I got back from vacation today and took my car through the drive-thru. I look down and the temperature gauge is pinned at 260. At this point I am totally freaking out. When I purchased the car initially, it had the same problem. It would overheat because the fan would not kick on.

I brought the car in, he changed the thermostat, and did something else, enabling my electric fan to automatically cool the engine at 220 degrees. I pulled to the parking lot, and sure enough, the electric fan is simply not working.

I have every reason to believe this is a minor problem, and maybe something I can do myself with some help

-Was it stupid of me to keep driving even at 260, even after I checked all fluids? (When cruising, temperature dropped way lower because of air flow)

-Is there something I can make the fan turn on again at 220?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Eric

 

I have had the same problem. Mine was a bad CTS on the intake.

There are three sensors to check. The fan switch and 2 CTS (coolant temp sensor)--one monitors temp for the gauge and the other monitors temp for the ECM. One CTS is located on the intake manifold at the water neck. The other is located on the passenger head between the 6 and 8 plugs. The fan switch is located on the driver's head.

So do this first---Does the fan come on when the A/C is turned on? It should. If it doesn't then I believe the fan switch is bad.

Secondly--If it is a bad CTS, if I remember correctly, the "temp" on the gauge will go high. One or both may need to be replaced.

Lastly, it could just be a bad radiator, could just need a flush and fill, thermostat, etc.

Let me know what happens. maybe someone else will post with any comments or suggestions.

 

I forgot to mention it is a TBI 305 if thats relevant. When you say it is on the drivers head, is that the ECM that I have to open and check? Also, my A/C is not working. I never use it. Sorry, I really am a car noob. Thanks. -Eric

 

Been having about the same problems in my 91 but mines a 3.1L

My fiance ended up installing the V8 dual fan system into my V6 and so far so good.

Have you tried "tripping" your ECM with a paperclip in the A,B terminals??

If not do that, pop open hood and see if they kick on. The fan should kick on when you jump the ECM terminals. My old one quit kicking on when. Then when we 1st installed the dual fan system it wasnt cooling my car at all but would kick on when tripping the ECM.

Hope this helps. Fans are a PITA but greatly needed.

 

Yes, it is (relevant). The control for the fan is a switch in the pass side cyl head. It is between cylinders 6 & 8. Typically the terminal/wire fails from the heat. There is also a fan relay behind the power brake booster. May be bad or missing. The ECM has NO control over the fan on a TBI car.

RBob.

 

Roger that Bob. 97$ later and a new fan switch today. Thanks for the quick emergency help. Im just too noob to fix it myself. Working 24-7 doesnt help the fact. Thanks again though, Eric