Fan not turning on, A/C button lights up, compressor wasn't running?

Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 FIAT 500
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 131,000 MILES
Blower inside the car works, the A/C button lights up, compressor wasn't running, turned it by hand and it moved. I added a tiny bit of freon, and it kicked on so I guess it was a tiny low. Air was kind of cool but not cold then I saw that the radiator fan isn't on. Is there a common issue with these as far as that? And where would be the fuse on it for the fan and what would you suggest checking on it? Thanks. Also, P0128 code is in there. Not sure if the thermostat code is related. I just checked 2 fuses and switched the niddle red relat and still nothing. Removed power to fan and applied battery power and it spun. Out it back together and the fan kicked on for like 7 seconds. Then it stops. Then in another half minute does the same thing. Actuated fan via scanner at both speeds and both were fine. Isn't the dan supposed to be on all the time while A/C is on?
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Friday, May 2nd, 2025 AT 9:38 AM

17 Replies

Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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That is the low fan speed that keeps coming on. Car doesn't overheat. When I actuate the different speeds, both come on like they should.
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Friday, May 2nd, 2025 AT 11:25 AM
Tiny
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Its full as well.
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Friday, May 2nd, 2025 AT 11:28 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yes, the fan must be one full time when the AC is on, but if the system is low on charge, it will kick the fan on and off. I see the charge can but we need to see what the high side reading is when the system is on, if the compressor is no good it will kick the fan on and off as well, here is a video to go over to help you see how the get the readings:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EqdrBVb0sY

Also, the thermostat looks like is it stuck open so you should change that as well and then clear the codes, here is the location so you can swap it out.

P0128 - Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature)

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 AT 12:22 PM
Tiny
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I see. Even if the compressor is running like it should without cycling?
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Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 AT 12:25 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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If the compressor is running all the time and the fans do not work then I don't think it is a charge issue. I would think the fan control module needs to be replaced, here is the radiator fan wiring diagrams so you can see how the system works. Check out the images (below).
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Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 AT 12:29 PM
Tiny
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I saw online some people stating that these fans may or may not have a module. So not sure. If its belt into the fan, will a test of giving the fan straight power and ground to see if it stays on for a while does the job? I checked and there was ground on the fan connector while unplugged but I can't get a positive from the other wire unless its only give at certain times.
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Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 AT 12:32 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yes, the fan control module is built into the fan. I would try clearing the codes to see if the system starts working again.
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Sunday, May 4th, 2025 AT 11:04 AM
Tiny
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Yes, I have thought about it and did it first, same thing.
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Sunday, May 4th, 2025 AT 11:52 AM
Tiny
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Is the high pressure port the one on the compressor? Cant find it anywhere else. I see the low pressure right next to it on the line, but high one is on the compressor itself.
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Monday, May 5th, 2025 AT 6:59 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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The high side service port is on the compressor, check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.
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Monday, May 5th, 2025 AT 10:10 AM
Tiny
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Engine off. Both knobs open on gauge, compressor aide, both knobs closed on gauges.
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Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 AT 11:29 AM
Tiny
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Now both gauges open on gauge side and at compressor side. Engine off. High side went up a bit.
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Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 AT 11:30 AM
Tiny
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Engine on. Gauges open on compressor side.
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Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 AT 11:31 AM
Tiny
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All knobs open on all sides, engine on compressor switched on but didn't run. I think low on freon.
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Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 AT 11:32 AM
Tiny
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After putting some freon low side up, turned on high side and this is where it is and even when knob closed.
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Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 AT 11:34 AM
Tiny
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Now I have cold air fan on like it should. Maybe there was some moisture from before which I let out before all if this.
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Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 AT 11:35 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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The system still looks low. I would go over this video to show you how the charge the system:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EqdrBVb0sY

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Thursday, May 8th, 2025 AT 9:41 AM

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