Cooling System Problems

[quickangel93]

Ok this problem im going to explain to you has been happening for quite a bit of time.

Today im driving down the road, and I turn the a/c on. After like 10 mins of the a/c running, my temp gauge goes to the top. So I pull over to the side to check out everything underneath the hood, no smoke, fans arent running. So I take it to my dads garage and start checking out things. Whats so unusal about this symptom is when I turn the car off the fans kick in. When I turn on the igniton (not starting it) the fans turn off. Also when in ignition, when i turn the a/c on both fans kick in. And when I turn the igniton off (a/c on) both fans dont work. Has anyone ever had this kind of problem.

Im trying to find a solution about this, because im going to give it to my dad and buy a cd7 off my bro. thanks for the help guys. Post replys asap.

[blackcb7]

i have the same problem,

i have to replace my rad cause its clogged, i think there is a timer underneath(sp) the dash, i might be that, not sure though

[GREENCB3]

I had the same problem check for fan switch by the upper radiator hose.Or the sender for coolant which is the skinny one.

[timmy0tool]

the passenger side fan supposed to come on at a certain temperature to avoid overheating. it is determined by two fan switches. they turn on no matter what position the key is in (even without a key they turn on) if the temperature is at the right place.

when you turn on your a/c, both fans are supposed to come on and stay on as long as the a/c button is pushed.

it is normal for the fans to turn on even without a key especially after a drive. when they are on and you insert the key, they will turn off initially. this is normal. eventually they should fire back up. i'm almost certain one of your fan switches is bad so replace it or both.

the next time you see the temp needle go up, turn on the a/c and it should go down since the fans are on. if the temp is still high then there is something else besides the fans that is responsible for overheating.

[quickangel93]

i just found out that my rad is busted due to the a/c touching the rad. well now i have to buy another rad.

[4CYLPOWER92]

When you say your radiator is busted, do you mean it is leaking coolant? Always check your coolant level at the overflow tank. If you constantly have to keep adding fluid to the overflow tank, and then the level drops overnight, you have a leak somewhere. And if you are running low on coolant, then that is why you are overheating. Turning on your A/C is not helping, because the engine has to work harder to turn the pump.

Now about the switches. Tim is correct but I want to add some additional info/clarification.
The switch that controls the condenser fan is located where the upper radiator hose attaches to the head. This switch turns on the fan only when the ignition is off, and does so at a very high temp, 220-230 degrees F. This happens only when driving in hot weather, at high rate of speed, or up hills for long periods of time. You turn off the car, get out, and after a couple minutes the fan comes on all by itself. It can run for up to 5 or more minutes.

The switch that controls the radiator fan will come on when your car is running, at a lower temp of around 190. It's located near the sending unit I believe, on the thermostat housing.

With the A/C on, both fans come on from the timmer unit located above driver side kick panel. The fans will cycle on and off, constantly.

The two switches are known to go bad on our cars, but testing them is easy.
For example, the condenser switch. With your car off, pull the connector off the switch, and bridge the connector with a paper clip. The fan should turn on.

Never tested the radiator switch, but you could probably test it with the car running, using the same method, although you'll get a CEL.
You could also remove the switches, heat in hot water bath, and test for continuity when the temp gets to the right point.

[quickangel93]

well today my dad told me its not my fan touching the rad, its because the condenser was hitting my radiator. How did this happen? It was because the condenser wasnt screwed in at the top, dumb me. Well now im going to get another one. later guys thanks for the info, i apreciate that.