92 TS 3.8L cooling fans

[fatmac]

I am working on my daughters TS, it has been overheating. Water pump is fine and the thermostat is working fine also. I did notice that the temp gauge on the dash isn't. I have noticed that the fan isn't coming on either. I don't have a book on this car or a owners manual. So I am unsure of which fuses to check. I did try turning on the AC to MAX to see if that would start a fan, and that didn't work either. So guys I need some input on where to look for the relays and fuses. Thanks to all!!
Jack

[Tech II]

What do you mean the temp gage doesn't work?

How is the coolant level in the reservoir AND the radiator?

Any codes?

[fatmac]

The coolant level is good. I have let it run up to temp and the thermostat does open. The temp gauge on the dash is the one I was referring to. I don't have a OBD or any other type of code reader to pull codes.
Jack

[Moppie]

Usually he gauge and fans are run off different sensors, but if the gauge isn't working, how do you know it's over heating?

Have you checked there is good flow through the system, the radiator isn't blocked, or a hose kinked?

[fatmac]

Well from what she had told me. It will cut off and the engine will be smoking.
I have noticed this also testing it the other day. It does seem to have good flow once the thermostat opens, I can rev it up the level in the radiator goes down and when I let off of it, it comes back up. I have tried to get the fans to come on by turning on the AC on max, for me that didn't work.

[Moppie]

Originally Posted by fatmac

Well from what she had told me. It will cut off and the engine will be smoking.

But I take it you havn't been able to replicate the problem yourself?

If it's been overheated to the point that is siezes up, then you may have bigger problems than the fans not running

[fatmac]

That does seem right Moppie, I didn't want to push it that far it already has a knock at the point it is accelerated but goes away after it comes up to speed.
Just about to the point to tell her while it still running to go trade it in. But her money is tight. Just trying to keep it on the road. I think if I could just get the fans to run that would do it.

[fatmac]

Just a side note. The other cars I keep running are...
95 Lincoln MK VIII,
92 Volvo 940 wagon
94 Ford Ranger
02 Dodge Durango.
The Lincoln is my baby with 240,500 miles and have driven it till the wheels have fallen off, fix it and still driving it.

[Moppie]

Originally Posted by fatmac

I think if I could just get the fans to run that would do it.

How long have you let it idle for?
Just idling it will often take 10-15min for the engine to heat up enough for the fans to come on.



You can test the fans by unplugging them and connecting them directly to the battery, that is a quick way of ruling them out as being a problem.

Next step is to find the fuse, or relay they are off (should be labeled) and check those.
Then find and check the temp sensor.

[fatmac]

Yep that was as long as I let it run. I will try the hot wire trick. I don't have the owners manual or a Chilton type of book so I am not sure of which fuse I need to look at. I do think I found the relays, they are the ones behind the passinger headlight. But there are four so which one is which??

[Moppie]

They are normally labeled, usually on, or under the cover for the relay/fuse box.

[fatmac]

Covers would be nice.

[Moppie]

Originally Posted by fatmac

Covers would be nice.

Doh.


There must be a diagram of the layout somewhere online..

[LMP]

www.avigex.ca/xport/relays.jpg
www.avigex.ca/xport/fandiagram.jpg
www.avigex.ca/xport/instrumentpanel1.jpg
www.avigex.ca/xport/enginesensors1.jpg
temp sensor for the ECM control (2 wires) is not that for the i/p (single wire).

Is your a/c actually working? if a/c refrigerant is depleted and pressure is low, it will not turn the a/c clutch ON nor the fans. But engine temp control would still be working and should activate them when needed.
www.avigex.ca/xport/accompressorcontrol.jpg