I’ve performed a search of the forums and cannot find anything relating to my specif problem, so here it is Any suggestions would be much appreciated .

In my 88 Camaro I replaced a 305 TBI for a 350. I noticed it was overheating after idling a while. I discovered my electiric cooling fan wasn’t coming on. I replaced the sensor that is on the passenger side head ( the one that relays te fan and tells it when to turn on). It still doesn’t come on, and as a result overheats.


The electrical connector that plugs onto the sensor that operates the fan, is brittle and broken somewhat, but still seems to plug on fine. But, perhaps it is not connecting properly, and not telling the fan to come on.
I have replaced the drivers side sensor ( the one that operates the dash gauge).
I have replaced the thermostat.
I replaced the fan relay sensor on the passenger side head (mentioned above).
I checked the fuse and it is not blown.


My next step is to try and find this electrical plug somewhere and replace it.

Has anyone had a similar problem? And am I missing anything?

Kevin

 

The pass side sensor provides a ground to the relay to engage the fan. With the engine running take the lead off and jumper it to a chassis ground and the fan should come on. If not, then trace this wire back to the relay and jumper the relay wire to ground. Verify constant 12 volts and ign on/12 volts at the relay. Ensure that the relay is passing 12 volts to the fan cable (at the relay and downstream at the fan motor) when both of the above are hot and the sensor wire is grounded.

Don't replace anything else until you find the problem, it's really pretty easy to check these things.

Oh, and if you find a replacement plug for the temp switch, let me know. These things don't last long with the heat where they're located and there's a few souls down here that could use a source for replacements.

 

Thanks for your response. I'll try to acomplish all that you suggested. I'm not much of a auto electrician, But I\'ll try and check these items out.


Where is the relay located?


I was told at he auto parts store that I would have to purchase that plug thru the dealer or find it in a junk yard.

Kevin

 

The relay is on the firewall, driver's side. It should have a four-wire plug with two #12 wires and two smaller, maybe #16/18 wires. One of the larger ones will be constant hot and one of the smaller ones will be hot only with ignition on. The second larger wire is the power wire TO the fan, the second smaller wire should be the sensor wire (it splits in the harness if you have A/C and either temp switch or A/C pressure switch can provide a ground).

I've not tried, but have been told, that the connector is not available from the dealer. Let me know if you succeed. JY is a real long shot cause nearly all you'll find will be in bad shape. I've fashioned my own connector out of a female butt connector, slightly smaller than the contactor tip then widened some with a punch.