92 Sedan overheating problem

[crazy_bimmer]

My 92 camry sedan has 178*** miles on it. Recently the car has overheated 3 times. I believe that the problem is with the fans. They dont want to turn on at idle or low speeds, > 20 mph. I was going to completely replace the entire cooling system, water pump, thermostat, radiator hoses.. ect.. but I believe that the fan motor or fan switch may be broken. I think the switch is the one that is broken because the fans kick back on at speed, <20mph. And when they kick on the car's temperature returns to normal operating temp. Where is the fan switch on the car, and how can I check and see if that is what needs to be replaced. I would much rather replace the fan switch than do the entire system. I know the car is old and I might need to replace the other components soon anyways, but if I can save some money, that would be great. Thanks for your help

[Brian R.]

For additional information see page EG1-251 in the Camry manual in the sticky post at the top of the Camry forum.

[Toysrme]

Since you said fans, plural, I assume it's a 3s-fe (i4).
Check to make sure the fans are plugged in, check the relay that triggers them (normally this is disconnected) and check the fuse<S>

Just in case you said fans, but meant fan, i.e. 3vz-fe v6. You have an easy solution. There is an electrical plug on top of the powersteering pump. That triggers the solenoid that releases higher hydraulic pressure into the hydraulic lines that run to the cooling fan. (It's hydraulic)

That relay from the top looking down




Closeup




Looking from the acess hatch in the passanger wheel well

[tiger_speed]

i own a 89 camry v6 and recently replaced my radiator and afterwards found the same problem. i opened the fuse for the fan and found corrosion on the relay switch. i then simply clean it with one of those popsickle stick fingernail files. It runs perfect.

[crazy_bimmer]

Originally Posted by tiger_speed

i own a 89 camry v6 and recently replaced my radiator and afterwards found the same problem. i opened the fuse for the fan and found corrosion on the relay switch. i then simply clean it with one of those popsickle stick fingernail files. It runs perfect.

The car is an i4. So those pics don't really work, but thanks. I checked the fuses too. There is one big fuse for the Fan No. 1 and then a smaller 30a fuse for the other fan. Both look ok. So I'm gonna check the fan switch itself, but after looking in chiltons and the online manual posted here, I still can't find the switch. I think its in the thermostat housing and I need to drain my coolant and take it appart to get to the housing. Anyone know if I'm wrong?