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Radiator Fan not working? Please help me!

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Old Oct 23, 2013 | 02:05 PM
  #11  
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I have a 2001 Accord and I think I've only ever heard the fans come on one time (one time with the A/C off that is) in the 20,000 miles I've driven the car. Said another way, it sounds to me like your car is working properly.
 
Old Oct 23, 2013 | 02:26 PM
  #12  
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Under normal operating conditions when idling for extending periods of time or in traffic; the coolant temperature can reach above 199 degrees F,and turn on both cooling fans. You may not easily hear it with the car on while inside the car due the engine running, radio on, blower fan running, traffic noise, etc.; but, it may be on. With the car off, inside or outside the car with less environmental noise, engine running, etc.; it would be easier to hear the fans running.

However, even if it is not overheating, during the coolant system air purging process, you should be able to see the fans turned on when the coolant temperature at the radiator fan switch is over 199 F.

The following is just for informational purposes:
The cooling fan system for a V6 is slightly different than for an L4 2001 Accord. The V6 has both a radiator fan switch A (turns fans on if coolant temperature at switch is over 199 F with car on) and radiator fan switch B (turns fan on if coolant temperature switch is over 225 F with ignition turned to Lock/Off.)

The 2001 L4 Accord only has the one radiator fan switch.
 
Old Oct 23, 2013 | 02:37 PM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by redbull-1
Under normal operating conditions when idling for extending periods of time or in traffic; the coolant temperature can reach above 199 degrees F,and turn on both cooling fans. You may not easily hear it with the car on while inside the car due the engine running, radio on, blower fan running, traffic noise, etc.; but, it may be on. With the car off, inside or outside the car with less environmental noise, engine running, etc.; it would be easier to hear the fans running.

However, even if it is not overheating, during the coolant system air purging process, you should be able to see the fans turned on when the coolant temperature at the radiator fan switch is over 199 F.

The following is just for informational purposes:
The cooling fan system for a V6 is slightly different than for an L4 2001 Accord. The V6 has both a radiator fan switch A (turns fans on if coolant temperature at switch is over 199 F with car on) and radiator fan switch B (turns fan on if coolant temperature switch is over 225 F with ignition turned to Lock/Off.)

The 2001 L4 Accord only has the one radiator fan switch.
I've never found it at all surprising that my cars (which have come from Europe, America, and Asia) don't typically engage the radiator fans when the A/C isn't also engaged. Why? Because I live in New Hamster and very rarely do I find myself in traffic of any significance. Said another way, when the engine is on, my car is almost always moving.
 
Old Oct 23, 2013 | 02:48 PM
  #14  
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Some folks install thermostats w/ temp holds lower than OEM (194F fully open) specs. This will practically eliminate fans running as long as cooling system is working.

good luck
 
Old Oct 23, 2013 | 03:02 PM
  #15  
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A stuck open thermostat may cause the fans to also not come on as frequently.
 
Old Oct 23, 2013 | 03:14 PM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by redbull-1
A stuck open thermostat may cause the fans to also not come on as frequently.
In my experience, when a thermostat is stuck open, the engine takes a long (sometime a long-long) time to heat up. To the OP, how long does it take from a cold-start until the temperature gauge is showing roughly half way up the scale?
 
Old Oct 23, 2013 | 03:31 PM
  #17  
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Originally Posted by shipo
In my experience, when a thermostat is stuck open, the engine takes a long (sometime a long-long) time to heat up. To the OP, how long does it take from a cold-start until the temperature gauge is showing roughly half way up the scale?
It takes about 5 min,
 
Old Oct 23, 2013 | 03:36 PM
  #18  
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Maybe I'm over worrying about the fan, maybe its hot not enough yet.

I also change the fan switch. However but the fan switch did not plug in all the way it was pretty much plugged in all the way though it didn't make the cliCk noise to say its lock in. Does this matter?
I took it to the auto parts store by my house he told me that that's plenty of connection it doesn't have a clicking all the way is this true or is he just tell me that cuz he doesn't want to make a return.? Also the I jumped the fan switch and then turn on my car like you said and my Fans both did turn on. But does this mean my fan switch is bad? Because I just replaced it so?

I would be ok with it, but my radiator is still producing steam out by radiator fan. Why would it do that and thr fans not kick on?
 

Last edited by Viets90; Oct 23, 2013 at 03:49 PM.
Old Oct 24, 2013 | 07:36 AM
  #19  
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Where are you located? I'm with Shipo, it's getting a bit cold here, and even during summer I have a hard time getting the fans to run. Colder weather, and I expect you'll have to put a blanket over your grille and idle for awhile to get it hot enough to run the fans.

The wire on that switch should click. Yes it makes the connection OK, but if it doesn't click it will slowly work its way loose and might come off someday.

For the leak, you have to find it and fix it. Think about getting a pressure tester, so you can pressurize the cooling system cold. That way it doesn't evaporate right away and you can find the leak easier. But I think that's a separate problem from the fans. And I suspect there isn't really a problem with your fans.
 
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