Cooling fan test?

[hunterb]

Hi all,

I'm having trouble with the cooling fan(s) in my 2006 Matrix. The problem is that they never seem to come on. It's winter here now so they probably wouldn't come on much anyway but the problem was evident in the summer with the car overheating once. I think the problem is the ECT sensor, or the fan relays, or apparently it could also be another relay. The fans do work when I jumper them so I know they will run if they get power.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to test the system to isolate the problem. Any suggestion would be appreciated.

Thanks

Bruce

[hunterb]

Anyone have an idea?

Bruce

[toyomoho]

You will need to find the coolant temp sensor for the fans. On some Toyota this is on the radiator, on others the engines coolant manifold typically coolant exit side of head.

Once found turn on ign key and unplug, the fans should start to turn. If not you have a problem.

Try the AutoZone website at www.autozone. They have vehicle repair guides complete with wiring diagrams.

If the don't list your year check previous years.

[hunterb]

Thanks Toyomoho,

The ECT sensor is on the head right by the top radiator hose I believe. So regardless of the engine temp, if you unplug that sensor the fans should run? I assume then if they don't run the problem will be somewhere other than the sensor, which could be a relay of some sort.

I'll start with the unplug the sensor test and see what happens.

Thanks for the reply !!

Bruce

[toyomoho]

Make sure you have the rights sensor.

Some cars have 3. 1 for the temp gauge, 1 for the computer and 1 for the radiator coolant fans.