Fan Test Question

[BTERRY1]

Okay, first of me and electricity don’t mix so don’t laugh at this very basic question. I need to test functionality of a fan I just replaced that is not working. Can I very simply run two test wires from the battery to the terminals on the fan to test its functionality? Long story short. Yesterday for the first time temp gauge hit the ¾ mark. Pulled over to investigate and noticed passenger side fan not working. I turned off the car and tried to spin it and it was frozen. No biggie, 30 year old fan bound to go at some point. I had a spare in the garage that I got in a parts trade. Didn’t think about testing, just swapped it in. It spins freely but does not come on. Still only the driver’s side operates. Hmmm… wiggled the wires, checked fuses, wires on switch etc. No luck. So before I start tearing apart or purchasing another fan I want to crudely test it. Will my jumper wire question work?

thanks Brian

[CHICKS]

See if it comes on when you turn on the ac.

[BTERRY1]

AC doesn't work. Should have included that.

[nightheart]

Ac should turn on the fans (whether its charged or not), but yes you just apply power from the battery to the 2 fan terminals and it will spin if working.

[nightheart]

I think there are separate fuses for each fan, so did you check them both? The fuse definitely blew, if the fan seized up. Safety feature to keep from pushing power to a dead fan.

[BTERRY1]

I'll double check the fuses under the dash. Looked once and all looked fine but will check again. I'll do a little fuse search refeference on clarks

[BTERRY1]

Yup fuse #5 in the panel above relay bank. Didn't check that one the first time. Now, why are they coming on later than before. Not till the 3/4 mark. Much higher then before. And... The fan spins by hand without rubbing but once at full speed rubbing the housing somewhere. Very loud and annoying.

[CHICKS]

Anywhere between the two marks is safe. My fans wont come on till around the 3/4 mark as well, you're fine there. Try and look where the fans are rubbing, it should be obvious. Please do this with the car off, and the battery disconnected.

[nightheart]

Is the fan spinning backwards? The first fan comes on then if the car is still running hot, the second fan kicks on. If you reversed the wires on the drivers side fan, then the passenger side fan will come on at the 3/4 marks to keep car cool. I might have them backwards, as to which is comes on first.

unhook battery, and spin fans by hand as fast as you can without breaking a blade or your knuckles. Had to do this when mine was rubbing to see what it was hitting. Double check all your bolts and make sure they are tight too. When fans kick on, the shroud can vibrate if not tight. My 2 cents....

[Chucked]

Clark's Garage has the correct procedure with diagrams.