Radiator fan only turns on when the AC is on

10

Asked by Prothen88 Aug 23, 2016 at 01:51 PM about the 1997 Ford Thunderbird LX RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a1997 Ford Thunderbird 190,000 miles and
she runs like a champ, but the radiator fan only
turns on when I turn on my AC. I have changed the
thermostat, and I have checked the engine coolant
sensor and the water temperature sender for
power and resistance, which they both seem to be
working properly, and yet the fan still will not turn
on. What else should I troubleshoot?

4 Answers

101,335

Check the "constant control relay module" (CCRM) it governs fan operation.

1 people found this helpful.
101,335

Oops, let me add: fan is controlled by BOTH the CCRM and the powertrain control module (PCM). From the manual: "The cooling fan motor is controlled during vehicle operation by the constant control relay module (CCRM) (12B581) and powertrain control module (PCM) (12A650), which will energize the cooling fan motor under the following conditions: Cooling fan motor will run at low speed: - if engine temperature is higher than normal. Cooling fan motor starts running at 106°C (222°F) and stops running at 101°C (214°F). - if A/C is on and vehicle speed does not provide enough natural airflow. Cooling fan motor starts running at speeds at or below 69 km/h (43 mph) and stops running at 77 km/h (48 mph). Cooling fan motor will run at high speed: - if engine temperature is higher than desirable and cooling fan motor has been operating at a low speed. - at 109°C (228°F) and stops running at 105°C (220°F). Sorry if this is hard to read, I can't format paragraph breaks for some reason.

1 people found this helpful.
10

Thank you for that and the readability is just fine, I appreciate you taking the time to answer.

1 people found this helpful.

Where is the cooling relay module located? And the water temperature sender located?

Your Answer:

Thunderbird

Looking for a Used Thunderbird in your area?

CarGurus has 727 nationwide Thunderbird listings starting at $5,999.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1997 Ford Thunderbird

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Larry Sturgis
    Reputation
    2,960
  • #2
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    2,080
  • #3
    MrBlueOval
    Reputation
    1,560
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford Mustang
895 Great Deals out of 24,130 listings starting at $1,800
Used Chevrolet Corvette
693 Great Deals out of 12,039 listings starting at $4,995
Used Chevrolet Camaro
549 Great Deals out of 10,090 listings starting at $2,000
Used Lincoln Town Car
22 Great Deals out of 391 listings starting at $1,000
Used Lexus SC
19 Great Deals out of 434 listings starting at $6,495
Used Lincoln Continental
36 Great Deals out of 605 listings starting at $9,660
Used Mazda MX-5 Miata
128 Great Deals out of 2,820 listings starting at $4,495
Used Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
126 Great Deals out of 2,398 listings starting at $5,699
Used Porsche 911
337 Great Deals out of 3,679 listings starting at $16,900
Used Ford F-150
5,926 Great Deals out of 119,221 listings starting at $1,995
Used Buick Riviera
34 listings
Used Jeep Wrangler
3,243 Great Deals out of 57,005 listings starting at $3,000

Used Cars for Sale

2005 Ford Thunderbird For Sale
9 Great Deals out of 72 listings starting at $7,950
2004 Ford Thunderbird For Sale
7 Great Deals out of 103 listings starting at $6,950
2003 Ford Thunderbird For Sale
12 Great Deals out of 110 listings starting at $6,595
2002 Ford Thunderbird For Sale
19 Great Deals out of 255 listings starting at $5,999

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.