Today i was driving around and everything was fine. but all of a sudden my temp gauge sarts rising quickly, so i took the car home, and poped the hood, when i start the car the fan turns on. Then shuts off rather quickly. after the temp starts to rise, the fan never kicks in. what could the problem be? Why does the fan come on, then shut off and then not come on when its supose to? please let me know what u guys think it could be. Thanks

 

First off, check the radiator fluid. It should be completely to the cap (not just visible). If it is low, leave the car running and fill slowly to get rid of any air pockets in the cooling system. How does your heater run right now? If you have low coolant, your heater will go from hot to cool. If that doesn't fix the problem, I would look into a new temp sensor and fan switch. If this doesn't fix the problem, change the fan relay.

Now if this doesn't fix the problem, come back and I'll do some research.

 

Thank you very much! if none of these options work, ill pm you!

 

to test the relays, swap all Fan relays into the Foglight spot (if you have fogs) check that the lights turn on and off properly. if all work, relays are good.

Turn A/C on to max AC with engine running. Do the fans come on? No? Next Unplug the connector from the sensor on the waterpump(not the sensor in the block, but the waterpump). now try the AC. Fans work now? I'll bet i know the culpite. Fan Switch in the water pump took a dive. Swing by your local Advance Auto or Autozone and get the switch. Ask specificly for the sensor in the waterpump.

Mine just recently took a dump. haven't replaced it yet but its on my desk to be done. A friends sensor died about 2 months ago. since i had the same symptoms he did mine was quick to diagnose. Thankfully its a $10 part. JUST DON'T change it with the engine hot... THe pressure will blast hot antifreeze/water out at you. It'll suck.

These cars are a little goofy. 2 temp sensors. 1 controls the gauge in the cluster. the other controls the fans. Fan controller is in the waterpump, while gauge controller is in the block.

 

I was just taking that sensor out when you sent me this, I also think that this is the problem. Thanks for the advice on how to diagnose though I really appreciate it.

 

Quite welcome!

 

might wanna also check the T-stat if all else fails.

 

T-Stat doesn't affect fans. its simply a thermally controlled valve that either permits or blocks waterflow depending on the heat of the liquid itself.

 

check your air dam, if it came off or is damaged your radiators wont get the proper airflow.