Chrysler Repair: 99 Dodge minivan: fans run all the time, dodge minivan, radiator fan

Question
The fan would not turn off.  When we turned off the van it would blow for hours.  We unplugged the battery and it shut off.  Now the van is overheating.  Could it be a simple solution like the blower relay switch?  What does that switch do?

Answer
Hi Ann,
The blower relay is indeed the likely culprit. It is what controls power to the fans at the request of the engine controller when it senses the engine is overheating. With
It had failed in the "on" position no doubt, but now it may be in the "off" position, or the fuse located in the power box under the hood may have blown (#24,40 amp). So check the fuse and if that is OK then find the relay which is located on the left side frame rail in the engine compartment, which is just behind the radiator/fan left side panel. You can find it easily by following the wire harness at the fan back to its source. It is bolted to the frame and has a disconnect plug.
There is a possiblity that Chrysler may pay for the replacement as the failure rate of this solid-state device in the late-90's was great enough to prompt a recall. So inquire about that at a dealer or check with the federal NHTSA website for recall listing. In any case you can do it yourself if it isn't free.
Either the fuse and/or the relay should solve the overheating problem. Based on the history I would not expect the temperature sensor on the engine to be the culprit, but that would be the last possibility after the first two.
Roland