Honda Accord (1990 - 2002) Includes 1997 - 1999 Acura CL

90 Accord non-op Radiator fan problem

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Old Aug 27, 2015 | 10:28 AM
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Default 90 Accord non-op Radiator fan problem

The radiator fan does not operate at any temperature. The fan works under a 12v jump. Fuses are OK. Fan Switch OK, Temp switch OK, relay OK. These are the units on the engine and the relay is the one in the fuse box, I think all these are the condenser fan (I could be wrong) because the condenser fan operates when the interior fan is turned on. The temp gauge goes to about 1/3, it should be !/4, The cooling down fan does not come operate at all when the engine is shut off. My Chilton Manual shows two circuits with identical components. The afore mentioned locations were obvious, the locations of the 2nd components are not so I need to know where they are. Then there is the question of the Fan control timer module.... I have gone about as far as I can. Any input would be helpful, Thanks in advance, Zottic
bump Does anyone have a component location display they could share?

Last edited by zottic; Sep 2, 2015 at 12:28 PM.
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Old Aug 29, 2015 | 06:21 AM
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Default Re: 90 Accord non-op Radiator fan problem

The other relay is on the drivers side, behind the headlight, a holder is bolted to the fender. Two relays there, one for the ac compressor clutch the other is for the left drivers side cooling fan.
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Old Aug 29, 2015 | 10:45 AM
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Default Re: 90 Accord non-op Radiator fan problem

Thanks for the input, I am testing it right now.
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Old Aug 29, 2015 | 01:39 PM
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Default Re: 90 Accord non-op Radiator fan problem

OK, The relay has 4 prongs, 2 pos and 2 neg, different coatings otherwise identical. Not the coil type, I pulled it out to see and it was a sealed unit all new to me, how do I test it? I will figure it out, I found a great instruction site. autoshop101.com by Kevin Sullivan

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Old Aug 29, 2015 | 02:21 PM
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Default Re: 90 Accord non-op Radiator fan problem

The relays located at the front corner of the engine compartment are the condenser fan relay and compressor clutch relay.

The radiator fan relay is located in the under-hood fuse box.

If the radiator fan is not working, first check under-hood Fuse No. 39.

These relays are normally-open type of relays.

The way the relay works is when power (+) and ground (-) are applied to the relay coil, it is energized and the relay contacts closes; thus allowing power (+) through the relay "now closed" relay contacts. There is only one terminal for ground (-).
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Old Aug 29, 2015 | 02:31 PM
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Default Re: 90 Accord non-op Radiator fan problem

If your car has power windows and they are operational, that means the power window relay is good.

You can swap the power window relay with the radiator fan relay to easily test. The relays are identical and right next to each other in the under-hood fuse box.
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Old Aug 29, 2015 | 02:37 PM
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Default Re: 90 Accord non-op Radiator fan problem

That relay is new, and obviously works, I guess I got the fan names mixed up, bonehead move. It is the condenser fan that is not working. I can get the radiator fan to run with the interior fan switch and the Ac works. It's a DX so no power windows.
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Old Aug 29, 2015 | 02:50 PM
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Default Re: 90 Accord non-op Radiator fan problem

Thanks tech8, I think I am on track to a solution.
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Old Aug 29, 2015 | 05:05 PM
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Default Re: 90 Accord non-op Radiator fan problem

How did you test the fan switch to determine it was ok ?
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Old Aug 29, 2015 | 09:03 PM
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Default Re: 90 Accord non-op Radiator fan problem

I am going to go through the whole process again, jump the lead on the fan switch, If it is OK I will make sure the temp unit is OK. Once I am sure That side is functioning I can focus on the other circuit. That's the plan anyway.
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Old Aug 31, 2015 | 10:09 AM
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Default Re: 90 Accord non-op Radiator fan problem

Update: I jumped the radiator temp. sensor and the fan went on (not previously) then jumped th fan switch with the ignition switch on and nothing, turned the ignition switch off...still off and the fan came on...Mystery.... So then I plugged it back together nothing of course, it needed to get to 194 degrees which it did and functioned properly. I did NOTHING to make it work! So I let it run for a half hour, the radiator fan kept it cool enough so the condenser fan did not come on. Now... I still need to know if the condenser fan works, not knowing where the location of the fan switch and temp. switch is making it difficult. I think I can swap relays. I will let y'all know.
One more thing. There is a short somewhere, if I touch the door frame I get a little zap, it has been there from day one off and on, mostly off. Stronger now. I bought this little red beauty new in 1990, best car I ever owned hands down.
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Old Aug 31, 2015 | 10:26 AM
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Default Re: 90 Accord non-op Radiator fan problem

Originally Posted by holmesnmanny
How did you test the fan switch to determine it was ok ?
Update: I jumped the radiator temp. sensor and the fan went on (not previously) then jumped th fan switch with the ignition switch on and nothing, turned the ignition switch off...still off and the fan came on...Mystery.... So then I plugged it back together nothing of course, it needed to get to 194 degrees which it did and functioned properly. I did NOTHING to make it work! So I let it run for a half hour, the radiator fan kept it cool enough so the condenser fan did not come on. Now... I still need to know if the condenser fan works, not knowing where the location of the fan switch and temp. switch is making it difficult. I think I can swap relays. I will let y'all know.
One more thing. There is a short somewhere, if I touch the door frame I get a little zap, it has been there from day one off and on, mostly off. Stronger now. I bought this little red beauty new in 1990, best car I ever owned hands down.
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Old Aug 31, 2015 | 02:56 PM
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Default Re: 90 Accord non-op Radiator fan problem

The condensor fan shoulda always come on when the ignition is on at the same time the radiator is on.

Test the condensor fan with direct battery power.
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Old Sep 1, 2015 | 04:21 PM
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Default Re: 90 Accord non-op Radiator fan problem

Originally Posted by holmesnmanny
The condensor fan shoulda always come on when the ignition is on at the same time the radiator is on.

Test the condensor fan with direct battery power.
I did, it is OK. Noisy but functional
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Old Sep 3, 2015 | 11:01 AM
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Default Re: 90 Accord non-op Radiator fan problem

Thanks to all who contributed to my problem! It was the condenser fan relay. I finally found a site that had pixs and procedures of everything.
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