cooling fan 97 voyager 3,3

I have a big problem with my voyager 3,3l v6 1997. Both cooling fans are running at full speed when it is raining or cold weather. Transmission is also running strange. When it is hot weather it is no problem with the cooling fans, they operate normal. When the cooling fans are running, the downshift on automatic transmission is very strange. If i start the engine after a short shutdown, the fans start again. Is there anybody out there who has a answer for this problem?

Sorry for bad English!

(from Norway)

Sounds like a relay is sticking on (i.e bad relay) on the high speed motor circuit or there's a short in the wiring.

Tests: Do these when you know the problem is happening - with the ignition on and the engine temperature just warm, not hot. The fans should be spinning for no reason.

1. Locate the temperature sensor switch on the engine, passenger side of water outlet on the intake manifold. Remove the connector. If the fans are still running, then the relay must be checked. The problem isn't here. If the fans stop running, the switch is bad if the water temperature is cold. (it's shorted here).
2. Locate the relay: It may be located in a fuse/relay box or seperately on the fender with wiring that goes to the cooling fans. Disconnect the relay. If the fans stops, then, the relay may be bad. Try replacing the relay first. If the fans are still running even after the relay is pulled, then there is a wiring short - very likely in the connector.

Hi Espen,

Have you been able to resolve your issue. I am also having the same problem. Once the fans are on, they will not turn off. And when the fans are running, the transmission starts acting odd. It won't shift into 4th gear until exactly 70 Km/h regardless of whether or not you are accelerating. And once the speed drops below 70, it will down shift into 3rd gear.

I am going to take the temp. sensor / fan control relay tips to the dealer and see what they have to say.

Well, my old 97 Caravan Sport was t-boned and totalled the other day. Now, I'm driving a 97 Voyager LE. This thing is doing the same thing. When the rad fans are on, the tranny will not shift into 4th gear until around 70 KM/H. And then, when cruising along or even coasting down a hill, if you drop below that 70 KM/H, the tranny will shift down into 3rd gear. It's annoying because you end of driving at higher RPMs and it won't shift into 4th gear when you're cruising along at around 60 KM/H.

With my old van, a broken thermostat was the culprit (the fans were staying on even in cool Vancouver weather (November). And I'm wondering if I have the same problems here.

Before I visit the dealer...are these shifting characteristics "by design"? Does the triggering of the rad fans tell the tranny to keep the RPMs up in order to power the fans?

Thanks.