99' Dodge neon overheating

[gsmith462]

My 99 neon has been overheating if I'm stuck in stop and go traffic.
I have replaced the thermostat but then realized that neither of the two radiator fans are running at all. Due to the fact that both fans stopped working at the same time I'm guessing it's not the fan motors but maybe a relay? Any ideas are VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!!!!!!!!!!
-Gary

[yogi_123rd]

It is usually a switch or a relay that is bad

The cooling fans have a dual system. One fan is should turn on when an AC request is made. The other fan is controlled by a temperature sensing switch usually located at the bottom of the radiator. The wiring from each of these switches goes to a relay(s) which sends current to the cooling fan motors. There may also be a 30A fuse for the motors.

Simple tests:
1. Check fuses
2. Jump the temperature switch: remove the connector from the temperature switch and place a paper clip in the two sockets. The fans should come on when the ignition is on. If they do, the relay, motors, and fuse are good and temp. switch is probably bad.
3. Relays can be checked by replacing the proper one with another of the same part number.
4. The motor can be checked by creating a jumper wire(s) and jumping voltage directly to the motors.

[gsmith462]

Originally Posted by yogi_123rd

It is usually a switch or a relay that is bad

The cooling fans have a dual system. One fan is should turn on when an AC request is made. The other fan is controlled by a temperature sensing switch usually located at the bottom of the radiator. The wiring from each of these switches goes to a relay(s) which sends current to the cooling fan motors. There may also be a 30A fuse for the motors.

Simple tests:
1. Check fuses
2. Jump the temperature switch: remove the connector from the temperature switch and place a paper clip in the two sockets. The fans should come on when the ignition is on. If they do, the relay, motors, and fuse are good and temp. switch is probably bad.
3. Relays can be checked by replacing the proper one with another of the same part number.
4. The motor can be checked by creating a jumper wire(s) and jumping voltage directly to the motors.

Thanks for the ideas yogi_123rd!! I'll try all and hopefully then I'll figure out what has failed.