1996 Chevy Cavalier Cooling fan not work an overheating

1996 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
89,861 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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AUTOGEARHEAD1
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I have a 96 chevy cavalier 2.2 liter, my cooling fan does not come on, Brand new orange dex cool antifreeze, new thermostat, new water pump, new engine coolant temp sensor, not ac delco. I cant get it to work an when im idling the gauge climbs up to the hot zone, i had the cooling fan relay tested an its still good, so is the fuse. i ran test wires to the fan motor in its spins very fast, so i know thats good. what causes this??? Please let me know
Aug 26, 2010 at 5:16 PM
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RASMATAZ
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Could be a wire problem if not have the computer checked out-
Aug 26, 2010 at 10:07 PM
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AUTOGEARHEAD1
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ok, how do i check the wire an computer?
Aug 27, 2010 at 6:13 AM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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Check it for an open or shorted to ground if okay think! computer
Aug 27, 2010 at 7:56 AM
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AUTOGEARHEAD1
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i just found out the fan is not to turn on until the temp gauge reaches the red zone, is there a way i can have a shop program the computer to turn it on at a lower temp? example. if the computer is set for 220 can it be programmed to turn on at 200? that way the gauge doesnt go to the red zone it will turn on earlier
Aug 27, 2010 at 6:06 PM
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RASMATAZ
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What you trying to do is factored in the computer, you can try reprogramming by the dealership. Why don't you just use 185 thermostat and see what happens.

Could be the temperature gauge itself is out of calibration, is the engine overheating?
Aug 27, 2010 at 7:15 PM
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AUTOGEARHEAD1
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I replaced the thermostat with a 180. the car funs fine while driving, but at a stop or parked while running the gauge climbs. i suspect a bad relay, i had it tested but was told, just because it clicks doesnt mean its working properly
Aug 28, 2010 at 1:01 PM
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AUTOGEARHEAD1
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i noticed whe the ac is turned on thats when the fan runs, i suspect the relay. i think there are 2 relays, one for the ac an one for the cooling fan
Aug 28, 2010 at 4:52 PM
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MCDOC101
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if you still have problem try the temp sensor that gives the pcm the info to turn on the fan.
good luck
mike
Aug 29, 2010 at 12:09 PM
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AUTOGEARHEAD1
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ok, how do i test the coolant temp sensor, cold or hot engine? i noticed when the engine in running, i pull the wires of an the fan turns on fast, but also, the check engine light turns on
Aug 29, 2010 at 2:40 PM
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RENEGADE65
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  • 29 POSTS
purge solenoid cut on and off the fan
Nov 9, 2010 at 11:54 AM
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