C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Does the primary fan run when the engine is off?

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Old Jul 20, 2010 | 10:02 AM
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Default Does the primary fan run when the engine is off?

I have the service manuals for my '91 and I did a CF search but I don't see an answer to my question. Does the primary fan run when the engine is turned off if the engine is hot enough? I don't think it does but I had a problem last night that made me wonder.

My battery was dead as a skunk in the middle of the road. When I started charging the battery the primary fan relay started chattering and my aftermarket siren started. I couldn't get the security system shut off the normal way. It took a lot of on and off with the ignition and valet button. I believe that the system is what caused the battery to go dead but the battery is a good one and I didn't hear anything all night long. If the fan ran for a long time I can see that would probably wear the battery down.

Anybody got any guesses what cuased the dead battery? (I had not set the security system. The car is kept in a insulated garage and I haven't used the aftermarket system for a couple of years.) Gary
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Old Jul 20, 2010 | 10:19 AM
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Nope -the main fan shouldn't run once the ignition is "off".

Once a battery is reconnected and the ignition is turned "on" it may start the AC blower motor by default perhaps some aftermarket security systems are sensitive as well. Problematic lighting issues will kill a battery's stored voltage over time....disconnecting the under hood lights may be a good place for you to start.

If your car battery died "dead as a skunk in the middle of the road" while driving then you should take a look at the alternator and related circuits.
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Old Jul 20, 2010 | 10:22 AM
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For the fan to run with the engine off you would have to leave the key on. Have the battery and the alternator tested then go from there.
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Old Jul 20, 2010 | 01:15 PM
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Originally Posted by BADDUCK
For the fan to run with the engine off you would have to leave the key on. Have the battery and the alternator tested then go from there.
I had just returned from a 400 mile run the day before and everything was working great. I check my gauges pretty often and the voltage was good for the whole trip.

I already have the fuse pulled for the hood lights so that can't be the problem. I would think my battery is good enough to hold up if I left some light on, except the headlights. Thanks for the ideas.
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Old Jul 20, 2010 | 01:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Gary R

Anybody got any guesses what cuased the dead battery?
if the car sits for a couple weeks and then is started and driven an extended time, the alternator will destroy an otherwise good battery.

reasons too much to explain here.


can't ever remember a vette radiator fan that ran with ignition switch in 'off' position, but have seen a number of vehicles that did...unless desire to reduce your digital
capability is active, treat ALL elec rad fans as 'loaded weapons'.

Last edited by redrose; Jul 20, 2010 at 01:50 PM.
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Old Jul 20, 2010 | 04:23 PM
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Originally Posted by redrose
if the car sits for a couple weeks and then is started and driven an extended time, the alternator will destroy an otherwise good battery.

reasons too much to explain here.


can't ever remember a vette radiator fan that ran with ignition switch in 'off' position, but have seen a number of vehicles that did...unless desire to reduce your digital
capability is active, treat ALL elec rad fans as 'loaded weapons'.
I've kept the battery charged and I do drive the car regularly in good weather. I don't know why the fan relay was chattering when I first hooked the negative cable back up.

I think it's time to remove the aftermarket security system. It looks like that is the problem and I've been thinking of removing it anyway. Thanks for the help. Gary
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