1995 Grand Prix SE Overheating

[RCKid]

Hey guys, hopefully someone can lend some assistance. I have a 1995 Grand Prix SE with the 3.1L. It has an overheating problem when it is hot out. If it is warm or cold, no overheating. If it is hot out, the temp will rise to the top of the gauge. If you turn the heat on, the temp will drop. Never used to be this way. One thing I did notice is that the passenger side fan does not turn on at all. Shouldn't this fan kick on to help cool things done? The driver's side fan will kick on with AC only. Is there a way to test the fans? Is there a switch to test that should tell the fans to kick on?

Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks.
Rich

[GTP Dad]

It sounds like your fans are on the way out, probably bad motor on the one fan if the other one comes on. You may want to check the fan relay or replace the fan temp control sensor. These are readily available at wrecking yards if you need a replacement, just test them before you buy.

[RCKid]

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

It sounds like your fans are on the way out, probably bad motor on the one fan if the other one comes on. You may want to check the fan relay or replace the fan temp control sensor. These are readily available at wrecking yards if you need a replacement, just test them before you buy.

Thanks for the reply. I did swap the big relays found in the passenger side fuse box under the hood and still same. Is that the relay you mean? Labelled FAN #! and FAN #2. Would the fan temp control sensor be the sensor screwed into the thermostat housing? Is there a way to test the fans?

[GTP Dad]

Usually it is located on the radiator but that could be it. I am not sure exactly where it is located on your particular car. To test the fans simply remove the connector and put power to the connector from a 12volt source. If the motor is good the fan will come on. Make sure you have a good ground.