Coolant fan issues

ALYSSA6113

MEMBER
1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU
3.1L
6 CYL
120 MILES

My fans stopped working. They will kick on if I unplug the temperature sensor but they don't stay on. I have checked the fuses and they are fine. Took it to my grandad who is a mechanic but he was uncertain. I had another car that did the same thing and it blew up.

3 Replies

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello,

This is a pretty simply cooling fan circuit, as cooling fan circuits go. Unplugging your vehicle's Engine Coolant Temperature sensor (ECT) asnd causing the fans to come on momentarily shows that the Power-train Control Module is working as it should. I would recommend that you replace the ECT and check the three relays that control your engines cooling fans. They are located in the under hood junction block on the left side of the engine compartment. I have included a link below for you to go to:

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

In the diagrams down below I have also included a cooling fan circuit wiring diagram as well a a Under hood Junction Block diagram and callout for you. Please go through these guides and get back to us with what you find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

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Sunday, June 16th, 2019 AT 1:19 AM

ALYSSA6113

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Ok so I managed to get my car in a shop. They tested it and said it was the temp sensor. Well after changing that we still have the same result. We aren't sure why they kick on if we unplug the sensor.

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Tuesday, July 9th, 2019 AT 5:23 PM

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello,

In the diagrams down below I have included a description of how your engine cooling fans work. Please go through it and get back to us if you have any questions.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

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Wednesday, July 10th, 2019 AT 12:09 AM