Cooling fans/system problem

2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE
128,000 MILES • 3.4L • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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AFEDDY05
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I have a car that is running hot. When sitting in traffic the dash temperature gauge will creep toward 5/8 to 3/4 toward hot. I do not think my cooling fans are working properly. I have tested the motor directly from the battery and the motors are good. I have also tested all three "cool fan" relays, replacing with new ones and still did not seem to work.

To force the fans to come on in my testing, I was turning the A/C on full blast with a cold engine. Neither cooling fan was turning when I did this. It is closer to 70 degrees here today and I can confirm that the A/C is not working.

Please help. I am not really sure where to go from here.
Mar 8, 2014 at 10:57 AM
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OBXAUTOMEDIC
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Hello,

It sounds like you have a engine coolant temperature sensor that is going out. Here is a guide to help you see what you are in for when doing the job:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-temperature-sensor-cts-replacement

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

Cheers
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Jun 19, 2020 at 11:38 AM
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AFEDDY05
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I did check the fuses, 1 and 6 and both of those were good.
Jun 19, 2020 at 11:38 AM
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OBXAUTOMEDIC
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Okay, one question I did not ask and I usually do in these situations.

Is the engine light on? If it is get the codes read, most auto parts stores will do it for free. Another cause could be the PCM not driving the cooling fan relay.
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Jun 19, 2020 at 11:38 AM
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AFEDDY05
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I let the van run tonight, watching the temperature gauge and the cooling fans actually came on. It had to get about 3/4 on gauge before it came on, but they appeared to be working. Thanks for your help.
Jun 19, 2020 at 11:38 AM
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OBXAUTOMEDIC
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Use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.

Cheers
Jun 19, 2020 at 11:38 AM