'97 Firebird Cooling Fan/Heating issues

[5th-3lement]

My mil has a '97 firebird that's going through a lil drama right now. First, the cooling fans stopped running (dunno why, maybe a faulty sensor), and the car started overheating. So she had a close friend's mechanic install a toggle switch on the dash to control the fans. To my knowledge, when driving the fans were just kept on (although I think they're supposed to run intermittently?). Just today, that toggle switch stopped working, and the car is overheating again. My question is, what needs to be done to correct this issue? Rewiring? Installing another toggle switch? Will this be costly? Please let me know if I'm being too vague.

[CreepingDeath94]

Its a bad idea to run the fans all the time. They are supposed to run only when engaged for a reason, not to mention it puts unnecessary strain on the alternator. It is probably a faulty relay or a temp. sensor. Putting another toggle switch in wouldn't be that difficult or expensive, its just not the best way to fix the problem.

[CreepingDeath94]

Also, have him check the fans ground.

[5th-3lement]

Thanks for the reply! Well, that guy has since disappeared off the face of the Earth. I was wondering if this is one of those issues that dealerships just love to hear about so they can give you an astronomical quote. I am talking to another mech, and he said that he would have to rewire the darn thing just to figure out what's going on with it. I need the job done b/c my wife needs the car to get to work... I just fear that I'll end up getting overcharged for labor. How much would such a job cost for parts/labor (estimated)?

Thanks again!

[CreepingDeath94]

The problem with electrical is it is usually straight time. If it takes 2 hours great, but if its a deep problem that took hours of digging and testing to find, then itll be more. Usually, a dealer will not charge you for a whole day if their incompetant mechanic took all day to find and fix the problem, but if it takes them all day, they will charge more than youre probably willing to spend. Id say be ready for a $300+ repair estimate...

[5th-3lement]

Thanks... I'll be taking it to the dealer tomorrow and we'll see what they have to say about it... got my fingers x'd!