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Question On Radiator Cooling Fan

QuickSilver

Jedi Trainee
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Currently here is what I have:

DSCN0722.JPG


There is no connector on the wiring harness that plugs into the fan sensor, the wires are just jumpe dtogether. I want to solv ethis.

First, where can I get the male piece that plugs into the sensor?

Second, could the sensor itself be bad because when I rig up the wiring to connect to it, the fan does not start? All these types of sensors I've seen before always failed into making the fan run on as opposed to not run.

Thoughts, conjectures, rumors, hearsays, repudiations are all welcomed.
 
The sensor is called an "Otter Switch" and fails to close at temp if dead/defective. It's a bi-metal temp switch. The end you seek for the wiring is likely going to be difficult to source but the prongs on the switch are round pins and matching should be somewhat easy with a switch in-hand at a RadioShack or other place with electrical/electronic components on the shelf. If the switch was by-passed, you can count on it needing replacement. The new one should come with a new grommet, be SURE to replace that as well. It's a snug interference fit which holds the switch in place and using the old grommet will guarantee it will slip out or be "ejected" at the furthest point from home.
 
Doc's absolutely correct about the connector....however, if your wires are connected to one another, closing the circuit, both your fans should run constantly....if they aren't you've got other problems.

The little 'thermostat' that goes in the radiator is easy to get (I have them on the shelf).
 
I kinda read it as the fans come on with iggy and don't shut down. They shouldn't come on with the iggy when wired thru the Otter device umtil the temp hits 165~175F or so.

The usual bodge is to pigtail the wires after the Otter switch stopped working to preclude overheating.
 
The fans work when the wires are "shorted" together.

Thanks I'll saunter by AutoZone and see if they have it.
 
Sorry - misunderstood.

Yep, fans should work on temp from radiator - regardless of whether the ignition is on or not....when it gets hot enough, they come on...when temp is cool enough, they go off....& even if the engine isn't running, they'll continue to run to cool things down.
 
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