Radiator Fan Problem

On my 1997 Neon are the radiator fans supposed to turn on when the A/C or defrost is turned on weather or not the car is hot or cold? If they do not turn on when the car is cold this would rule out a temp. switch for a "fan not running problem" right?

Also is the temp. sensor switch on the bottom of the radiator?

My 98' had the same problem. The PCM turns on fan relay whenever the AC is turned on and/or when engine temp dictates. The fan relay on the 98' is under the battery holder, 97 should be the same. It is a electronic relay and a bit harder to test. Mine showed a voltage present but could not deliver the necessary current to operate the fan.

The temp sensor is located towards the passenger side on the head of the engine. 1st I would check all the connections. Mine turned out to be a bad ground wire. I also have heard of several loose connectors near the fan. Could be the relay.

Yes, fans should run with AC on, always. If not I would run hot wires from the battery negtive and positive posts to the fan electrical connection (after disconnecting the electrical connector on the fan), this will tell you if the fan motor is bad.