1994 Dodge Intrepid cooling fan not working

Hello –

To better assist you is your model just the Intrepid or the ES? Also what is your engine size in liter?

Just to be clear….when engine is cold…and you start it the engine cooling fans are not working. If you turn the AC on….the cooling fans are still not working………..and you have done the tests I see……

It is the ES with 3.5 liter engine. Fan does not come on with AC on. The fan never runs with engine hot or cold.

Hello –

I am sorry………forgot one other thing…………. If you can check the codes on your car. It is better to use a DRB (Diagnostic Readout Box) for more detail, but you can do the below.

ENTERING ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS
NOTE: Although other scan testers are available, manufacturer recommends using DRB (Diagnostic Readout Box) to diagnose the system. Malfunction indicator (CHECK ENGINE) light function can be used, but has limited diagnostic capability.
CHECK ENGINE Light Diagnostic Mode
1. Start engine (if possible). Move transmission shift lever through all positions, ending in Park. Turn A/C switch on and then off (if equipped).
2. Turn engine off. Without starting engine again, turn ignition on, off, on, off and on within 5 seconds. Record 2-digit trouble codes as displayed by flashing malfunction indicator (CHECK ENGINE) light.
3. For example, trouble code 23 is displayed as flash, flash, 4-second pause, flash, flash, flash. After a slightly longer pause, other codes stored are displayed in numerical order.
4. When CHECK ENGINE light begins to flash trouble codes, it cannot be stopped. Start over if count is lost. Code 55 indicates end of trouble code display.
5. Refer to TROUBLE CODES DEFINITIONS to translate trouble code number to a DRB trouble code message. Once trouble area is identified, refer to TEST TC-1A in this article. Use DRB trouble codes to find appropriate test.
6. As an example, a 3.0L engine starts and runs but has a driveability problem. Malfunction indicator (CHECK ENGINE) light indicates a Code 14. Refer to TROUBLE CODES DEFINITIONS to translate trouble code number to a DRB trouble code message.
7. When DRB trouble code message is obtained, refer to appropriate test number in this article. To clear trouble codes, see CLEARING TROUBLE CODES.

I did get a 35 code that means open or shorted condition detected in the radiator fan low speed relay circuit. ( I did have the fan unplugged when I pulled it out for motor testing. Don't know if that caused an error.)

Thanks.

Hello - Great job and thanks for the info.........the code is kind of what I have...... CODE 35 DRB displays RADIATOR FAN RELAY CTRL CIRCUIT. Condition is: open or shorted condition detected in radiator fan relay circuit. If you don't mind to be safe how about putting it all back together and clear the codes and then try it again..........that way we are not chasing rabbits......... Then we will pull some more tests. I have attached them below. OPERATION OPERATION Radiator fan operates when coolant temperature sensor verifies coolant temperature has reached predetermined temperature (depending on model). On reaching specified temperature, coolant temperature sensor contacts close, allowing current flow to radiator fan relay and fan motor. Fan shuts off when coolant temperature drops to predetermined value (depending on model). Radiator fan should always operate when A/C compressor clutch is engaged. On models with dual electric fans, fans operate through a common relay and are activated at the same time. SYSTEM TESTING 1. Check fan motor operation. See MOTOR under COMPONENT TESTING. If motor is okay, turn ignition on and check for voltage at fan relay Gray (or Light Green/Black) wire. Radiator fan relay may be located in power distribution center (left front inner fender panel) or in front of left strut tower. See Fig. 1 . If battery voltage exists, proceed to next step. If battery voltage does not exist, check for open or short in Gray (or Light Green/Black) wire circuit.

2. Install jumper wire between Gray (or Light Green/Black) and Light Green (or Dark Blue/Pink) wires on radiator fan relay. If fan operates, proceed to next step. If fan fails to operate, check for open or short in Light Green (or Dark Blue/Pink) wire between radiator fan relay and fan relay motor connector. 3. If fan operates, warm engine to normal operating temperature. Check for loose connections on fan motor and at fan motor relay. If all connections are okay, check for fault codes. 4. Fault codes can be checked by using diagnostic connector, located in front of left shock tower. Refer to appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE for complete instructions on connecting diagnostic connector and checking for fault codes. After checking fault codes, see COMPONENT TESTING . Repair as necessary. MOTOR Concorde, Intrepid, LHS, New Yorker & Vision 1. Disconnect electric fan motor. Connect 12-volt battery negative lead to electric fan motor Black wire connector terminal. Connect battery positive lead to electric fan motor Tan wire connector terminal. Fan motor should operate at low speed. 2. Connect positive lead to electric fan motor Yellow wire connector terminal. Fan motor should operate at high speed. Replace electric fan motor if it fails to operate properly. 1. CAUTION: Check electric fan motor operation before checking fan relay and PCM. Ensure PCM is securely grounded. RELAY Concorde, Intrepid, LHS, New Yorker & Vision 1. Check for loose connections on fan motor and at fan motor relay. If all connections are okay, fault codes must be checked. If no fault codes are present, go to next step. 2. With ignition on and engine at normal operating temperature, check for battery voltage on both sides of cooling fan relay fuse. Cooling fan relay fuse and high and low speed fan relays are located in fuse/relay box in front of left strut tower. See Fig. 2 .

3. If battery voltage is not present, repair short or open in Red/Light Green wire circuit. If battery voltage is present, remove low speed or high speed fan motor relay. Using an ohmmeter, ensure continuity exists between terminals No. 1 and 3. See Fig. 3 . If continuity does not exist, replace relay.

4. Connect ohmmeter to relay terminals No. 2 and 4. Check continuity with and without battery connected. See RADIATOR FAN RELAY CONTINUITY table. Replace relay if continuity is not as specified.

Let me know what you find out

Hi,

I disconnected battery to clear codes. Re tested and no error codes.

I checked relay for continuity and saw no problem, also checked coolant temp. sensor. both motors run.

Is there a way to test from the connector that goes into the module mounted on the fan assemble and go directly to the fan motors? In other words by pass the module? I am thinking that would tell if the module is bad or if there is a short n the wires going to the module.

Hello - I have attached a wiring diagram of the system...... I put it in a couple of pics to make it big enough.

Pleases verify fuse D in the power distribution center and F18 in the junction block are good with an ohm meter Also you have checked the fan control relay coming out of the module?

Fuse 18 is fuel pump, f20 is fan, both looked good.

Not sure which fuse is D in the power distribution block but all the fuses looked good.

Not sure what you mean by fan control relay coming out of module. Are you talking about the module on the fan assembly? I assume the relay is part of the module and not a separate piece.

If I hook up a meter to the module output should I be getting a voltage reading? Will I have to wait for the car to get hot or should I be getting a reading with the AC on?

Thanks.

Hello - So sorry for the delay........had major technical problems........so limping along here but will do what we can. Okay............on the fuses.......they may look good but please do me a favor....check with an ohm meter or a know good fuse......I have had them that look good but are not......... Next, did you check the relays out according to the tests above - how were they? I think you did by your response....just making sure I am on the right page as you. I attached the power distribution showing D

Doesn't matter if the car is warmed up or not if you turn the AC on.......the fans should come on so go ahead and check for readings.

looks like it is the cooling fan controller module. I will be getting a replacement part and will test later this week. I think we are done. Thanks.

Hello - That will be fantastic.......I will be looking forward to hearing from you if you don't mind plus that will help others. Also, it looks like you may have some recalls on your vehicle. The dealer may fix these for free. Please contact the dealer service department, give them the VIN number of your car and have them check on these to see if they apply to you.