Where is the cooling fan relay located?

The cooling fan relay is normally located in either the underhood fuse and relay center or mounted to the electric fan assembly behind the radiator.

What can cause a cooling fan not to come on?

Six things may prevent an electric cooling fan from coming on:

• Defective temperature switch, coolant sensor or other sensor.
• Engine thermostat is stuck OPEN (engine never gets hot enough to turn on the fan)
• Faulty fan relay.
• A wiring problem (blown fuse, loose or corroded connector, shorts, opens, etc.)
• Bad fan motor.

Should radiator fan turn on when AC is on?

Both radiator fans should always run when the AC compressor is engaged. 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.

What tells the cooling fan to come on?

The engine temperature should trigger the fan to turn on. It will also turn the fan off once the engine has cooled to under 200 degrees. You may have heard of a part called the radiator fan switch or temperature fan switch. This is linked to a thermostat and works much like your home’s HVAC system.

Is there a fuse for the cooling fan?

What are the signs of a bad coolant temperature sensor?

Symptoms of a bad or failing coolant temperature switch (sensor)

• Poor fuel economy. One of the first symptoms associated with a problem with the coolant temperature sensor is poor fuel economy.
• Black smoke from engine.
• Overheating engine.
• Check Engine Light comes on.

What if the radiator fan turns on only when the AC is on but overheats when is off?

If overheating is encountered when the AC is Off, may mean that the temperature sensor that send control signal for the radiator fan motor may possibly be faulty.. or the control logic that dictate which switch will control the radiator fan motor when engine temperature reach a preset level, with or without the AC …

How is the radiator fan on a Chevy Cavalier controlled?

A radiator cooling fan on a Chevy Cavalier is controlled by the computer. Its circuit goes from the battery positive to the fuse. From the fuse it travels to two relays: the low-speed and the high-speed relay.

How does the cooling fan relay work on a car?

The cooling fan relay is the relay that controls the engine’s cooling fans. When the correct parameters are met, a temperature switch or the computer will activate the relay, which will allow power to the fans. The relay will usually be activated once it is detected that the vehicle’s temperature…

How does the p0480 cooling fan relay work?

The PCM (powertrain control module) senses the increase in engine temperature through the CTS (coolant temperature sensor) located near the thermostat. When the temperature reaches about 223-degrees F (value depends on make/model/engine), the PCM will command the cooling fan relay to turn on the fan.

What causes a faulty fan control relay 1?

Potential Causes. The causes for this DTC may include: Faulty fan control relay 1. Fan control relay harness is open or shorted. Circuit electrical connections poor. Faulty cooling fan 1. Faulty coolant temperature sensor. Fan cooling fan harness is open or shorted.

A radiator cooling fan on a Chevy Cavalier is controlled by the computer. Its circuit goes from the battery positive to the fuse. From the fuse it travels to two relays: the low-speed and the high-speed relay.

Where is the ECT on a Cavalier radiator?

It is located near the coolant outlet on the upper rear of the hose. When the connector is pulled off of the ECT, within a second or two the fan should come on. If it does come on, the ECT is suspect. Check the voltage with the meter by backprobing the sensor when the engine warms up.

Why does my car overheat when I Turn on the fan?

The cooling fan, which is behind the radiator grille, removes heat from the engine’s coolant. This fan is electrically controlled and relies on the signal from the onboard computer. If the fan receives a false signal, the fan might not turn on, causing the engine to overheat.

How does a radiator fan work in a car?

They are actuated by the computer, which uses the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor to determine when to turn the fan on and which relay to actuate dependent on the temperature. The ECT sensor is a 2-wire thermistor. As engine coolant temperature increases, the thermistor resistance and signal voltage decreases.