How hard would it be to wire a fan switch so that I can flip the fan on when I want it to, but it will also still come on when it should?

I've searched and found some slightly helpful info, but most revolved around the fan not functioning like it should and wiring around that. I want to be able to use it in the staging lanes at the drags.

I'm assuming running all that amperage through a switch is a bad idea?!?

Please keep in mind that I know very little about electronics. I know the basics, but thats about it.

 

One method would be to find the thermo switch that signals the fan to come on. It's normally on the back (firewall side) of the block. Basically, it provides a ground for the wire feeding it when the temp is high enough. You could parallel a switch to it. The current should be rather minimal, since it doesn't actually power the fan directly.

 

That's what I was wondering. So I'd just put the negative on my switch to the negative on the coolant switch and the positive to the positive right. That would be parallel, right?

My switch would actually just be triggering the relay like the coolant switch does then.

I'm really bad with electronics, which would raise the question of why I'm attempting this myself. I like doing everthing on the car myself!



[Modified by therealciviczc, 9:07 PM 6/7/2002]

 

The thermo switch receives the + and then grounds it. I'm not sure if the Thermo switch is a single terminal or if it has two (providing a dedicated ground). If it's a single, just tap that wire and run it to your switch. the other side of the switch should be connected to ground. If it's a two wire deal, you'll have to find out which one is the + (supply). Then tap it, and again, the other leg of the switch goes to ground.