Fans

1996 NISSAN 200SX
325,000 MILES • 1.6L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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COREY H JENKINS
  • MEMBER
  • 80 POSTS
Car ran hot today. While checking it out, i noticed it has two fans, but only one was running. Are both fans supposed to run constantly or does one run constantly and the other just comes on when called for? If so, which fan does what?
Thank you.
May 2, 2018 at 3:58 PM
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CARADIODOC
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 34,321 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
The diagram shows two fans wired in parallel, meaning both will run at the same time. They are turned on by a relay which is turned on by the engine computer. We know the computer and relay have to be working since one fan runs. Logically that points to a defective fan motor, but be sure to check the connector terminals first.

Most commonly one fan is for the radiator and one is for the air conditioning system's condenser. On most cars one or both of the fans are turned on only when needed. The engineers simplified your car by turning them on at the same time. Saves a little cost but runs them more than necessary in most instances.
May 2, 2018 at 5:07 PM
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