The auxilary cooling fan is controlled by the VCM based on various inputs. Battery voltage is supplied to the auxilary cooling fan relay. Ignition voltage is supplied to the auxilary fan relay (coil side). The VCM controls the cooling fan relay by providing a ground path.
If the driver complaint is an overheating problem, it must be determined if the complaint was due to an actual boil over, or the warning indicator light, or engine coolant temperature gage indicated overheating. The gage accuracy can also be checked by comparing the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor reading using a scan tool and comparing its reading with the gage reading. If the engine is actually overheating and the gage indicated overheating, but the cooling fan is not coming ON, the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor has probably shifted out of calibration and should be replaced. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement .
If the engine is overheating and the cooling fan is ON, the cooling system should be checked, refer to Section 6B.
The VCM will command the auxiliary cooling fan on at 107°C (225°F) and OFF at 103°C (218°F).
Numbers below refer to step numbers on the diagnostic table.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | ||
2 |
Important: The engine coolant temperature must be below the specified temperature before continuing with this test. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF. Is the auxiliary fan OFF? | 215° F(102° C) | ||
3 | Command the auxiliary fan motor ON and then OFF with the scan tool. Does the auxiliary fan turn ON and OFF with each command? | -- | Go to Diagnostic Aids | |
4 | Disconnect the auxiliary cooling fan relay. Is the auxiliary fan OFF? | -- | Go to Cooling Fan Always On - Auxiliary in Engine Cooling | |
5 |
Is the test lamp ON? | -- | Go to Cooling Fan Inoperative - Auxiliary in Engine Cooling | |
Probe the auxiliary fan control circuit at the fan relay connector with a test lamp connected to B+. Is the test lamp ON? | -- | Go to Cooling Fan Always On - Auxiliary in Engine Cooling | ||
7 |
Did you find a problem? | -- | ||
8 | Check for an open in the auxiliary cooling fan relay control circuit. Repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find a problem? | -- | ||
9 | Check for a poor connection at the VCM. Repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find a problem? | -- | ||
10 |
Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
11 |
Does the auxiliary cooling fan turn ON and OFF with each command? | -- | System OK |