Date: Sat, 14 Oct 2017 16:51:52 -0700
Reply-To: Mark Hersh <cmwolfsburg@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mark Hersh <cmwolfsburg@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Radiator fan issue - where's the ground?
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Greetings vannuts,
Subject vehicle is 1986, 2.1L waterboxer with auto trans (early in model
year; built Aug 85) with factory AC that has been pretty much
disconnected/removed other than the dash switch to the left of the steering
column. That used to operate the fan until I was messing around in there
some years ago doing a headlight upgrade (Frank Condelli kit). After that
the AC switch did not work the fan but everything else was good (except for
the key-in-ignition chime, which I miss, but that may have been the result
of a new ignition switch repair).
The radiator was replaced in 2008 and coolant regularly flushed/serviced,
so there is about 40K miles on the radiator (don't know on the coolant). I
didn't do the rad replacement so I don't know if the thermoswitch was
replaced then, I would guess so as it was part of an engine
replacement/tranny rebuild/get the sucka roadworthy.
I can't remember the last time hearing the fan, probably over the summer
(haven't driven much since). The other day when I was parked with engine
running (waiting for emissions testing) my fan did not come on and my gauge
was elevated and light blinking. Got it moving and it calmed it down some
and I got home. I let it cool a couple hours and went back to the
emissions station (and passed) and the fan did not come on but I never got
so hot that the light blinked.
Yesterday I did the troubleshooting Ken Wilford outlined at
https://www.vanagain.com/troubleshoot-your-radiator-fan/ (Thank you, Ken!)
The only response was clicking from the high-temp rad fan relay (on top of
the under-dash fuse panel). No low-speed response, no high-speed response,
other than the clicking relay.
I suppose the next step is either testing for 12 V at the fan (with the
thermoswitch plug jumped) or apply 12 V directly to the fan) and see the
results.
I'm thinking also that perhaps I should clean the ground for the fan, and
I'm guessing that it is nearby. But before I go hunting for it I thought
I'd ask. I know the low-speed resistor is behind the drivers' side
headlight (thanks again, Ken). Is the ground there also?
Thanks
Mark
--
86 Campmobile Six-Seater "Monty"
Black dogs are euthanized at a greater rate than other-colored dogs,
regardless of temperament. Learn about Black Dog Syndrome at
http://www.blackpearldogs.com/ Learn about black dogs in a Vanagon at
http://www.pbase.com/mhersh/image/108220533
