With the A/C on and the cooling fan did not come on?

MBROWN2719

MEMBER
1998 FORD MUSTANG
3.8L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
165,000 MILES

We had a mobile mechanic come out to check the car over. He said the cooling fan needs to be replaced after he started the car with the A/C on and the fan did not come on. I tried it myself after he left and it did come on for about four or five minutes. Without buying all the special testers, how can I find out if it is indeed the fan or a fuse, relay, wiring, etc?

A little more detail, because some things I have read via Google asked about the A/C. The A/C did cool when I tested the car, but it smoked and sprayed a green fluid under the air intake hose (it looked like anti-freeze) and I was told it was refrigerant dye to find an A/C leak and the guy I bought the car from unplugged the A/C wire at the compressor. Since then, no smoke. The mobile mechanic connected the wire again for the test and left it connected.

So back to the question at hand. How can I find out if the fan is bad or if it is a fuse, a relay, the wires, or whatever without the tools of the trade (computers)?

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

It is always a good idea to check the relay and wiring before replacing the fan. Many times the issue is not the fan but a relay or bad wiring.
This vehicle has what ford calls constant control relay module (CCRM).
That relay is located under the hood on the passenger side inner fender (see diagram below).
Visually check the CCRM for any burn pins or corrosion.
The relay can be tested.

This is a helpful article of how to test relay:

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

You also want to check the wiring and make sure you are getting power to the fan.

You might find this article helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know of any questions.

Thank you.

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