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1989 Dodge Dakota radiator Cooling fan temp

Tiny
SCOOTER567
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 DODGE DAKOTA
Engine Cooling problem
1989 Dodge Dakota 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 105k miles

At about what temp should the electric radiator fan come on? How do I check it?
Thanks,
Roger
Tuesday, April 13th, 2010 AT 1:32 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Roger:

The fan will usually kick on around 215 °F. If you allow the vehicle to run while just sitting on the driveway, it should reach that temp and the fan should come on.
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Friday, April 16th, 2010 AT 9:36 AM
Tiny
SCOOTER567
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Your going to find this strange, but my fan never seems to come on & my engine temp is running between 235 & 240 degrees. (New temp guage) I hooked the fan directly to the battery, so that the fan runs (test) all the time. Temp still runs 235-240 degrees. Thanks for your reply. That 215 degrees now gives me something to work with.
Roger
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Friday, April 16th, 2010 AT 10:11 AM
Tiny
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That is too high. It will lead to other problems. Have you tried replacing the thermostat?
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Friday, April 16th, 2010 AT 10:37 AM
Tiny
SCOOTER567
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I replaced the thermostat 1st, has never boiled over so thought maybe gauge was wrong, installed AZ temp guage, hooked up cooling fan direct. No temp difference. Does not lose any coolant. Timing has been checked. Thinking maybe radiator partially plugged or water pump bad. If the temp is actually 235-240 degrees, why doesn't the radiator fan come on? I am temp rigging a 12v light parallel with the fan motor. If power goes on to the fan, while driving, I will see the light come on. Just an idea. As an after thought, I just disconnected the fan sensor on engine, shorted the two leads going back toward the fan relay, turned on power, but the fan did not start. Works on a short. Doesn't it? How do I check the fan relay?I am retired with lots of time. Truck is for fishing trips.
Thanks again,
Roger
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Friday, April 16th, 2010 AT 12:40 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I agree. Either the radiator is plugged or the blades on the water pump are bad. Here is an after thought for you. When. It gets hot, make sure the radiator hoses are not collapsing. Also, once the temp sensor reaches a certain temp, it sends a signal to the computer and then the fan relay gets power from the computer and turns the fan on.
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Friday, April 16th, 2010 AT 9:42 PM
Tiny
SCOOTER567
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Here I was under the impression that the fan senor was nothing but a make or break thermal switch. I should have realized that the engineers would tie the computer into it. My hoses are like new.A couple of years old. Look & feel fine.
Is there any way I can determine for sure if the problem is the water pump or radiator? I hate to troubleshoot by replacing parts. Gets expensive.
I really appricate your input.
Thanks again,
Roger
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Saturday, April 17th, 2010 AT 8:55 AM

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