My fans only kick on after I have shut off the car. Shouldn't they kick on even when my car is running? Does anybody know what this could be?

 

The fans turning on after you shut off the car is temperature switch B. It is probably doing its job.

When engine is running, does the temperature gauge stay in the normal position? Do the fans eventually turn on when the car is parked?

 

Under control of fan-switch-A, it's relatively normal for the temperature gauge to climb above 50% before the fans come on. It shouldn't climb all the way up.

I've also found it to be difficult to get it that hot. If the weather is cool, I might have to take something and block off the air going through the grille.

 

It will climb up all the way and not turn on. I have only heard it come on once while the car is actually running and I was very suprised to hear it turn on. Idk if its just bad wiring or a sensor or switch.

 

Mine turns on occasionally if it's a hot day and the car is sitting in traffic or if I've been driving it hard. And on both those occasions it will turn on when I turn the car off, sometimes for 5+ minutes it will be shooting heat in every direction from the car. Just doing its job!

 

The temp sensor b is doing its job. It sounds like temp sensor A is not working. Your fans should turn on before the temperature gauge gets to the half way mark when the engine is running. If you run the engine hot, then you can cause engine damage.