Cooling Fan Wiring Help

rrpjr · 01-01-2005, 10:08 AM

Just installed the fan on my Carrera front cooler. But electrics stump me. I understand that "Pink to ignition only" means wire to something which turns on only with ignition, but how exactly? Do I wire the pink line to the fuse (or the screw below it) for "windshield wipers" or "power windows"? Where exactly do I attach the pink wire? "Red to circuit breaker and battery" means wire first to circuit breaker then to battery?

Many thanks for anybody's help on this sacred day of revelry recovery.

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

Oil Line and Cooler Installation

oil cooler fan thermoswitch

These wil probably answer your questions if installing the factory setup and possibly even if aftermarket. If not, ask again and I would be glad to help.

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

Here is one more:
Carrera oil cooler fan wiring question

rrpjr · 01-01-2005, 11:08 AM

Thanks, fintstone, I checked those threads but I think my question is too idiotic. I am not running off the thermostat but have a straight toggle-controlled fan. I have four wires from the ice-cube relay, one to toggle, one to fan, one to battery via a circuit breaker and one which is supposed to attach to an "ignition only" connection such as power window so that the fan can only be started with the car running. I just don't know where to connect this wire. I'm guessing to the fuse itself for the power windows. Where else?

Thanks.

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

Sorry...my bad. See if this is what you are looking for:
For the switched wire, normally you would use a larger amperage fuse that operates accessories that are only on when the ignition is on...and that you could live without temporarily if the fuse blows. I believe the typical choice is the 25-amp fuse (sunroof, rear wiper, and mirrors) since most cars do not have/use these items often. You want to attach your wire to the fuse on the nonpowered side so the fuse protects your relay. If you have a meter or test light, just remove the fuse, turn the key to on and see which side is not hot. Connect it there. Just loosen the screw and stick the wire in and retighten. Then replace the fuse.

rrpjr · 01-01-2005, 12:40 PM

It's done. I switched the toggle and I heard the wonderful whirring sound of a working fan. I connected the pink wire around one of the prongs of the horn relay and plugged it back in. Perhaps I will write something up, such as "Idiot's Guide to a Carrera Cooling Fan," for if I can do it, anybody can.

rrpjr · 01-01-2005, 12:44 PM

fintstone: yes, perfect, that is what I will do to finish it off properly.

Many thanks for the help. Happy new year!

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

Make sure your fan is turning in the right direction...sucks from the front and blows to the back...if not, if you switch the fan two input leads and it will run the other way.

rrpjr · 01-01-2005, 06:30 PM

Thanks. I will check. By the way, I attached the pink line we were talking about to fuse #19, a 25 amp for "headlight washer," which my car doesn't have. I lack the tool to check which end of fuse is powered, and so inserted in the top slot and tightened screw. It runs. Any problem if this is the wrong side?

Your help has been invaluable.

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

Sounds like a good choice. To test without a test light or meter...just take the fuse (#19) out and then try to turn the fan on as normal and see if it still runs. If it does, switch your wire to the to the other side. The idea is if there is a short, the fuse will open and turn the fan off before it or the relay burns up.

You should also take the other unswitched hot lead (the one that goes to battery) off a fuse also...if you did not already. These tend to protect your relay and fan as well as for fire safety. The same theory...use one that is large (25a if available) and does not effect anything you use a lot or cannot do without temporarily..like fuel pump, ignition, etc.

rrpjr · 01-02-2005, 07:33 AM

fintstone: Will do. And yes, I've got the hot line to the battery running through an 30 amp in-line fuse I bought at Chief.

I checked the blower direction -- correct. It is remarkably powerful (7-inch Spal). I can't wait to drive test it, if it ever stops raining and warms up a little out here.

I discovered I do indeed have headlight washers, though they are not something I will ever use.

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

The swiched power to close (turn on) the relay doesnot draw much current, so that should be more than sufficient. Sounds like you have a pretty skick setup. Installing a fan correctly is a tougher job than it looks. Even more so with an aftermarket. It is certainly a necessary upgrade if you drive in traffic during the summer.
Stoney