Radiator fan doesn't run. Maybe in my head

[Purdue]

First off hello all. I'm fairly new to toyotanation.com. Awesome forum/website with a ton of useful info. I've recommended it all my fellow toyota owners. I've got a question/curiousity and I am wondering if this is just in my head. I don't want to spend money unless I have to.

I've got a 97 LE 4 CYL, auto, with 170K. A few months ago I had the timing belt, water pump, thermostat, seals replaced and radiator fluid flushed. A couple of weeks ago the radiator developed a 7" crack at the top. I had it replaced. The other day the radiator hose, by the thermostat, starting leaking. I put a new clamp on it and it hasn't leaked. I also developed a new oil leak right above the differential. Not too worried about the leak since it's only a couple of drops. If you think I should worry, let me know.

I got a thought in my head that my engine is getting too hot. The temperature gauge inside the vehicle never goes above the half way mark so that should make me not worry. However, after coming home from work and letting it idle in the garage for 15 minutes, the radiator fans didn't kick on once. The temperature gauge never raises. The heater works fine and the fans kick on when I turn on the A/C. However, when I unplug the ECTS and run the car, the fans do not kick on. Shouldn't that be a default for the fans to automatically turn on? I tested the ohms on the ECTS and it was a little over 3,000 cool but 1,500 hot. I believe that is out of spec. Haynes said it should be 25-30 when hot. I went to get a new ECTS at Toyota and it's $90. Advance Auto Parts has them cheaper, $25-$50, but I figure factory is best to go with when buying sensors. I didn't buy the sensor since the guy at the counter said the fans will only kick on when needed and it sounds like its fine based on what I described. His Rav 4 never has them kick on. He told me to save the $90 and if I'm really concerned about it bring it in. Is this all in my head? Should I not worry about it and believe the engine is so sufficient that the radiator fans hardly kick on? Should I replace my ECTS sensor anyway and pay double for a factory part? One last thing is what is the sensor next, to the left, of the ECTS? Thanks for any responses.

[Cyorke]

If it is not overheating then I would not worry about it right now. Engines dont typically build up as much heat when idling because they are not under any kind of load. Or they do not build up heat as quickly. An example. Start your car and let it idle until it reaches normal operating temp. How long does it take. Now start teh car and drive it immediately. How long did it take. I know in my experience they will noramlly kick on once the thermostat opens up but like I said if it is not over heating then I would not worry about it right now. If you notice that it is starting to get warmer than usual then maybe digf a little bit deeper nad fix it then.

[BlackCamSe]

to see if your fans work warm it up by idleing. After it is at half way bring it up to anout 3000 rpms and wate and see if your fans kick in

[BlackCamSe]

Originally Posted by Cyorke

If it is not overheating then I would not worry about it right now. Engines dont typically build up as much heat when idling because they are not under any kind of load. Or they do not build up heat as quickly. An example. Start your car and let it idle until it reaches normal operating temp. How long does it take. Now start teh car and drive it immediately. How long did it take. I know in my experience they will noramlly kick on once the thermostat opens up but like I said if it is not over heating then I would not worry about it right now. If you notice that it is starting to get warmer than usual then maybe digf a little bit deeper nad fix it then.

I dont agree about the engins dont get as hot wile in idle. When i drive my gen 5 the fans dont come on half as much as they do when i let it idle for a half hour.