Need help on cooling fan

[Flying Dutchman]

this is on a 97 with the 2.2 (no AC).
I tried a search but couldn't find the answer, so.......
I never hear the fan running under the hood. The engine has not overheated but the gauge rises and fluctuates depending on car movement.
I have confirmed that the fan does work.
The relay under the hood is ok.
The only thing I can find is the switch on the thermostat housing. When the plug is disconnected, the fan will turn on after 15-20 seconds but will always run. When the plug is back in, again after 15-20 seconds the fan will shut down.
So is this switch in the thermostat housing the problem?
How do I confirm (or did I already)??
I have aservice manual but no detail on this subject. Also the local dealer is no help except that he wants to sell me all kinds of parts until I find the right one.
Any help is appreciated......thanks

[dwb985]

thats because the fan doesn't come on unless needed. which isn't until about 230-240. it'll look like the needle is going up way too high but its actually fine as long as it comes on when its up close to being 3/4ths of the way over.

as far as when you unplug it, thats because the computer controling when it turns on no longer knows if it needs it or not so to save the engine it turns it on and keeps it on and when you plug it back it the computer realizes the engine doesn't need it yet.

it should stay at the middle mark which is 195, on hot days expect about 200-210 depending on where you live.

remember when you are going 40 MPH there is a 40 MPH wind going across your radiator and engine cooling it so it does not need the fan you don't have a V8 man lol. hope that helps.

[Flying Dutchman]

You are right, maybe there is nothing wrong at all. I suppose there is enough cooling without the fan engaging. And depending on how accurate these gauges are, it never comes close to the yellow/red.
I am only assuming since every other vehicle I have owned, I could always hear the fan kicking in and out.

[jakegday]

try turning your A/C on, your fan should run constantly with that on
my fan doesnt kick on until the temp guage goes a hair over 3/4

[dwb985]

if your really worried about it not turning on and leaving you stuck in traffic then when you come home sometime let it sit in the driveway and idle watch them temp gauge and see if it comes on if it gets close to the red obviously shut it off and let it cool. then you know if you have a problem but I don't think you do it just hasn't needed it I've owned my car for over a year and the fan has only every kicked on three times. I got stuck for some trains.

Jake, he doesn't have A/C lol.

[Flying Dutchman]

thx for the info. sounds like it just hasn't got hot enough. The next few days is supposed to be 30C out so we'll see what happens.
Hey, it's the daughters car and i'm just trying to do the preventive maintenance thing (before she is stranded somewhere).

[dwb985]

thats understandable but you should know the old saying "if it ain't broke don't fix it" lol. doesn't mean you shouldn't check it though.

and your welcome....ask questions and search best way to learn things.

Edit: oh and 30C isn't going to mean much to the engine. mine will run between 200 and 210 all day in 105 Degree or hotter weather unless I get stuck for a long time it never goes over 210. on the highway it will stay at 195 the entire time with no fan even after being up to 210. like I said if you wanna make sure let it idle in the driveway.

[jhndz]

How the heck do i take this fan off???

I cant get to it!

[dwb985]

unhook the electric hook ups then take the bolts out of it and then lift up slightly...to disengage the mounting tabs from the radiator then just guide it out.