the electric fan in my camo tercel isn't functioning, and its getting warmer out. the temp gauge climbs a little more than i'm comfortable with in stop and go traffic.
i've combed the forum looking for all the components of the electrical fan system, and found bits and pieces here and there. maybe someone can compile a list for me to check off the top of your ever-mechanical minds? tests and tricks to get the fan going
with the ignition on (or engine running if you want but not necessary), unplug the fan temp sensor at the bottom of the radiator (right next to the lower rad hose). If the fan come on the fan is working. If the fan does not come on, check fan contacts, fuse, etc. Test fan wiring with a volt meter to verify if you are getting 12 volts to fan, and with a 12volt jumper wire (see wire diagram to find correct contact) see if fan works when you apply 12v to the van. If not the fan needs replacing.
If the fan is working, allow the car to idle and watch the temp gauge, fan should come on just a little above half way. If it gets hot turn on the heater fan heat on high, temp should drop fast. If not turn it off and let it cool. NEVER LET THE TEMP GET NEAR THE RED ZONE, the head gasket can be very sensitive to temp, it can get damaged even without getting into the red zone.
Unplug the fan sensor so fan is on and try idling the engine until it warms up, if it never gets above half way, the fan temp sensor in the bottom of the radiator needs to be replaced.
With engine off, ignition on, have some ground the temp sender wire (on front of head next to coolant outlet and timing belt cover), the temp gauge should go from cold all the way to hot. that checks your gauge is working properly.
Most common problem with the fan is the temp sender.
If your fan is working and it gets hot, try replacing the thermostat. If it is over two years old get a new one anyway. do not get a cheap one, get the best you can buy. Autozone and Napa both sell good t-stats for about $15-18, or get a factory Toyota t-stat from a dealer (do not pay more than about $20, shop the different toy dealers in your area or try Butler Toyota web site sales). The cheap ones give up to early and are often bad right out of the box.
