electrical fan problems

[ciccmga]

The electric cooling fans on my 87 lxi only run when the car is shut off. It doesn't matter how hot the engine gets. Any ideas????

[AccordCodger]

So if you sit idling, the coolant eventually overheats, right?

[henrymv]

What does your temp gauage read while idling??? Does it go up and down as you drive???

[ciccmga]

The fan will not cut on unless I turn the car off. If I am driving the temp gauge stays near the middle, but if I have to stop and idle for any longer than about 5-10 minutes it will start to overheat and I have to either shut it off or run the heater full blast.

[HILARYDUFF!!]

Originally Posted by ciccmga

The fan will not cut on unless I turn the car off. If I am driving the temp gauge stays near the middle, but if I have to stop and idle for any longer than about 5-10 minutes it will start to overheat and I have to either shut it off or run the heater full blast.

ok are you saying the fan only turns on when you shut the car off? the over heating problem can be several things while in idle...obviously while driving 35mph and over that is enough to cool the engine off alone...your options are the A)water pump....your B)thermostat(if spelt right)...and if your fans don't turn on while in idle you might want to get them looked at....i take it you have checked your coolant level if not ,do so now.... i really think it could be problems a and/or b

[ciccmga]

I am thinking it is a sensor. I have replaced the water pump, thermostat, and radiator about 3 months ago.

[henrymv]

When you changed the pump and the therostat did you bleed the system???

[ciccmga]

Yes I bleeded them. The fans didn't work prior to that either.

[phantastic1]

sounds like its your engine coolant temp sensor is bad. check the connection....not too familiar w/ your year accord but the ones i am familiar with....the ect is on the thermostat housing. possibly may have been damaged when replacing the thermostat.

[ciccmga]

Thank you! Everyone I have talked to said I needed a new fan. I will try it and get back to you.

[AccordCodger]

if you needed a new fan, it wouldn't run at ANY time!

[henrymv]

I agree with Accord Codger.....it sounds more liek your therostat or sensor is gone....It would be wiser and cheaper to check on that. A fan only spins and it will spin if a sensor tells it to spin......