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Radiator fan not working

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Old Aug 27, 2011 | 09:39 AM
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Icon2 Radiator fan not working

I'm trying to figure this thing out. About a month ago, after turning my car off, there would be a click, click, click, click sound come from under the hood and my fan would come on for about 2 or 3 seconds and shut off. Then the whole process would repeat a number of times. I meant to pop the hood and find out where the noise came from, but I didn't. Now it doesn't do it any more, but my fan is not coming on at all.

Since my fan quit working I have replaced the fan switch located on the bottom of the radiator, and the thermostat (I did not expect the thermostat to fix anything, I got scared when my bottom radiator hose wasn't hot lol). And new fluid of course. Still no fan. The weird thing is when I went to check the fuse, it was gone. I don't know if I accidently pulled it a few days prior, or what. I thought I had discovered my problem, but even with the fuse, I have no fan.

My questions...

1. I have tried finding the fan relay, and am not sure which one it is. If anyone can describe it in detail, that would help a lot! A picture would be excellent. No parts stores or google searches even give evidence it exists.

2. I have now learned there is a temp switch or sensor on the back of the block. Is there any way for me to test it so I don't have to just throw money away on un-needed parts.

Anyone that can help me diagnose this would be much appreciated
I need a fan! It's 101 degrees here today! Please Help! lol
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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 11:48 AM
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Default Re: Radiator fan not working

Ok, so I got under there and looked on the back of the block where the thermo sensor is located, and it looks to me to be the exact same thing as the fan switch I replaced. So I jumped the wires @ the block sensor, and turned the key on. Got nothing. Connected the wires back how I found it. I then jumped the wires at the sensor on the lower radiator and my fan started workind. So this means the switch/sensor on the radiator is bad right? I don't see any other option. The switch makes a ground when it hits a certain temp. and turns the fan on. By jumping the wires, I created a ground which turned on the fan. Which now means the switch/sensor I just replaced is bad ($25 @ OReilley's. I went to the local pull-a-part today and got 4 used ones. Maybe two there that are even worth trying. Hoping one works so I can just get my money back on the new one.
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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 06:18 PM
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Default Re: Radiator fan not working

Well 107 views and I guess I'm on my own. Replaced fan switch again, and fan is still not coming on. If I jump the wires at the switch, it runs whenever the car is on. That's how I'm running it till I can figure out the problem.
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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 08:24 PM
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Default Re: Radiator fan not working

I have a 86 Civic SI. Maybe the wires plug before the fan is plugged in backward? Right now when I put the key in the ignition, turned before I start the car the fan come on. The fan ran all the time when the car is running. I wondered if it's like that too?
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Old Aug 29, 2011 | 06:08 AM
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Default Re: Radiator fan not working

Originally Posted by 78CITYTURBO
I have a 86 Civic SI. Maybe the wires plug before the fan is plugged in backward? Right now when I put the key in the ignition, turned before I start the car the fan come on. The fan ran all the time when the car is running. I wondered if it's like that too?
Which plug? Don't they only plug in one way? I purposely made my fan come on anytime the key is on by jumping the wires @ the fan switch on the radiator. It's just been too hot to run around without a fan.
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Old Aug 29, 2011 | 02:19 PM
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Default Re: Radiator fan not working

there are lots of car parts you can get on ebay. Did you try searching? It's in reasonable price.
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Old Aug 29, 2011 | 03:18 PM
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Default Re: Radiator fan not working

Originally Posted by eheart
there are lots of car parts you can get on ebay. Did you try searching? It's in reasonable price.
I'm trying to figure out why my radiator fan is not working (as stated above). I would rather diagnose a problem, than to just buy parts until you get the right one. And I'll never buy mechanical parts off the net. It's bad enough driving to town 9 miles when the parts store gives me the wrong one.
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Old Aug 29, 2011 | 09:43 PM
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Default Re: Radiator fan not working

The radiator fan has a timer or delay relay above the brake pedal..... and it is part of the control circuit.

I had a different problem once, the fan stayed on.... for 15 minutes... after I turned the engine off and removed the key.
When I came back... there was too much draw on the battery and I could not crank the engine.... found the fan fuse and pulled it off.... Engine cranked and started.... I put the fuse back and I was back on the road.

So in my case the fan may come on at random. I have not done any more work... as the coolant temp is up to specs.
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Old Aug 29, 2011 | 10:40 PM
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Default Re: Radiator fan not working

There is a little label thing under the hood that say's the fan may come on and run for up to 15 min. after the car has been turned off. I wonder if your battery or starter weren't up to spec. I've been starting my car with the fan running for a few days now without any problems.

I am going to check into this relay by the brake pedal though. I thought the relay for the fan was located on the pass. fender. It still kills me that I can jump the wires at the thermo switch, and the fan works, but I've tried three different thermo switches and I still don't get a fan.

Thanks
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 10:31 AM
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Default Re: Radiator fan not working

Ok, so my fan is coming on, but it only runs for about 10 seconds, then it shuts off. I've tried relays and fan switches, but nothing seems to help.
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 07:46 PM
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dee jsaan's Avatar
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Default Re: Radiator fan not working

I ran through a string of them on my 87 HF before I got one that was working.

It's always the same at the parts counter......"hey, it's brand new". But that don't mean anything.

I've seen guys have the same exact problem with Ford Escorts and other cars too.

Anyone who has a car that uses one of these devices and it's presently working, I'd suggest you go buy a replacement and remove the working one
and install the replacement and see if it works. If it doesn't take it back and keep trying till you get one that works. I know it sounds crazy but it is less headaches when you have one you know will work to test with. If you get a new one that works, keep it cause sooner or later you'll need it.
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Old Sep 1, 2011 | 06:48 AM
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Default Re: Radiator fan not working

Originally Posted by G. Man
Ok, so my fan is coming on, but it only runs for about 10 seconds, then it shuts off. I've tried relays and fan switches, but nothing seems to help.
My Dx has a underhood temp sensor that extend the duration of the fan timer, it looks like a relay and it is by the coil, mounted on the passenger side inner fender. It could be bad.... I am not sure if the 1300cc has it.


Originally Posted by G. Man
There is a little label thing under the hood that say's the fan may come on and run for up to 15 min. after the car has been turned off. I wonder if your battery or starter weren't up to spec. I've been starting my car with the fan running for a few days now without any problems.
Good point.... My starter finally bit the dust.... I was turning the key.... and nothing.... after a few try the starter was on... the other day it took many tries..... so it was time for a rebuilt starter with lifetime warranty has been installed....
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Old Sep 1, 2011 | 05:03 PM
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Default Re: Radiator fan not working

[QUOTE=letank;45942008]My Dx has a underhood temp sensor that extend the duration of the fan timer, it looks like a relay and it is by the coil, mounted on the passenger side inner fender. It could be bad.... I am not sure if the 1300cc has it.

What's it look like? There is the fan relay that's mounted on the passenger side inner fender.
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Old Sep 2, 2011 | 10:36 AM
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Default Re: Radiator fan not working

Ok, so this is not my proudest moment, but I think my whole problem was my fault. When installing a stereo last week, I blew a fuse. And I think i accidently pulled my fan fuse, thinking it was a spare fuse. Thanks for any help anyways. I learned some new things, so it all works out
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