Chrysler Repair: Radiator Fan, temperature gage, radiator fan

Question
I have a 1999 Chrysler Town & Country, that has started to heat up when sitting still.  The temperature stays fine when the vehicle is moving.  When we sit still the temperature gage starts to increase.  I changed the thermostat and that did not change the problem.  I also changed out the radiator fan fuze.  Could it be the radiator fan relay?  Is there a way to check the relay before buying a new one for $80.00?  Thanks for your help.  Todd

Answer
Hi Todd,
Yes it could be the fan relay because in fact there was a recall involving that relay during the latter '90's, I was told, so you might be able to get a free replacement. I would check it out, and if it is bad then check with the Chrysler Corp headquarters for recall notice on it. The way to check it is with an ohmmeter or continuity testor. It is supposed to be located on the left side frame rail near the radiator, just trace the dark green wire from the fans to the relay. Once you find it notice which wire goes to which pin on the relay, disconnect the 4-pin plug and then put the ohmmeter or testor across the pin that held the gray wire and the pin that held the dark green wire which is the switch of the relay that needs to close for the fans to come on. To see whether the switch will close when instructed to do so put a jumper from the battery plus post to the pin that held the light green/dark blue wire and a jumper from the battery negative post and the pin that held the black wire. Notice whether when you do that the relay clicks and the ohmmeter or continuity checker shows that the switch has closed. If it checks out then the relay is o.k. If not, then it is no good.
Roland