QuestionQUESTION: I have 3 symptoms that I hope all have a common failure/solution. The radiator fan and transaxle oil cooler fan do not come on when they should and the A/C clutch does not engage when the A/C is turned on. It is a 3.3 L engine.
ANSWER: Hi Jim,
The fans and the clutch all are powered off the battery thru a fusible link (a hard wire fuse which has an orange color covering) near the battery in a harness with several other such fusibles. So I would check whether or not you are showing 12v on the three relays (2 fan: gray wire at the socket, front and rearmost relays on the left inner fender; 1 A/C clutch relay (gray wire at the socket, rear relay on the right inner fender) as the van sits with the ignition off. If not, then that fusible needs to be replaced by splicing in a new one. If so, then we have to consider if the engine temp sensor is off-value AND the refrigerant level is low in the system which would be another explantion for these problems. So take a look for that voltage and let me know if you have it. I am working from a '93 manual but it probably applies to your '92.
Roland
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Roland,
I followed your instructions and found out that I was not getting 12 volts at either relay (the grey wire). In looking, I found the fusible link that had burnt through. I cut out the link and stripped both sides, but before I replaced the fusible link I had to try to see if everything would work if I jumped the wire. Sure enough, everything worked. I showed my wife that the A/C was working (cold air again :-) & one fan immediately kicked on). I also had 12v at each relay.
I was all set to be a happy man.
I replaced the fusible link with the same gauge fusible link and thought I was all finished. When I went to go test the finished product – NO JOY… :-(
I still have 12 volts to both relays, but I do not have A/C and neither fan kicks on. Any suggestions?
I was thinking that perhaps one of the relays went out or? It really bothered me that it worked while being jumped, but not after replacing the link. The wiring diagrams in the book are terrible and I do not know where to start next
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Jim
AnswerHi Jim,
That is strange. Do you have 12V to the low speed fan and the high speed fan relays on their gray wire? Have you tried driving the van (without asking for A/C) to make sure that when the coolant temp rises to maybe a bit more than half-scale that the low speed fan position begins, and then if it heats up some more(partially block the radiator to cause these temperature rises if necessary) that the fan increases to high speed. If not, then I would suspect the low speed fan relay, and the high speed too if the fan never comes on and the temp gauge is approaching full scale. The compressor clutch relay will NOT power up even if you ask for A/C unless the low speed fan relay is activated (either asking for A/C or the coolant temp reaching its set level should do that) so I would suspect that the low speed fan relay is flakey. If it has the same part number as the high speed fan relay then try switching them. The powertrain module plays a role as well in turning on the relays, but let us assume for the moment that is not the issue. Let me know if switching the fan relays or getting a new low speed fan relay doesn't solve the problem.
Roland
