Overheating, radiator fans do not turn on:where is the relay?

[Vickers]

Hi there, first post. I have checked the archives, but did not see this covered.

I have a 1998 Caravan with the 3.8L engine. Lately it has overheated a couple of times, when stationary. I checked the rqadiator fans and they are not turning on. I checked the fuse (marked "40A RAD FAN") and it is OK. I have 12VDC there.

I can see where the cable plugs in to the two fans, and I can see where it gos up to a common cable with a green connector, but after that I lose it. None of the relays in the power box seem related.

Any help much appreciated!

Regards,

Vickers

[GFresh]

Had the same problem with my '96, and my mechanic found out that the fan relay is faulty. There is a recall for this, but it's one of those recalls that Chrysler doesn't want to make public. Do some poking around and see if you can find a dealer that will admit to the recall.

[Vickers]

Originally Posted by GFresh

Had the same problem with my '96, and my mechanic found out that the fan relay is faulty.

Hey GFresh, thanks for the reply.

I'd almost rather pay the $20 and save myself $200 worth of dealer aggravation and replace it myself. Do you remember where the radiator relay was located? It doesn't appear to be in the fuse/relay box, and I can't trace the cable from the fans back far enough to find one.

Regards,

Vickers

[intrepidlover]

I had the same problem with my 96 intrepid. I found that the wiring that leads to the elec. fans had a connector that was bad. It is basically under the radiator, and had to be taken apart and cleaned up. For a while before that, I carried a 3 wood with me to smack the wiring harness when the van was overheating while pulled off to the shoulder. That sucked. I'd say find that connection, clean up the terminals, and you'll be good to go!

[intrepidlover]

In the above post, I meant to say "96 GC", not intrepid.

[Vickers]

Hey, I found it! It's behind the air filter assembly.

I saw it, figured it MIGHT be it (it was impossible to trace the cables), wrote down all the numbers, called my dealership and asked how much the part was, they said $68, I asked what it was called (just to be sure), and they said the radiator fan relay...cool!

To replace it you need a metric socket set (10mm and 8mm) and standard screwdriver. Disconnect the battery, then use the 10mm and screwdriver to take off the intake assembly and air filter. Remove the relay using the 8mm, and replace. Reconnect the battery.

Thanks for the replies!