Cooling fan

1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
19,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
Avatar
ALBACORE00
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
According to the manual the cooling fan should come on if the engine heats up to 3/4 on the temp gauge. We replaced the relay last year and it worked for 6 months then stopped. The car was equipped with ac which doesn't work but if you switched on the ac button the dash the fan would run to cool the radiators. I put in a new radiator 2 weeks ago and the car runs cool until I have to stop and idle. She does cool down again eventually but I'm concerned about the stress on the head gasket. Is there a short?
Thanks ,
Pete
Jun 28, 2010 at 8:07 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
SATURNTECH9
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 30,869 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
It sounds like you have a cooling fan that is going out pulling too many amps which takes the relay out I would replace the both motor and relay #8 here are are guides to help you get the job done and the location of the relay below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-electric-fan-motor

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

Cheers
Image (Click to enlarge)
Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
Click here to log in and view diagram.
Jun 28, 2010 at 9:10 AM
Avatar
ALBACORE00
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
No the fan does not come on at all. Would it still be the coolant temp sensor?
Jun 28, 2010 at 10:04 AM
Avatar
SATURNTECH9
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 30,869 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
So does your a/c clutch engage at all when you turn on the a/c?
Jun 28, 2010 at 10:22 AM
Avatar
ALBACORE00
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
No the ac clutch does not come on.
Jun 28, 2010 at 12:05 PM
Avatar
SATURNTECH9
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 30,869 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Ok here's what i want you to do i want you to lets check the freon level in the car here is a guide.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-conditioner-how-to-add-freon

Please run down this guide and report back

Cheers
Jun 28, 2010 at 1:31 PM
Avatar
ALBACORE00
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks,
I got the schematics. When you say jump the terminals do you mean the battery or where I unplug the sensor?
I'm being extremely literal here. Also my ac does not function at all.
Jun 29, 2010 at 4:36 AM
Avatar
SATURNTECH9
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 30,869 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
I mean with the a/c on the car idling connector disconnected jump across the two terminal's of the a/c pressure switch connector that goes to the switch for a few second's does the fan come on?
Jun 29, 2010 at 7:42 AM
Avatar
ALBACORE00
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
If filled the system and replaced the fan motor and relay everything works good now thanks for your help.
Jun 29, 2010 at 8:14 AM
Avatar
SATURNTECH9
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 30,869 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Nice work, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.

Cheers
Jun 29, 2010 at 5:38 PM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.