Engine Cooling Fan — Dodge Spirit I (1988-1995)

DESCRIPTION

All FWD cars and vans and Dakota 2.5L models use electric motor driven cooling system fans. Fan assembly includes a motor support, which depending on model may include a shroud. Fan assembly is fastened to radiator by clips or bolts.

Note. Fan assembly cannot be repaired. If fan is warped, cracked, or otherwise damaged, the entire fan assembly must be replaced.

DYNASTY, IMPERIAL NEW YORKER, FIFTH AVENUE W/V6

Cooling fan is turned on when either coolant temperature or A/C head pressure become excessive. A message is sent to the Single Board Engine Control (SBEC) under these conditions and the SBEC turns on the fan through a radiator fan relay.

Cooling fan turns on when the coolant temperature sensor signals the SBEC that coolant temperature has reached 210°F (99°C). Regardless of vehicle speed, fan will turn off when coolant temperature drops to 200°F (93°C). Fan will also operate when A/C head pressure reaches 220 psi (15.5 kg/cm 2 ) and turn off when pressure reaches 160 psi (11.2 kg/cm 2 ).

ALL OTHERS

Fan will always operate when A/C compressor clutch is engaged. In addition, fan is turned on in accordance with coolant temperature. The coolant temperature sensor sends a message to the Single Board Engine Control (SBEC). The SBEC turns on the fan through a radiator fan relay.

Switching through the SBEC provides fan control. Fan should not operate during cranking until engine starts. Fan should always operate when A/C clutch is engaged.

On non-A/C equipped vehicles or with A/C off, fan will operate when vehicle speed exceeds 40 MPH only if coolant temperature reaches 230°F (110°C). Fan will turn off when temperature drops to 220°F (104°C). At speeds less than 40 MPH, fan will operate when coolant temperature reaches 210°F (99°C) and turn off at 200°F (93°C).

On all models except Dakota 2.5L, fan will operate to prevent steaming water vapor from escaping radiator. Fan will operate for 3 minutes when vehicle is stopped with engine idling, coolant temperature is 100-195°F (38-97°C) and ambient temperature is less than 60°F (16°C).

ELECTRIC FAN MOTOR TROUBLESHOOTING

To check electric fan motor, disconnect electric fan motor wire connector. Observing correct polarity, connect a 12-volt battery source and ground to fan motor connector. (Scheme 2) Replace electric fan motor if it fails to operate.

Note. If motor is noticeably overheated, system voltage may be too high. Check charging system.

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: ELECTRIC FAN MOTOR TROUBLESHOOTING

Scheme 2

FAN RELAY & SBEC TESTING

CAUTION

Check electric fan motor operation before checking fan relay and SBEC. Ensure SBEC is securely grounded.

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

With ignition on, check for voltage at Gray wire of radiator fan relay. Radiator fan relay may be located behind windshield washer bottle, in power distribution center, or in front of left strut tower. (Scheme 3)through (Scheme 6).
If battery voltage exists at Gray wire, proceed to step 3). If battery voltage does not exist, check for open or short circuit in Gray wire.
Install jumper wire between the Gray and Light Green wires of radiator fan relay. If fan operates, proceed to step 4). If fan fails to operate, check for open or short circuit in the Light Green wire between radiator fan relay and the fan motor connector.
Warm engine to normal operating temperature. Check for loose connections on fan motor and at fan motor relay. If all connections are okay, fault codes must be checked.
Fault codes can be checked by using diagnostic connector located at rear of battery. Refer to Chrysler Motors ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section G-TESTS W/CODES article, for complete instructions for connecting diagnostic tester and checking for fault codes.
If fault code indicates 88-12-35-55 (RADIATOR FAN RELAY), turn ignition on. Check for battery voltage at proper wire color of radiator fan relay. See «TEST WIRE COLORS»(/dodge/spirit/i-1988-1995/remont/cooling-fan/#engine-cooling-fan) table. If battery voltage exists, proceed to step 7). If voltage is 0-1 volt, proceed to step 9). TEST WIRE COLORS Application Wire Color Dynasty, Fifth Avenue, Imperial & New Yorker White All Others Dark Blue
With ignition off, disconnect 60-pin connector from SBEC. The SBEC is located on right front corner of engine compartment on Dakota 2.5L and on left front corner of engine compartment on all other models.
Turn ignition on. Check for battery voltage at cavity No. 31 (Dark Blue/Pink) wire of connector. (Scheme 7) If battery voltage exists and female terminal is not damaged, replace the SBEC. If no voltage exists, repair open or short circuit in Dark Blue/Pink wire from radiator fan relay to the SBEC.
With ignition off, disconnect 60-pin connector from SBEC. Turn ignition on. Check for battery voltage at proper wire color of radiator fan relay. See «TEST WIRE COLORS»(/dodge/spirit/i-1988-1995/remont/cooling-fan/#engine-cooling-fan) table. If battery voltage exists, replace the SBEC. If voltage reading is 0-1 volt, proceed to step 10).
With ignition on, test for battery voltage at Dark Blue/Orange wire (Dynasty, Fifth Avenue, Imperial and New Yorker) or Dark Blue/Pink wire (all others), at radiator fan relay.
If battery voltage exists, replace radiator fan relay. If no voltage exists, repair open or short in Dark Blue/Orange or Dark Blue/Pink wire between radiator fan relay and SBEC. Turn ignition off, reconnect 60-pin connector to SBEC and test system.