97 Radiator fan problems

[RICHJB]

When I start the car both fans remain off. Once the temperature gauge goes a little past the half way mark both fan kick on. After the temperature drops back past the half way mark they both turn off. Anyone have an idea?

[Retardo]

From what your saying, the fans remain off until the temperature guage goes a little past the 1/2 mark, right? If that's the case, the fans are doing what they're supposed to do. The fans don't run all the time, only when the coolant temperature gets to high from excessive idling.

The way it works is, the driver side fan should come on first, then if that fan can't cool the coolant fast enough, then the passenger side fan will kick in. Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't the driver-side fan kick on at like 220*F and the passenger side kick on at 232?

[RICHJB]

I've seen the same thing said on other posts. I just thought it strange that both fans were turning on at the same time. I hadn't seen the temp gauge do this before so I was wondering if I had a potential problem on my hands.

[Lumina95]

I think you have a serious problem. If both fans are on your car is getting too hot. The last time I witnessed it on my Lumina was last summer and after that the headgasket was broken. Check if your radiator is clogged etc. A farfetched reason might be a bad oxygen sensor in the exhaust manifold > adjusts fuel/air mixture. So check everything!