Overheating issues, fans not running. 1998 camry

[totalnewbie007]

Ok here is my trouble shooting thus far with a multi meter.

The Engine Fans Work, but they only want to turn on when the A/C is on, and even then it overheats
-Fans may not be staying on/cycle with compressor
-Water Temperature Valve not opening

I tested 3 fan relays
-#3 appears to be a SPDT Switch with 1 N/O and 1 N/C set of contacts, when powered both contacts open/close
-#2+1 relays are just SPST and close when powered

This leads me to believe that there is one or more relays in the circuit (saw somewhere/something about and engine relay to test, don't know which or where) or that the water thermostat is not working, or a combination of both.


Any tips??


Also, I'm going to check to see if the thermostat works by checking if the water line out near the oil filter gets hot when the engine runs.

[totalnewbie007]

ok well the pipe (1-2" black hose) that enters the top of the radiator gets hots, the other pipe that comes from the bottom then goes into the engine near the oil filter doesn't

I drove around for a bit and got the engine at about ~2/3 of the way up, pulled over and the fans were not running. Again they only turn on for the A/C. Didn't see any leaks, except that a lot of water is pushed out by pressure from evaporated water after the engine was turned off. Doesn't look like and belts are broken, there is a guard covering what looks like a possible water pump.

Anyone?

[atobe]

your thermostat is broken

[totalnewbie007]

thank you for the response

[totalnewbie007]

ok Fixed the bad thermostat:



Fans are still not coming on, unless A/C is on, however this time the fans kept it from overheating.....


Found out that the temp sensor is bad, after unplugging it, the fans come on, so its not the relay its connected to, but the sensor itself.