Fans and A/C do not work?

Tiny
DTB0YZ86
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 3.4L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 119,000 MILES
Been trying to figure out why my car seems to be running a little bit too warm for me. Just when I'm stopped, it creeps past 200 to 3/4 but won't go any further. My fans won't come on, tried filling up the Freon still no A/C no fan either. Replaced thermostat, temperature sensor, and water pump was leaking so replaced that too. Bled the system. I'm going to check the fan motors and relays next, what should my Dmultimeter be reading on each one? The AC has a switch too, right? On top of the radiator?
Tuesday, May 9th, 2023 AT 12:11 AM

12 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Hi,

I just went to the wiring schematics, and I need to know if the vehicle is an SE or not. There is a difference in wiring. See pic below.

Let me know so I can further help.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, May 9th, 2023 AT 8:14 PM
Tiny
DTB0YZ86
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It is not an SE.
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Thursday, May 11th, 2023 AT 8:21 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Hi,

There are a few fuses and relays that need to be checked. When you check the fuses, make sure there is power to and from them.

Here is a link you may find helpful.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Also, we need to confirm the relays are getting power and working properly. Here is a link you may find helpful.

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

I attached the wiring schematic below which identifies the relays and fuses. Let me know if you find what is needed or if I can help.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below. Note: I had to cut the schematic in two, so it was readable. I did overlap the two so you can follow from one to the next.

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Friday, May 12th, 2023 AT 6:37 PM
Tiny
DTB0YZ86
  • MEMBER
  • 24 POSTS
I jumped the cool fan relays, and they came on so hopefully that's all it is. My multimeter sucks and I need to get a test light so I'm going to replace the relays and see what happens. I've heard these 3.4's just run that hot and fans won't kick on until it goes over 230, but even when I turn the defrost or A/C on the fans still don't work. Mabey after replacing the relays they'll work. I will let you know what they do then I can figure out the A/C problem. Thanks
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Saturday, May 13th, 2023 AT 12:34 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Hi,

The fan should come on when you turn the AC on. As far as the temperature is concerned, 230 is a bit higher than I would like to see it. The thermostat fully opens at 195.

Let me know if the relays make a difference and if you checked if the relay locations are functioning properly.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, May 13th, 2023 AT 10:46 PM
Tiny
DTB0YZ86
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I replaced the relays and they still don't come on.
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Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 AT 2:11 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Were you able to check if the relays are getting power and a ground? The link I attached above mentioned how to do it. It sounds like there is an issue in the relay box.

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 AT 8:48 PM
Tiny
DTB0YZ86
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Just got my test light back, going to check it out today.
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Thursday, May 18th, 2023 AT 7:48 AM
Tiny
DTB0YZ86
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Everything checks out with my cooling fans except when I turn my AC on. No fan, no clutch and just hooked up my gauges and zero pressure. I have a leak. I was going to fill the system with air from compressor and see if the clutch would engage for a split second, then turn it right off but not sure about doing that. I could find the leak too. Kinda stuck at the moment.
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Tuesday, May 30th, 2023 AT 3:47 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Hi,

You could put a vacuum on the system to see if it holds a vacuum. If it doesn't, then you know there is a leak. Or they make freon with a dye in it to help locate leaks. You could try using that as well.

As far as the air compressor is concerned, I don't think that's a good idea, but that's your call.

Here are a couple of links you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-conditioner-leak-detection

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-conditioner-how-to-add-freon

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-conditioner-how-to-add-freon

Let me know if that helps.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, May 31st, 2023 AT 6:54 PM
Tiny
DTB0YZ86
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Yea, I'm going to put the vacuum on it and find the leak.
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Thursday, June 1st, 2023 AT 3:59 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Sounds like a plan. If you have a chance, could you let me know what you find? I'm interested in knowing.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, June 1st, 2023 AT 8:37 PM

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