how to check for radiator fan???

[le_stick]

I just found out today that both cooling fans at the radiator will not spin. Is there a way for me to check to see whether the fan(s) motor is dead/shorted??? Is it possible for me to bypass the relay and connect the fan to the car battery directly to see whether or not it/they will spin? Any help/suggestion is greatly appreciated. TIA

The car is 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan. I did take it to the dealer and they told me that I have to replace the Fan module and relay and it going to cost me $855 :dead:

I notice that when I turn on the A/C none of the two fan spinning. So I just wan to make sure that it's really a fan module, both fan, that going bad or is it just a fan control module/relay that is bad. I can bougtht the fan control module from the dealer for around $80 or so and replace it myself. Or I can ask them to replace that for me for around $200. So if I disconnect the fan(s) from whatever they are connected to and connect them to the battery directly they should spin right? TIA

[uncledaddy]

If you don't have special test equipment and you just want to test fan operation you can just access fan connectors and use jumper wires from battery to fan does not matter which way as polarity determines fan spin direction. What is year/make/model of vehicle? cooling fan operation failures can be caused by a number of things based on design. And connector accessibility depends on vehicle also. I wouldn't suggest bypassing relay at the relay connector because the possibility of frying the ECU unless you have a good wiring diagram and are able to read it as late model vehicle cooling fans are controlled through the ECU. Was thinking, have you tried turning on the A/C and looking to see if both fans operate. Should operate with A/C command.

[Houdini]

Damn...be careful man. Don't overheat your car and burn up your engine. Even a few minutes without a fan in front of your radiator (mechanical or electric) will be bad.

[uncledaddy]

I just found out today that both cooling fans at the radiator will not spin. Is there a way for me to check to see whether the fan(s) motor is dead/shorted??? Is it possible for me to bypass the relay and connect the fan to the car battery directly to see whether or not it/they will spin? Any help/suggestion is greatly appreciated. TIA

The car is 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan. I did take it to the dealer and they told me that I have to replace the Fan module and relay and it going to cost me $855 :dead:

I notice that when I turn on the A/C none of the two fan spinning. So I just wan to make sure that it's really a fan module, both fan, that going bad or is it just a fan control module/relay that is bad. I can bougtht the fan control module from the dealer for around $80 or so and replace it myself. Or I can ask them to replace that for me for around $200. So if I disconnect the fan(s) from whatever they are connected to and connect them to the battery directly they should spin right? TIA
Knowing the vehicle info makes a difference.... If memory serves me. I believe there is a coolant sensor in radiator and fan controller at left front of compartment below battery, access is difficult. If you disconnect coolant sensor fans should kick on. these fans run in series for low speed and parallel for high speed. If just one of the fans is bad neither will work if running in series. So test each fan separately using jumper wires. The module or PCM controls the on-off and high-low by redirecting power from one or both fan relays (may be labeled as fan relay 1 and fan relay 2). A good wiring diagram will help. Usually Hanes manuals have decent wiring diagrams. If you need to replace module it may be a difficult task. Hope this helps.:)

[le_stick]

Knowing the vehicle info makes a difference.... If memory serves me. I believe there is a coolant sensor in radiator and fan controller at left front of compartment below battery, access is difficult. If you disconnect coolant sensor fans should kick on. these fans run in series for low speed and parallel for high speed. If just one of the fans is bad neither will work if running in series. So test each fan separately using jumper wires. The module or PCM controls the on-off and high-low by redirecting power from one or both fan relays (may be labeled as fan relay 1 and fan relay 2). A good wiring diagram will help. Usually Hanes manuals have decent wiring diagrams. If you need to replace module it may be a difficult task. Hope this helps.:)


Uncledaddy,

You do have good memory. The coolant sensor and the fan control relay are located at the location you described. It's good to know that when one of the fan is bad they both will not work at low speed or in series. I will test the fan individually later when I have a chance. I did not know that if I remove/disconnect the coolant sensor they fan will be on. That is good information to know. And yes, to access the fan control relay I have to remove the air filter and head light. As for the fans themselve, if I have to replace them I will probably order the part at autozone and bring to one of the mechanic for them to replace. Since they have the tools and the know hows. But they will be much muhc and much cheaper for the mechanic to replace than the dealer. Thanks for all your helps

[le_stick]

Damn...be careful man. Don't overheat your car and burn up your engine. Even a few minutes without a fan in front of your radiator (mechanical or electric) will be bad.

Thanks for the advice. I willkeep that in mind when/if I bring this car to the mechanic later on. I will check the heat gauge for any indication of over heat

[uncledaddy]

Anytime le_stick, glad to help out a fellow Apexer. Good luck.:)