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why won't fan turn on?

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Old Oct 26, 2006 | 05:15 PM
  #1  
newRSdriver's Avatar
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Car: 90 RS
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: 5-speed
why won't fan turn on?

I had posted a few months ago about my engine over heating and i know that the problem is because the fan does not turn on. The fan only turns on when the AC is turned on. I have replaced new switches both underneath the engine and on top. The question i have about that is, i wrapped teflon tape around the switches so that coolant will not leak. Is this stopping the ground and not allowing a current to turn the fan on? I pretty much checked everything there possible is to check, all the wires, relays. what else could there be?



Thanks Andrew
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Old Oct 27, 2006 | 01:03 PM
  #2  
camaronewbie's Avatar
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From: Cary, North Carolina
Car: 1992 RS
Engine: Carbed 350
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 posi
That's probably it. The Fan Switch only has one wire going to it. Pull the wire from the fan switch (pass side head), and ground it and see if the fan comes on then (it should).

I personally don't like the fan switch - I never got one to work very long (even the expensive ones). I installed a seperate fan controller that has a probe that installs between the fins of the radiator - cost $75, wired in less than an hour, and works every time when it's suppose to. Also is adjustable, and has plugs to wire toggles (always on or always off) into the interior.
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Old Oct 27, 2006 | 02:22 PM
  #3  
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Car: Yes
Engine: Usually
Transmission: Sometimes
Axle/Gears: Behind me somewhere
Yes it could be the Teflon tape.

The fan sw is in the pass side head. Tighten that one some more.

You can verify that the wiring is good by grounding that wire; with the key on, touch the pin to ground, the fan should come on.

Personally I don't have a problem with things like that. There's millions and millions of cars with them in them on the road, and they work just fine.

I think I might still have the original one in my 83 car. Just keep moving it from one engine to another.
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Old Oct 27, 2006 | 10:36 PM
  #4  
newRSdriver's Avatar
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Car: 90 RS
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: 5-speed
All the wires were checked so i'm hoping its a simple problem like the teflon tape. Another question, does the thermostat send a signal to the switch telling it when to turn on and off or not?

Thanks, Andrew
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Old Nov 2, 2006 | 03:28 PM
  #5  
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From: KY
Car: 87IROC, 740iBMW, 328iBMW, 86GMC
Engine: 5.7, 4.4LV8, 2.8, 6.0
Transmission: Manuals & Auto's
Axle/Gears: 3.27, 3.42
The fan switch is a resistor that completes a grounded circuit as the temp increases, which activates the fan circuit.

Fan switches installed in heads should not have teflon tape applied to the threaded surfaces. The teflon acts a seal therefore defeating the ground circuit and the function of the fan switch.
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Old May 21, 2007 | 01:42 PM
  #6  
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Re: why won't fan turn on?

Im having a similiar problem. Can someone show me how thw switch looks like? Where can i find it on my 2.8 v6? thanks.
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Old May 21, 2007 | 07:12 PM
  #7  
Z_wonderer's Avatar
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From: Los Angeles
Car: 86 z28
Engine: LB9 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73 gears
Re: why won't fan turn on?

hey i'm having the same problem, my car has a 5.0 305 tpi and i would like to know how to get to that switch.
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Old May 21, 2007 | 09:03 PM
  #8  
ringo234's Avatar
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From: So Cal
Car: 89 IROC Z28
Engine: 357 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Posi
Re: why won't fan turn on?

Originally Posted by Wadebryant
The fan switch is a resistor that completes a grounded circuit as the temp increases, which activates the fan circuit.
Wouldn't that be a thermistor rather than a resistor?
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Old May 30, 2007 | 01:15 AM
  #9  
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From: The Hillz
Car: 1988 Z28
Engine: 350ci
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Stock
Re: why won't fan turn on?

Well I have the same problem lol however with a twist. I installed a new Fn Switch, Ok those who are looking for the switch have to put your car on ramps or jack stands(personally I choose ramps less chance of your car ending your life lol) Once its up on the stands, get underneath, Look on the passenfer side of the engine right imbetween the sparkplugs you will see a small sensor that should have a single green/white wire(varies depending on the year) coming out of it. That is the location of your Switch for your Fan. FYI The Temp sensor that activates the Gauge in your car, Is on the Driverside next to spark plug 1. Same setup differnt conection but its only a single wire. My problem is that when I replaced the switch it worked fine until I fixed the temp gauge... Temp gauge sensor connected my fan doesnt work... Disconnect the temp gauge sensor fan works... WTF is that lol...
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Old May 30, 2007 | 08:06 AM
  #10  
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From: Brooklyn,NY
Re: why won't fan turn on?

On my v6, the switch is accessible without going under the car. But its hard to remove that plug and I can imagine how tricky it would be to remove the switch with all that crap in the way lol....maybe going under the car would be easier...hmmm
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