Cooling Fan Not Working?

CTBRIGUY1

MEMBER
1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
185,000 MILES

My cooling fan suddently stopped working. It does not turn on at all, and my engine heats up to the point where it's smoking. I've had all kinds of opinions from people of what the problem could be. The relay, the thermostat, the radiator, the fuse (which is not since this has already been checked). Is there a way I can look at the wiring or some other parts in the car to determine the problem? I really don't have money to have it diagnosed and fixed. And I can't afford to guess at this.

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

The coolant fans may not operate if the relay or the temperature sensor or the fan motor is faulty.
The relay should be the first item to be checked and tested:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Next item would be the coolant temperature sensor. If the sensor is not giving the correct signal the fan will not come on regardless of the actual temperature.

Also you could just have a faulty motor. You need to check to see if there is power to the fan.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

I have attached the diagrams for the fan and the relay and temperature sensor. Also included the wiring schematic for the radiator fan.

Please let me know of any questions.

Thank you.

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