jcoeracing97

I know this issue has been hashed and rehashed but I need help. I had a major overheating issue in Houston on 17 May 2013. In short, it was a stuck thermostat and I was able to keep things cool enough in clean air to get back to my home in Vidor, TX. I changed the thermostat and am now getting great flow through the system. But: the single e-fan wouldn't come on, either with the A/C on or when the temperature reached approximately 220+ degrees with the A/C off. I suspected the fan motor had burned up and was right. The shaft was barely spinning, metal shavings on the outside and it made an awful screeching sound (metal on metal). I changed it out as well and still had no power to the e-fan. It should be noted before I go any further, I did in fact check the 20 amp fan fuse and it was ok. Next in my checklist pointed me to the fan relay. Still nothing.
I'm at a point now that I'm leaning towards two possible problem areas: 1. the coolant temperature sensor atop the intake manifold next to the thermostat housing or: 2. the fan temperature switch. My understanding is that the CTS helps control air/fuel mix and spark timing through the ECM only and the FTS controls through the fan relay the e-fan cycling on/off. If the latter is the issue, please advise me where it's located on the block or head[s]. I've read in the service manual that on the L-98 TPI engine it's located between #6 & #8 but on the L03 I haven't found a location. I've "heard" that the CTS controls the fan through the ECM but I need a bit more input on that subject.
If anyone reads this tonight PLEASE let me know if you have the correct answer because I need to get the Camaro at 100% due to me putting my '03 Monte Carlo SS in the shop next week to repair some minor hail damage.

jcoeracing97

One other thing: I know it's a stretch but is it possible that the fusible link running out of the relay went bad? I've been turning wrenches for about thirty-two years and I've not seen many fusible links fail with out some form of catastrophic consequences soon following.

plum92_camaro

I've been down your road man. I recommend using a volt meter to check if your getting 12v at the connector/plug to the e-fan. unplug the fan motor and make sure you have the a/c on or something that would make the fan run. If you have 12v to the fan, your fan motor is still bad. I've gotten bad new parts before (alternator, very frustrating). If you don't have 12v the fan temp switch would be my next place to look. it is on the passenger side head. it's difficult to see and but not hard to change. I learned the hard way years ago how much coolant will come out while changing it. LOTS.

Hope this helps!

plum92_camaro

i'm no expert but like you say, when my fusible links have gone bad the car was completely dead.

plum92_camaro

Just remembered, when i replaced the fan temp switch my fan would run with the a/c but would not come on on its own. In other words i doubt its the fan temp switch in your case cause you said the fan doesn't run at all.

Mailbox Hunter

I just swapped mine... I would like to reiterate (Even after you drain the coolant from the radiator and think its all out.)

LOTS.

jcoeracing97

Thanks for the help!