The main cooling fans are running at 100%?

GABOOO

MEMBER
2012 FORD ESCAPE
3.0L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
220,000 MILES

The fans turn on 5 seconds after the car starts, running at 100%. With the help of AI, I was told about AC sensors, which I checked, but the fans didn't turn off. Supposedly, the fans have a control module, but they are wired directly to the relays. My last option is to change the CHT (Cylinder Head Temperature) sensor. What recommendations can you give me? Note: I've searched thousands of videos and can't find that sensor.

Saturday, January 10th, 2026 AT 6:42 PM

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
55,009 POSTS

So if the HVAC system is off the cooling fans are out of the loop. I would use a scanner to help look for codes of a sensor being out of range, (the PCM goes into safe mode with the fans when it see this problem). The scanner should show you the engine temp at a large number, (300f+) even when the engine is cold should us the CHT sensor is bad which is common when this problem happens. Here is a video to help with the scan and readings

CAN SCAN - https://youtu.be/u-4syLc-ifQ

Here is the location of the cylinder head temperature sensor so you can swap it out. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

Image (Click to make bigger)