1997 Dodge Caravan Car Runs Hot

RAYSFAN1969

MEMBER
1997 DODGE CARAVAN

Engine Cooling problem
1997 Dodge Caravan 6 cyl Automatic 118000 miles

My Caravan overheated earlier this week. I took it to the dealership and they told me that the relay switch and wiring to the cooling fan needed to be replaced (at $300). Being a single dad on an extremely tight budget, is there a cheaper way to get it fixed?

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,752 POSTS

Hi raysfan1969. Welcome to the forum. Head to the nearest salvage yard for a used relay. It's actually a computer module that is mounted to the left of the radiator about half way down. Be sure it's mounted securely with both bolts or it will quickly overheat and short internally. In fact, there was a problem with the bolts breaking leading to the module failing. It can get hot enough to burn your hands.

If I remember correctly, the new harness has a diode added to short out voltage spikes that could damage the module. If it took 13 years for this one to fail, I suspect replacing the harness is not that important.

I sell these used modules at an old car show swap meet for 15 bucks, so that should give you an idea of what it will cost from the salvage yard. You might find the harness there too.

Caradiodoc