98 Olds 88 Cooling Fan Problem

[manlystanley]

Hello Everyone,
Sorry for digging up this old thread, however, my 1998 Olds 88 has the same problem. The fans will not turn on. At first I thought it might be related to the coolant never being changed, and so I back-flushed it and put in new coolant. So far, its the same problem. I was planning on changing the thermostat next, but the gentlemen said that in his case it did not help.

I believe that the little manual that came with the car said that the thermostat should kick in at about 198 F. Is it true that the fans don't come on till 212? That really seems very hot.

Any other suggestions as what to try would be very appreciated.


Thanks,
Stan

[BNaylor]

The cooling fans are turned on/off by the PCM module through cooling fan relays. The PCM references the engine coolant temperature sensor (ECT) and the A/C pressure switch. Therefore, the fans may not turn on until engine temperature reaches the 212 degrees with A/C off.

Do the fans turn on with the A/C on? Any driveabiity problems?

[manlystanley]

Old hot Rodder,
Thanks for the pointers. I turned on the AC and the fans work just fine.

What concerned me the most is that, last week, the engine got to up to 230* on a short trip (with limited stop and go). I'm thinking that maybe the thermostat is going; so I dropped in a new one last night (it was only $8).

As far as the fans, knowing that they do work and that they're designed to turn on at 212* makes me wonder if I looked at them when the temperature was over 200* and expected them to be on.


I'll keep an eye on them. Thanks again for your help.

Best Regards,
Stan

[XGamesJ6]

ive always thought about putting a switch to force them on whenever i want, but didnt do it. sometimes you can hear them running, i checked mine on a hot day when idleing in the driveway, first one came on, then the other came on, made me happy to know both ran...ps i drive a cutlass, but similar setup. one goes on around 220 i think, and the other a little hotter.