Manual Fan Switch Help
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Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Indiana
Car: 1989 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: Auto
Manual Fan Switch Help
My fan wont turn on anymore, so I'm going to wire a manual toggle switch in my console. Can I use this method on a single fan car? And should I use a relay when wiring it, or will the original fan fuse be enough? I'd like to use this method if I can, because I'll be replacing the temp sensor in the future.
I know exactly what you want. I did it on my 89 IROC. First I found the green ground wires coming off of the low power side of the fan relays (two fans on my car). Use a splice connector to add another wire to those ground wires without cutting them, this allows the stock computer system to retain full control of the fans if you're not paying any attention to the temp gage. Run the new ground wires back into the dashboard area, and connect them to a toggle switch which leads to a good ground.
With my system, leaving the toggles in the off position lets the car behave in the standard fashion, with the ECM controlling all fan turn-on points. By flipping the toggles, I can force the fans on at any time, such as while idling in heavy traffic or while waiting at the staging lanes at the local drag strip.
With my system, leaving the toggles in the off position lets the car behave in the standard fashion, with the ECM controlling all fan turn-on points. By flipping the toggles, I can force the fans on at any time, such as while idling in heavy traffic or while waiting at the staging lanes at the local drag strip.
Last edited by MetabolicHigh; Mar 29, 2013 at 08:23 PM.
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From: Pennsylvania
Car: 1992 Camaro RS
Engine: Rebuilt 350 going in after paint
Transmission: WCT5, 7k & counting behind the 350
Axle/Gears: 4thgen disc rear w/ 3.73 Posi
Re: Manual Fan Switch Help
Yes, you can use a manual switch on a car with a single fan. I used one in my camaro for a year after my v8 swap. It was a real pain to use though. And you definitely want a relay.
I would recommend a fan switch that screws into a water passage in the cylinder head. I bought one from summit racing for around $10. It provides a ground to activate your stock fan relay with, and you can get them for a few different temp ranges.
I would recommend a fan switch that screws into a water passage in the cylinder head. I bought one from summit racing for around $10. It provides a ground to activate your stock fan relay with, and you can get them for a few different temp ranges.
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From: P.A.
Car: 1991
Engine: 305
Transmission: manual
Axle/Gears: 2/.65
Re: Manual Fan Switch Help
USING A TOGGLE SWITCH SUCKS Take your time and trace the wires check to see if anything is melted or cracked. Replace the fan relay if nessary It's behind the master cyl . Check the connector on the fan switch down on the side of the pass head. They get hot and brittle replace the switch if needed.If the fan works when you turn on the air it's probably the one in the head.
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From: Not in Kansas anymore
Car: 82 Z28
Engine: 383 SP EFI/ 4150 TB
Transmission: T400
Axle/Gears: QP 9" 3.73
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From: check under the car
Car: White 25th Anniversary RS
Engine: lt1
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 4:10
Re: Manual Fan Switch Help
YUP
I hate seeing the toggle fan hack. Its the simplest system in the car, just find out what wrong with it.
check fuse, test for power..
Check for power at relay.
check for ground at relay.
test fan
If they all work test the temp switch. Just start the car and let it heat up.....hook up a multi meter on the switch and set it to the continuity setting.. when you hit around 180 the switch should have continuity If not replace it.
or you can jumper the switch to test it.
Thats a quick list of stuff to check.
If all else fails they make an automatic aftermarket fan switch.
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From: Indiana
Car: 1989 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: Auto
Re: Manual Fan Switch Help
I'll fix it properly if bypassing it is really that bad. I'm gonna be spending a good amount of time under the hood since my camaro is having some new problems anyway :|
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From: check under the car
Car: White 25th Anniversary RS
Engine: lt1
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 4:10
Re: Manual Fan Switch Help
Its not that bypassing it wont work, but you will need to essentially make the same type of system as the stock system to do it correctly. Since the fan electrical system is already there, it makes the most sense just to fix it. Running a switch is not only annoying, but there's more work involved in hooking it up then there is fixing the problem.
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From: Michigan
Car: 1986 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 5.0
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Manual Fan Switch Help
yes this is the setup i have. you can use the thermal switch in place of the toggle switch in case your in traffic and forget to turn it on. it would wire up the same as the toggle switch. but you definitely want a relay
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From: P.A.
Car: 1991
Engine: 305
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Re: Manual Fan Switch Help
I ran a hot to the fan and It worked. So I worked back from there. Thats why I said to check [TRACE] the wiring.
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