96 Accord lx cooling fan only turns on when engine is off.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10
96 Accord lx cooling fan only turns on when engine is off.
Car is overheating in idle.
Both fans turn on with ac
Radiator fan only turns on after engine is shut off.
I've replaced the fan relay no changes.
From my understanding the switch between the radiator hose and head controls wether the fan turns on or not after the engine is off. So it shouldn't be that.
Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!
Both fans turn on with ac
Radiator fan only turns on after engine is shut off.
I've replaced the fan relay no changes.
From my understanding the switch between the radiator hose and head controls wether the fan turns on or not after the engine is off. So it shouldn't be that.
Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7,099
From: United States
If both fans run, the relays are okay.
There are two different fan switches. You may have a problem with fan switch A. To test the wiring, unplug the connector to fan switch A, then use a small paper clip or wire and jump the unplugged terminal cavities. With the ignition in the ON position (car not running), both fans should run. If they both run, then fan switch A may be faulty. -- Also, make sure that your coolant level is good in both the radiator and reservoir.
Description of the respective fan switch operation:
With the ignition to ON or START, if the coolant temperature is above 199 degrees F at engine coolant temperature switch A (located on the thermostat housing – connected to the lower radiator hose), then the switch will close, which should turn on both cooling fans (radiator fan and A/C condenser fan).
With the car running, if the A/C is turned on, both cooling fans should run, regardless of the coolant temperature at the Switch A.
When you shut off the car and the coolant temperature is above 223 degrees F at the engine coolant temperature switch B (located on the housing connected to the upper radiator hose ), the radiator fan will run until the temperature drops at Switch B (which opens the switch) or 2 minutes.
Both Switch A and B are normally open type of switches, and close when the coolant temperature is above the respective temperatures.
There are two different fan switches. You may have a problem with fan switch A. To test the wiring, unplug the connector to fan switch A, then use a small paper clip or wire and jump the unplugged terminal cavities. With the ignition in the ON position (car not running), both fans should run. If they both run, then fan switch A may be faulty. -- Also, make sure that your coolant level is good in both the radiator and reservoir.
Description of the respective fan switch operation:
With the ignition to ON or START, if the coolant temperature is above 199 degrees F at engine coolant temperature switch A (located on the thermostat housing – connected to the lower radiator hose), then the switch will close, which should turn on both cooling fans (radiator fan and A/C condenser fan).
With the car running, if the A/C is turned on, both cooling fans should run, regardless of the coolant temperature at the Switch A.
When you shut off the car and the coolant temperature is above 223 degrees F at the engine coolant temperature switch B (located on the housing connected to the upper radiator hose ), the radiator fan will run until the temperature drops at Switch B (which opens the switch) or 2 minutes.
Both Switch A and B are normally open type of switches, and close when the coolant temperature is above the respective temperatures.
Last edited by redbull-1; Jul 6, 2020 at 06:26 PM.
Been Around A Long Time Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 908
From: Washington State, USA
welcome to forum.
I'd get a $4 radiator coolant freeze point gauge at any auto parts store to measure cold in morning.
If coolant freeze point is less than -34F then more distilled water is needed in th emixture.
Water is what cools the engine; antifreeze part prevents boilover/freezing/corrosion.
If this is case - To add water, empty out overflow reservoir totally and fill 1/2 way with dist H2O and over a week or so it will blend into the radiator mixture.
Then measure it again
I'd get a $4 radiator coolant freeze point gauge at any auto parts store to measure cold in morning.
If coolant freeze point is less than -34F then more distilled water is needed in th emixture.
Water is what cools the engine; antifreeze part prevents boilover/freezing/corrosion.
If this is case - To add water, empty out overflow reservoir totally and fill 1/2 way with dist H2O and over a week or so it will blend into the radiator mixture.
Then measure it again
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10
Thank you for the help!
Good to know! I have a parts car so changing the relay was just the easiest possible fix to the problem in my eyes at the time.
Whereabout is switch A located in the engine? Switch B is destroyed on the parts car but switch A just may be salvageable.
Good to know! I have a parts car so changing the relay was just the easiest possible fix to the problem in my eyes at the time.
Whereabout is switch A located in the engine? Switch B is destroyed on the parts car but switch A just may be salvageable.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10
welcome to forum.
I'd get a $4 radiator coolant freeze point gauge at any auto parts store to measure cold in morning.
If coolant freeze point is less than -34F then more distilled water is needed in th emixture.
Water is what cools the engine; antifreeze part prevents boilover/freezing/corrosion.
If this is case - To add water, empty out overflow reservoir totally and fill 1/2 way with dist H2O and over a week or so it will blend into the radiator mixture.
Then measure it again
I'd get a $4 radiator coolant freeze point gauge at any auto parts store to measure cold in morning.
If coolant freeze point is less than -34F then more distilled water is needed in th emixture.
Water is what cools the engine; antifreeze part prevents boilover/freezing/corrosion.
If this is case - To add water, empty out overflow reservoir totally and fill 1/2 way with dist H2O and over a week or so it will blend into the radiator mixture.
Then measure it again
Thank You!
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10
The alternator from an EX is slightly different puts out more power (which im sure you know) but is working perfectly fine in the LX so far.
Super Moderator
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 16,334
From: Houston, TX
A quick test to eliminate the rest of the wiring of the engine coolant temperature switch A is to unplug the electrical connector. Jump the 2 pins on the connector with a piece of wire. Start the engine, then see if the cooling fans turn on.
Make absolutely sure you unplug and short the correct connector. The plastic part of the electrical connector for ECT-A is green and has 2 wires going to it. One wire is green and the other wire is black. Please make sure you are shorting the proper electrical connector.
Make absolutely sure you unplug and short the correct connector. The plastic part of the electrical connector for ECT-A is green and has 2 wires going to it. One wire is green and the other wire is black. Please make sure you are shorting the proper electrical connector.
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