resistor in temp sensor

Has anyone experimented with putting a resistor in parallel with the temp sensor to trick the computer into thinking the car is warmer than it really is so the computer turns the fans on earlier. This may cause other problems if the engine is using this temperature to control other devices. I didn't want to put a manual switch in and was thinking of giving this a try.
'93 trans am'

Thanks...

it would probably be safer to reprogram the computer to tell it to turn the fans on earlier.. not only is it safer, you can use that comp to drop/raise your redline..change shiftpoints..etc etc.

i wouldnt mess with the sensor directly.. but who knows! it might work. :]

Don't. :wink:


A fan switch would be your best bet.

Can I reprogram the computer on a 93. I'm not positive but I though you could only do that on the newer years.
I suppose the switch is the safest way to go. I just hate mounting/drilling in the interior.

Thanks all...

Ashtray.

hahah! nice.

yeah im sure you can reprogram it..i could be wrong @_@; if i am, correct me plz.. but yeah.. hardwire works too..make sure you get a lower temp thermostat too or its no use..

You can get a Hypertech programmer for about $300 new, or maybe e-bay has a used one. As mentioned above, it allows you to program many things including the fan turn-on temperature. I have one i used to re-program the rear gear ratio (4.10) so the speedometer reads right, and raised the top speed limiter. They could not be easier to use. The resistor idea makes sense though, in theory you could measure the cold and hot sensor resistance difference with a meter and put an equal-range potentiometer (variable resistor, couple bucks from radio shack) in series with the sensor, that way you could adjust the exact point at which the fans come on. In parallel, resistance is divided between the two, and the fans probably won't come on. Worth a try for a couple dollars and splicing one wire.

yup yup, i got the hypertech programmer. :D i brought my RPM redline down for now... (till i do a full on fluid flush :))

Don't. :wink:


A fan switch would be your best bet.

agreed!(see, I agree with Lous from time to time :wink: )

The 93 cars are not programmable w/o a PROM. They still use the "chip" like :uhoh: fords.