3.8 grand caravan fan relay

[Rosey67]

Hi,Does anyone know if there Is there a way to check the fan relay switch?The fans quit working and the engine overheats.Fan motors work when 12 volts is applied direct.Thanks!

[earlyrizr]

the relays are a known problem,and frequently fail in either the fans not working at all or the opposite in that the fans work constantly and you have to disconnect the battery for them to stop.You didnt post what year your van is but mostly the relays are located on the rad support in the front.maybe this helps.

[Rosey67]

Hi,thanks for quick response.Sorry the year is a 97.I found the relay,behind the airfilter box on frame.Do you know of any way to check to see if the relay works?

[KManiac]

Search this forum for my experience with this last summer.

I don't know of any way to test this solid state relay. Buy a new one from a reputable and local auto parts store (not a chain store or dealer) and replace. It should work just fine after that.

[Mrbizness1]

I have had 3 replacement relays on my 98. each time the fans wouldn't come on with the ac compressor. The first one was replaced by the dealer under warranty.

[npye]

Someting to keep in mind regarding the fans coming on and staying on or not coming on at all. In both of the 97 Caravans I have owned (3.3 and 3.8) the thermostat needed to be replaced. It was literally broken and was not opening and closing properly.

Not sure if this is helps. Just passing on my past experience. The replacement of the thermostat is quick and cheap so you might want to give it a look.

[Rosey67]

Hi guys, thanks for all the info, being thrifty [ tightwad ] i went to the local salvage yard, found a relay like the one i had, put it in, the fans started working, and the engine stopped overheating, problem solved ? but now its taking spells that it will start running rough loose power to the point that it cant move and die other times it will just run rough and then come out of it, but when it does die after a few minutes it will start up and go like nothing was wrong. It is a 97' dodge grand caravan with a 3.8. any ideas? thanks.

[RIP]

Seems like I remember a TSB or recall on this relay some years back. Not sure if it applies to 97s. Check with your dealer of go to the NHS site. As for the driveability problem, are you getting a check engine light? Maybe when searching for the relay you damaged a sensor or wiring to it.

[95astroman]

There was a factory recall notice on this. You might check to see if your caravan was ever in for the recall(warranty). Beware...the dealer will try very hard to sell you other repairs while your caravan is in the shop. When I had mine in for the recall(65K miles) the dealer gave me an estimate for $1700 in "suggested" repairs including replacing valve cover gaskets, pan gaskets and transmission pan gaskets for very minor oil seapage. The service writer asked me to leave the vehicle for another day to do the (unnecessary) repairs. No thank you!

[Steve J.]

Has it set any codes?