fans should come on when the coolant reaches about 200 to 230 degrees. If the fan does not come on, something in the control circuit is defective.

How do you know if your car thermostat is working?

Start your car's engine and allow it to idle. Look through the radiator filler neck to see if the coolant flows. At this time, it should not be flowing as your car has not reached the operating temperature to cause the thermostat to open. If you find the coolant is flowing, it means the thermostat valve is open.

How do I test my electric radiator fan?

How to Check a Radiator Fan
  1. Determine whether your radiator fan is manual or electric.
  2. To check an electric radiator fan, start the car and let it get up to the temperature where the fan normally kicks on.
  3. Use the volt meter to test if there is power to the wires.
  4. Normal voltage for a radiator fan is around 12 volts.

How do you replace a cooling fan switch?

Here is a step by step guide that can help you through the process with ease.
  1. Step 1 - Unplug. Begin by turning the car off and allowing it to cool down a little.
  2. Step 2 - Remove Fan Switch. Remove the fan, shroud and switch using a wrench and socket if need be.
  3. Step 3 - Reassemble.

How do you test thermostat switch?

Place the thermometer in the sauce pan so you can read it as the temperature increases. Connect one of the ohmmeter probes to one of the thermostat terminals and connect the other probe to the second thermostat terminal. Turn on the burner and slowly increase the water temperature.

Can you drive with a bad coolant sensor?


Anyone with specific knowledge weigh in. Usually the Coolant Temp Sensor is used for the gauge for fuel trims for cold start enrichment, and fan control. Since the Thermostat and water pump are mechanical the engine will still cool. you will be fine driving until the replace the sensor.

Does a car thermostat control the fan?

Fan. Like the thermostat, the cooling fan has to be controlled so that it allows the engine to maintain a constant temperature. The fans are controlled either with a thermostatic switch or by the engine computer, and they turn on when the temperature of the coolant goes above a set point.

Can a bad thermostat cause radiator fan not to work?

If the thermostat is stuck open (allowing coolant to flow) it can cause the engine to run cooler than normal so obviously the fan wouldn't come on..but not like the engine/coolant can be running too hot and the thermostat somehow effects the sensor reading or operation of the fan.

Can you drive a car without a radiator fan?

Yes, you can drive your car without a radiator fan, but you never should. Your vehicle's cooling system is crucial to its performance, and every time your engine overheats, you cause damage.