both cooling fans stopped...

[mishalah]

Typical 105+ day, a/c on, running errands for a hour or so, no overheating problems at all (never have had any). Recent radiator, water pump, t-stat.; 114k miles; '96 T&C LXi/3.8L.

Was shut off for 15-20 minutes, started out again, a/c on, everything was working fine...then noticed a/c blowing hot. Looked at temp guage...almost to the end...shut off a/c. Had a downhill drive of about 2 miles to the nearest AZ. Temp guage flickered a little bit and went back to middle in a slightly jerky motion.

Got some other parts at AZ, came out and tried the van again...was boiling h2o out of the o.f. tank. Didn't hear the fans. Shut off engine/key on....no fans. Checked big 40A fuse, was OK. Spun fans with hand...both OK.

Here's the choices:

1- coolant temp sensor malfunctioning (an open circuit wouldn't tell the fans to turn on, but yet the temp guage seems to be working properly).

2- fan relay (fortunately, I think it is outside the PCM but I have not located it).

3- fusible link (where's that)?

I haven't tested any of the 3 components for continuity or operation....would like your opinion or experience before I start pulling things out.

Thanks.

OK...just read through multiple threads (which I should have done a better job of first), but I do still have a question: Where is the fan relay on the '96 T&C??? Driver side inner fender...inside the fuse box or outside? Where's the fusible link?

[KManiac]

First of all, find and read my thread on the fan relay I posted in this forum in August 2005. Start with this as these are known to fail. The location and part number are in my post. Let me know if you have any question or comments, or simply cannot find my post.

[mishalah]

Originally Posted by KManiac

First of all, find and read my thread on the fan relay I posted in this forum in August 2005. Start with this as these are known to fail. The location and part number are in my post. Let me know if you have any question or comments, or simply cannot find my post.

I found your post. Strangely, every time I tried to open it my IE would go into some error mode and shut me down. I was finally able to capture the last paragraph.

Anyway, I found the relay...you're right, it is PITA to get to and NOT in the box. So far neither Pep Boys, Checker, or AutoZone have any reference to this relay. Carquest shows it (warehouse, of course) at $70.

I can tell mine has ben replaced at least once, and that's darn pricey for something that fails repeatedly.

[KManiac]

I'm glad you found my post. My suggestion is not to use the chain-store auto-parts stores you listed, but find an independent auto parts store in your area. Call around and find the best deal on this part. The darn thing is a solid state component that is turned on and off by signals from a computer. The wonders of modern electronics.

[vipergg]

If its the fan relay , this was a recall item back in 96-97 timeframe as they had to replace this as this was an emission item maybe you could convince themto replace it for free . Maybe its too old now don't know...

[mishalah]

My wife picked up the relay from Carquest..and a temp sensor that was totally wrong. I installed the relay and nothing changed...no fans. I ran the car with a/c on long enough for it to get plenty hot, but nada.

So, I went to AZ and got the right temp sensor and installed it. It is slightly longer than the original, so I hope that's not a problem. I haven't run it yet, but I think I will do it with the old relay first. Actually, before I do that I'm going to take some continuity readings on the old sensor. Obviously it reads open while it's cool, but I'm gonna put it into some hot water and see if the circuit closes. If it does, then I guess I've got another problem.

I'll post up tomorrow with results. BTW: it's the "AF" version. The one I got from Carquest for almost $70 looks like cheap compared to the one I took out. More important, I applied power to the fan connector and they both run fine.

Soooo....where's that fusible link?

Couldn't sleep without one more try, so here's a little more info: New sensor AND new relay made no difference; new sensor and old relay made no difference; tested old sensor and got strange readings but my Chilton's doesn't give me Ohm values for open or closed switch. So, what's left? I searched all over for more fuses....found a bunch under the d.side dashboard, but none for the cooling fans. This is getting stupid!

I read through other threads about this same problem, but again IE keeps shutting down and I have to start over (something about this site). I haven't found any fusible links yet. The last target is my PCM, and it better not be that!

Recap:

1- fans work when given direct power
2- new sensor = nothing
3- new relay = nothing


Haven't yet, but should I disconnect the battery and let it "re-learn" the new components?

[mishalah]

Finally....an end to this, I think.

I pulled the - battery cable and let it sit for about 10 minutes; reconnected, ran the engine with the a/c on.......I HAVE FANS.

I replaced the new relay with the old one, and I HAVE FANS. So, it wasn't the relay at all. It is possible I hadn't let the engine run long enough after initially replacing the temp sensor. Neither fan started immediately, even though the a/c was turned on right after startup. So, there is still a need for the temp sensor to control the circuit.

Way too much frustration and work for such a simple problem. Not that Chrysler gives a darn.

[peterjon1]

For your IE problem - use Mozilla Firefox instead.
This site tries to open too many popups with IE that firefox supresses.