COOLING FAN IS NOT WORKING SUDDENLY?

Tiny
NCHEN888
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 BUICK LESABRE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 42,000 MILES
I was on the freeway, suddenly I saw the temperature moving to heat. I pulled off the road and found the cooling fans were not working. I called AAA to tow my car back to home. Please help how to identify the problem source: I checked two normal looking fuses, they were OK, another three square looking fuses, not sure, because I unplugged one, it has three pins at the bottom, fuse inside?

Besides fuses, any other common causes I should check, I really try not to go to the dealership because I have to tow the vehicle again.

Help please! Really appreciated!

Nick
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Friday, January 18th, 2008 AT 2:55 PM

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Tiny
DENNYP
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,824 POSTS
If the cooling fans in your 2004 Buick LeSabre suddenly stopped working and you're trying to diagnose the issue, there are several common components you can check before considering a dealership visit. The cooling fans are crucial for maintaining the engine's temperature, especially during hot conditions or when the vehicle is stationary. Here are some steps you can take to identify the problem source:

Check Fuses and Relays:

Since you've already checked some fuses, it's a good place to start. Check the fuse box for any blown fuses related to the cooling fan system. Also, check the relays associated with the cooling fan operation. There might be separate relays for low-speed and high-speed operation.
Cooling Fan Motors:

The cooling fan system typically has two fan motors: one for low-speed and one for high-speed operation. If both fans stopped working simultaneously, it's less likely that both motors failed at the same time. However, it's still worth checking the electrical connections to ensure they're secure.
Coolant Temperature Sensor:

The coolant temperature sensor sends information to the engine control module (ECM), which then commands the fans to turn on when the engine reaches a certain temperature. A malfunctioning sensor might not trigger the fans to operate. Test or replace the sensor if necessary.
Engine Control Module (ECM):

The ECM controls the cooling fan operation based on inputs from various sensors, including the coolant temperature sensor. A malfunctioning ECM could lead to improper fan operation.
Wiring and Connectors:

Inspect the wiring harness and connectors associated with the cooling fan system. Look for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
Cooling Fan Relay Module:

Some vehicles have a separate relay module for controlling the cooling fans. This module might be located near the fans or in the engine compartment. Inspect and test this module if applicable.
Cooling Fan Resistor:

Some vehicles use a cooling fan resistor to control fan speed. If this resistor fails, it might affect the fans' operation at different speeds.
Test Fan Motors Directly:

You can test the cooling fan motors by connecting them directly to a power source (such as a car battery) to see if they spin. Be cautious while performing this test.
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Friday, January 18th, 2008 AT 9:46 PM

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