Chrysler Repair: Radiator fan causes engine to stall, amp fuse, radiator fan

Question
Hi Kevin,

I have a 1997 Sebring JXI conv. 2.5. While tinkering I discovered something I hope can solve the stalling problem. I started the vehicle and let it idle until the engine needed the cooling fan to lower the temp. Just as the fan kicked in the engine stalled and I couldn't restart the car until it cooled off or the breaker reset. I repeated this procedure and right on cue had the same results.  Does this make any sense to you

Thanks...Ron

Answer
Hi Ron,
That is an unusual problem. I took a look at the circuit diagrams and don't see any direct connection between the low current actuation coils of the fan relays and the engine operating circuits. The one possibility that I see is fuse #17 in the power distribution center under the hood, which is the large one that provides current to power the radiator fan motors. It is the first one in the long parallel fuse chain to draw current directly from the battery, so if the fan was overdrawing it's expected current it might well drag down the voltage too much for all the subsequent fuses in the box. I would try disconnecting the fan at its plug and try the experiment again, until the low speed fan relay clicks. The 40 amp fuse should blow if the fan was that bad, so maybe it has to do with a compromised "bus" (the wire that sends the current from fuse socket 17 on to the other fuses) connection of the box itself. It may also be that the fuse is not calibrated to blow, as well. If you have a voltmeter monitor to see if the voltage level of one of the other nearby fuses drops abnormally when the fan comes on. It could be a problem with the alternator or battery operating at too low a voltage, as well. It should be at least 14 volts.
Roland
PS Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. For some unknown reason your question only appeared in the "question pool" this morning. Presumably it was in Kevin's in-box for a week.