I would suspect the coolant temperature sensor (CTS). This sensor tells the cars computer how hot the coolant is so it can turn the cooling fans on when it needs to.
If the sensor is not working correctly you would have a gauge that does not work and the fans would not work correctly either.

Answered by promechanic (expert)
556 answers provided

So replace the CTS ? On fixya they said it sounds like temp sensor is grounded what does that mean , They are not answering me .

Response from esnipes
2 questions asked

I would check it out first. See if it is just disconnected or something.
If the sensor is grounded it just means that the wire that goes to the sensor is touching a ground (a metal part on the engine or another wire) and not getting a good connection to the sensor.

Answered by promechanic (expert)
556 answers provided

Could you please help me locate the cts ? :) I am sorry ladys just think they know it all but really I do not :)

Response from esnipes
2 questions asked

Thanks for all your help , Ill take it to someone who can maybe fix it or figure it out .. The dummy i have trying to work on it is the one who messed it up to begin with .. thanks a lot for your help .

Response from esnipes
2 questions asked

On the 2.4L engine, the CTS is located on the thermostat housing.
On the 3.0L it is near the distributor.
On the 3.3L and 3.8L engines, it is next to the thermostat housing.
Use a cooling system thermometer to check how hot the coolant in the radiator is getting. Also look into the opening to make sure the coolant is flowing when the engine warms up. The coolant temperature should be between 180 and 200 degrees after driving for a little while.

Answered by rivermikerat (expert)
5,494 answers provided

I changed the temp sensor , Fans still running while car is on .. I also changed relay as well . So I have no idea what the heck is going on ...

Response from esnipes
2 questions asked

The cooling fans are designed to run when the engine is on and at operating temperature. Using a cooling system thermometer, check to ensure that the coolant is circulating throughout the cooling system. If so, you don't seem to have an issue with the cooling system.

Answered by rivermikerat (expert)
5,494 answers provided

Its not showing signs of over heating , I just can not figure out why the fans are running the whole time the car is on. The temp gage will not even move from cold

Response from esnipes
2 questions asked

You either have a problem with the temperature sensor or the ECM if the cooling fan is on even when the engine is first started. Make sure the AC is switched off as it will cause the fans to run continuously, even with the engine cold.

Answered by rivermikerat (expert)
5,494 answers provided