Honda Repair: 1995 Honda Accord Overheating, honda accord, cooling fans

Question
I am helping my girlfriend with her 1995 Honda Accord with its overheating.   I flushed the radiator and the problem persists.  I am noticing that only the passenger side cooling fans turns on when the temp gage is about 3/4 up the red line, or when the engine is turned off.  Which fan should engage first?   Is it possible that the thermostat is not sending a signal for it to come on?  Or, do those fans get their signal from somewhere else? Exactly how do I test the fan by hooking it directly to the battery? Do I have to splice any wires, or what?  

Answer
no, to check the fans find the relay box in the engine bay and use a wire to make it work( dont worry if you put wire in wrong hole it will only blow a fuse) and this will check to make sure the fan(s) are running, another 1 is to replace the temp controller on the bottom of the radiator and the thermostat as well,,,

Cheers RUSTY