1988 Dodge Caravan.

This is the 2.5L 4cyl 5spd standard. (non Turbo)

I just had the head replaced, I blew the gasket on the old one, But I found a new complete (remaned) head for super cheap. Anyways, before the head gasket went, the van was running good. The problem was that the cooling fan wasn't coming on, it still isn't if I plug the thermal switch into the loop. If I unplug it, the fan comes on when the motor starts.

Also with the new thermostat the van runs at 200F (I have an external temp gauge).

Also since the head was done, when it is cold it wont idle worth a damn, and it stalls unless I keep the revs up. Which leads me to my next question. What exactly is in my van a Carb or a throttle body. My dad says its a throttle body.

Last, my check engine light is on... how can I turn it off..

Hi, the 2.5 non turbo 1987 thru 1990 uses TBI throttle body injection your dad is right.Consider yourself lucky it isn't the 1986 model 2.6 that uses the Solex Mikuni carburetor a complete nightmare with a water choke i know i have one.

If you do not think your fan is working try jostling the wires around that make make connections to the fan.Not just at the fan before that your wiring like mine is old and it actually corrodes inside the wire.That is all i can suggest connections connections keep that in mind.

If i am correct your fan will come on when it gets to a certain temperature then shuts off.If there is a connector maybe a foot and a half up from where the fan is unplug that the negative [female] on that will still be shrouded in rubber.The positive will be wide open mini penis so to speak connect these directly to the battery with wire if it works fan is fine.

If the fan motor is good but still does not come on when the engine get's hot,the fault lies in the coolant temperature sensor or fan switch,the engine control computer or the wiring which connects the components.There should be something on the very bottom of the rad maybe right side with vehicle running disconnect that if fan comes on is a defective sensor more than likely.

Good Luck

connections conections,wiring wiring

Hi, the 2.5 non turbo 1987 thru 1990 uses TBI throttle body injection your dad is right.Consider yourself lucky it isn't the 1986 model 2.6 that uses the Solex Mikuni carburetor a complete nightmare with a water choke i know i have one.

If you do not think your fan is working try jostling the wires around that make make connections to the fan.Not just at the fan before that your wiring like mine is old and it actually corrodes inside the wire.That is all i can suggest connections connections keep that in mind.

If i am correct your fan will come on when it gets to a certain temperature then shuts off.If there is a connector maybe a foot and a half up from where the fan is unplug that the negative [female] on that will still be shrouded in rubber.The positive will be wide open mini penis so to speak connect these directly to the battery with wire if it works fan is fine.

If the fan motor is good but still does not come on when the engine get's hot,the fault lies in the coolant temperature sensor or fan switch,the engine control computer or the wiring which connects the components.There should be something on the very bottom of the rad maybe right side with vehicle running disconnect that if fan comes on is a defective sensor more than likely.

Good Luck

connections conections,wiring wiring

The fan stays on all the time as soon as the engine is running, so it isn't that big of a deal really. The thermo Switch is new, so I know it isn't the switch. The fan works just fine so it isn't there either. The problem is in the Wiring loop.

What I want to really know is where the choke adjustment is I'm more interested in keeping my van running when it is cold, than burning out my starter / battery trying to get it to start.