Issue with Cooling fans 86 Toyota Camry - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Kopecky · 03-14-2011, 07:24 PM

Hi,

This is my first post, im having some issues with a cooling fan on my 86 Camry. My first thought was fuses or fusible links. All of them appear to be fine.

So next i checked my fan motors by wiring them directly to the battery, both fan motors work. I have not tested the relays. I've come to the point now where im wondering if its not my water temperature sensor, it connects to the coolant hosing by the thermostat and has some function of turning on the fan.

My main question is if there is a way to test that sensor, it appears to be only one wire running out of it so i cant just bridge it to test. Would it be best to just replace that sensor and see if it works, or is there a better way to approach it?

nopain00 · 03-15-2011, 07:37 PM

86, so gen1 camry? I'm not too familiar with the location of these items on those, but there is a coolant temperature sender and an electric fan switch. I'm not sure to which you're referring.

The coolant temperature sender decreases resistance as temperature increases. You can take off the sender, place it in a water bath with a thermometer, and check for resistance across the terminal and the body of the sender. You'll have to check the FSM for the specs.

With the electric fan switch, it's just on or off. Check for continuity while in a water bath. The cutoff is around 200°F or so. Below that temperature, it should be closed (continuity), above, open (no continuity).

Kopecky · 03-16-2011, 11:07 PM

I'm talking about the coolant temp sensor, its right above the thermostat attached to one of the coolant hoses in a metal housing. I wasn't aware there was another switch aside from that. There is also an electric fan switch? Ill take a look at it more closely and give it a try, Thanks for the advice.

nopain00 · 03-17-2011, 09:37 PM

There is a coolant temperature sender and an electric fan switch. I think you're talking about the sender. It is basically a variable resistor that changes with temperature and operates the guage.

There's an electric fan switch on the lower radiator hose, by the water pump, I think. The switch is closed when the temp is low, and open when it is hot. Checking it is easy:

Turn the car to ON (engine not running, but switch to on)
Disconnect the fan switch
The fans should turn on

If they don't turn on, then the problem is elsewhere. If they do turn on, the switch is bad. Replace it.