1996 Chevy Cavalier Cooling Fan

18,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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ELAMJA2
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Hello,
My cooling fan is not kicking on on my 1996 Chevy Cavalier. Now my check engine light is also coming on. I replaced the relay and it did not help and the fuse is ok also. I dont know how to disconnect the cables so i can plug it into the battery to check that the fan is now blown. Can you help me?
Jun 29, 2009 at 9:54 AM
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MERLIN2021
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The plug should be right at the fan, you either push the tab down, or lift it up and pull the connector appart, then either use a test light at the connector, and turn your a/c on, and the light should light up, or run two wires from the battery to the fan, fuse protect the positve wire! If the fan rumns this way, it's good, let us know and we can dig deeper.
Jun 29, 2009 at 10:31 AM
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ELAMJA2
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hello Merlin,
Thanks for ur quick reply. I just spliced the wires and ran them to the battery. My dad was helping so the Fan is shot. im currently looking for one right now. Do you know how to put the new one in. Like where the bolts are located and what not. Thanks
Jun 29, 2009 at 10:44 AM
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MERLIN2021
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Far as I know the screw is one on each end at the top, then lift it out. There are two slots on the bottom, and they slide into the two holes down there. Also go to Chevy, they have an updated temp sender for your car, it turns the fan on at 217 degrees, instead of 230 from factory.
Jun 30, 2009 at 7:28 AM
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ELAMJA2
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Now when i start my Car it makes a sound like it would make if you tried to start it once it has already been started. I just replaced the starter a week ago so i am not sure what could be causing this. Do you have any ideas? Thanks a lot
Jul 4, 2009 at 4:22 AM
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MERLIN2021
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So you can hear the start "whine"? Using rebuilt starters comes with the risk that they are not done right. It has a weak bendix drive, or bad pull in winding in the solenoid, replace it again, and be sure to use the same spacers as the original. Return it as defective to the parts store.
Jul 5, 2009 at 8:50 AM
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ELAMJA2
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my fan was due to be in the mail today, so i drove it 3 miles to work and on my way home i sprung a leak in my radiator hose, so the fluid was leaking out causing some steam to come out. Well not much fluid leaked out, anyways i got home and my fan was here so i put it on. it took me awhile i couldnt get the darn thing unclamped, but i got it on, then cut the radiator hose where the crack was and put it back on, went to start the car and nothing. it doesnt crank or anything. Could this be because the wires got wet or what? I didnt mess with any grounds or wires i am just dumfounded. I didnt drive the car far enough on hot to blow the engine. Do you have any advice for me man. Im depserate
Jul 8, 2009 at 12:53 PM
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MERLIN2021
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 17,250 POSTS
Check that strter, also remove the plugs, use a wrench on the engine and see if it will turn by hand, check oil on the dipstick for any metal shavings. If it spins by hand, then it's probably starter, or battery/cable related.
Jul 9, 2009 at 12:08 AM
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