Cooling Fans will not turn on

2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU
195,300 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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SHALEN WILLIAMS
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  • 2 POSTS
The cooling fans will not turn on causing the engine to overheat.

I have already replaced the engine coolant temperature sensor and both fan relays. I have tested the wires from the sensor to the ECM and ground and they are good. The fans come on 100% when I unplug the coolant temperature sensor for safe mode. I also replaced the relay for the air conditioner compressor and that system works correctly (I read that the two systems are connected).

I am at a loss, any help would be wonderful.
Jul 27, 2016 at 8:48 AM
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HMAC300
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 48,601 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
I am assuming you have checked the fuse as well for the fans along with the relays which you said you did. there are three relays for fans and ground is near #4 exhaust port. also check ground for fans and diode might be messed up. see pictures.
Oct 28, 2020 at 6:09 PM
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SHALEN WILLIAMS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Yes, I checked the fuses as well. I will check the grounds when I get off work this afternoon. If the ground was not connected wouldn't that keep the fans from coming on at all?
Oct 28, 2020 at 6:09 PM
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HMAC300
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 48,601 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
if the ground is poor or disconnected the fans wont work. the fan grounds may be on the header where radiator is bolted to.
Oct 28, 2020 at 6:09 PM
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