92 radiator fan won't run

I'm working on my daughter's 92 Escort, engine is a 1.9, it overheats, the fan comes on for a couple of seconds when the key is first turned on. The fuse link is ok, replaced both temp sensors. The fan will run when connected to battery but at no other time. Also need location of relays.

Many Thanks

That's odd that the fan would work during power-on self test but not when hot.

But I guess it's at least possible for the relay to work when cold, but not hot.

If there is a practical way to test the wiring on the coolant temp and temp gauge sensors that you already replaced, I'd look into that after having located and replaced the fan relay. Beyond that I'd have to look at an electrical wiring schematic to see how this all ties back at the ECM/PCM.

Also be *very* careful about running that head hot. May crack, if not already. I'd make sure she knows how to monitor coolant color and levels very closely over the next year. The sooner such a problem is caught, the less likely that the bottom-end will need to be replaced.

Not sure where the relays are on the '92 but you might want to check if they're in the same locations as on the '95 1.9L. There should be three - a Cooling Fan Power Relay in the engine compartment fuse box, and then a Cooling Fan High Speed Relay and a Cooling Fan Low Speed Relay, both mounted towards the front of the driver's side fender - see this diagram:

'95 Escort 1.9L lo-speed, hi-speed, cooling fan relay locations (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x64/Selectron/Escort/95-1-9L-cooling-fan-relays-location.png)

And these are the wiring diagrams, again for the '95:

'95 Escort 1.9L cooling fan wiring diagram - part 1 (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x64/Selectron/Escort/95-1-9L-cooling-fan-05.png)
'95 Escort 1.9L cooling fan wiring diagram - part 2 (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x64/Selectron/Escort/95-1-9L-cooling-fan-06.png)

My first concern is why is it overheating? My cooling fan very rarely comes on. Especially in the winter. The airflow from driving down the road should be plenty to keep it cool.

When it overheats does the gage show that it's overheating? Lack of coolant flow through the heater hoses (where the sensor is) can cause the fan not to come on because it 'thinks' the engine is cool. This would be evidenced by an overheating engine showing 'cool' on the gage.

:frown:

Thanks folks for the reply. I forgot to mention that I had already replaced the radiator. With your help I found the relays, power is to the relays. The low speed relay seems to be the bad guy. I can close the ralay with my finger and the AC switched on and the fan runs. I will replace it and keep my fingers crossed. Thanks again for all of your help. :cool:

Let us know. :naughty:

Not sure where the relays are on the '92 but you might want to check if they're in the same locations as on the '95 1.9L. There should be three - a Cooling Fan Power Relay in the engine compartment fuse box, and then a Cooling Fan High Speed Relay and a Cooling Fan Low Speed Relay, both mounted towards the front of the driver's side fender - see this diagram:

'95 Escort 1.9L lo-speed, hi-speed, cooling fan relay locations (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x64/Selectron/Escort/95-1-9L-cooling-fan-relays-location.png)

And these are the wiring diagrams, again for the '95:

'95 Escort 1.9L cooling fan wiring diagram - part 1 (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x64/Selectron/Escort/95-1-9L-cooling-fan-05.png)
'95 Escort 1.9L cooling fan wiring diagram - part 2 (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x64/Selectron/Escort/95-1-9L-cooling-fan-06.png)


Same on the 93', they are under the breather box, I had the same problem, in my case it turned out to be bad connectors going to one of the relays.

Yep the relays were under the breather box. Tested relays and found a bad connection too. Fix connection and all is well.

Thanks for all of the help :smile: