1988 Olds Delta 88 cooling fan trouble

BM1RAW

MEMBER
1988 OLDSMOBILE DELTA 88
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
143,000 MILES

I bought an 88 OLDS Delta 88 for the daughter. I can't get the electric fans to run. It's a FWD 3.8 vin code (C). I suspect it's the CTS, but I can't find it's location. I was told under the Alternator, but that wan't true. The vehicle has 2 fans, and I noted 3 relays on the drivers inner fender, ran a jumper and verified the fans do run. Hence I figured it must be the CTS. I just can't find it. One other thing I noted is that the AC doesn't work and I know sometime that will affect the second fan. Anyway can you help please. This is my daughters only vehicle.

Respectfully, Rick

5 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

There is no cts according to the diagram. But there is a fusible link that cold be bad. I'm sending the diagram along. The other fan won't come on unless the a/c works as it needs pressure for it to make it work.

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Friday, January 14th, 2011 AT 2:35 AM

BM1RAW

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Thanks for the diagram, but I still need to know were the temperature sending unit is. I've traced and tested all the relays back to the ECM. There has to be a sending unit that triggers the ECM to turn on the fans other than the A/C pressure switch. It just doesn't seem to be were I'm used to seeing one. Is it the sensor under the throttle body?

Thanks for the help. Rick

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Sunday, January 16th, 2011 AT 2:16 AM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Ok I went to anoter area on the manual and it shows the sender and sensor. The chart im sending is good fo most 3.8 EXCEPT vin code "C". That vin it says the sender is by the idle air control on LEft side of engine. Here is picof all other 3.8 though.

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Sunday, January 16th, 2011 AT 2:45 AM

BM1RAW

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3 POSTS

Hmac300, I have a vin code (C). I saw what might be the sender under the throttle body. I guess that must be it. Well hidden. As a side note, I ran a scan and don't have any codes but I also can't get the fans to run. Scratching my head. The only thing I can figure is the temperature sending unit is bad and not triggering the ECM. Any input? Thanks for the quick reply and help. Rick

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Sunday, January 16th, 2011 AT 3:10 AM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Reread the previous answers, I explained very well where the sending unit is on a Vin"C" engine. Also the first answer give you leads to fix this. Cross the two wires leading to the sending unit an with the key on if the fans start it's the sender.