Cooling fan problem
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 320
Likes: 2
From: Philadelphia PA
Cooling fan problem
Hello everyone I am new to site site and hear awesome things about the member on it. So recently got a 96 collectors and having a minor problem with it. It runs great but the cooling fan is not kicking on when it gets hot. Initially the heater/water pump hose was bad and it was leaking coolant but I replaced it. The fan does work. I checked by putting on the ac and the fan comes right on. I also checked the fuses for the fan and they are good. Only other thing I can think it is is the fan swtich plug that goes into the block. I dont know exactly where it is so any advice is appreciated. Also is this definately the problem or has anyone else experienced this??
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 3
From: Tampa Fl
the fans don't come on till 228 and 235
everyone that gets a new vette thinks somethings wrong
If your digital dash gets over these temps without the fans coming on then theres a problem,
look at the relays on the side of the rad first after the temp check
everyone that gets a new vette thinks somethings wrong
If your digital dash gets over these temps without the fans coming on then theres a problem,
look at the relays on the side of the rad first after the temp check
Last edited by tblt44; Apr 23, 2011 at 08:33 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 320
Likes: 2
From: Philadelphia PA
.
The fan is not coming on at all for cooling. I have the actual gauge on my dash not the digital one. I was told that it could be a cooling fan swtich which I think screws in to the block and a little wire harness snaps in? If sitting still it runs extremely hot and the fan never comes on. I am afraid of it overheating and cracking a head...
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,770
Likes: 175
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
The fan is not coming on at all for cooling. I have the actual gauge on my dash not the digital one. I was told that it could be a cooling fan swtich which I think screws in to the block and a little wire harness snaps in? If sitting still it runs extremely hot and the fan never comes on. I am afraid of it overheating and cracking a head...
Use that gauge to determine if your car is getting as hot as you think it is.
Access the digital temp gauge by pressing the "gauges" button on the dash until the coolant temp is displayed.
The analog gauge will look like the needle is almost pegged before the fans come on.
Spend some time reading the owners manual, as there is quite a bit of information to be learned.
Don't have an owner's manual?
Download one in pdf format here.
http://www.gmpartshouse.com/download...96corvette.pdf
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 3
From: Tampa Fl
The fan is not coming on at all for cooling. I have the actual gauge on my dash not the digital one. I was told that it could be a cooling fan swtich which I think screws in to the block and a little wire harness snaps in? If sitting still it runs extremely hot and the fan never comes on. I am afraid of it overheating and cracking a head...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,620
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Hello everyone I am new to site site and hear awesome things about the member on it. So recently got a 96 collectors and having a minor problem with it. It runs great but the cooling fan is not kicking on when it gets hot. Initially the heater/water pump hose was bad and it was leaking coolant but I replaced it. The fan does work. I checked by putting on the ac and the fan comes right on. I also checked the fuses for the fan and they are good. Only other thing I can think it is is the fan swtich plug that goes into the block. I dont know exactly where it is so any advice is appreciated. Also is this definately the problem or has anyone else experienced this??
If you turn the A/C on and the fans are not running, then you probably have a problem. If they are turning, you are good to go.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 320
Likes: 2
From: Philadelphia PA
Okay so just got done running it and the fan actually does kick on at 228 and cools it down to about 205. I didnt realize how hot they run. My fear still is that its only 75 degrees out and while just sitting it gets up to 228. At what point is it not safe to run it? It gets up to 98 degrees in the summer and I plan on some long trips for it to the Jersey Shore where theres always traffic. At what point do I pull over and cool it off? With the lt1 aluminum head I thought this was very hot and I am afraid to crack or worp a head. Any tricks or solutions to keep it cool or is this perfectly normal? My first Vette I must add.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 785
Likes: 3
From: Richmond Virginia
It's perfectly normal 
By design they run "warmer" then most are used to seeing. Running temps. have been a hot topic (no pun intended) here on the forum many times by members new to the C4. The PCM can be programmed to turn the fans on at a lower temperature, that's what I did to mine. Some here are comfortable with the factory fan temp. settings and some aren't. Just be sure your coolant is clean/fresh (change it if you're not sure)--also be sure the front of the condenser and between condenser and radiator are clean these cars like to collect road debri in those areas 
By design they run "warmer" then most are used to seeing. Running temps. have been a hot topic (no pun intended) here on the forum many times by members new to the C4. The PCM can be programmed to turn the fans on at a lower temperature, that's what I did to mine. Some here are comfortable with the factory fan temp. settings and some aren't. Just be sure your coolant is clean/fresh (change it if you're not sure)--also be sure the front of the condenser and between condenser and radiator are clean these cars like to collect road debri in those areas
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,770
Likes: 175
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
Okay so just got done running it and the fan actually does kick on at 228 and cools it down to about 205. I didnt realize how hot they run. My fear still is that its only 75 degrees out and while just sitting it gets up to 228. At what point is it not safe to run it? It gets up to 98 degrees in the summer and I plan on some long trips for it to the Jersey Shore where theres always traffic. At what point do I pull over and cool it off? With the lt1 aluminum head I thought this was very hot and I am afraid to crack or worp a head. Any tricks or solutions to keep it cool or is this perfectly normal? My first Vette I must add.
I've had mine sitting in 100° summer heat and it has never got over 235°
Remember, at that temp on the digital gauge the analog gauge will scare you into thinking your overheating.
The analog gauge needle will be very close to pegged (just short of the shaded area on the gauge).
GM says to shut it down at 260°
With the proper mixture of coolant and the correct pressure, the coolant does not boil until 265°
If your still worried and don't want your car running at these temps, there are plenty of threads about modifying your cooling system.
IMO it's not needed, but there are quite a few members that don't like seeing those temps and have modified their cars.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 580
Likes: 8
From: Clemson SC
Can all of them be reprogrammed or just the later ones? I have an 88, and it seems to be doing fine -- with clean radiator, etc. it runs about 180 on the digital temp gage when cruising along with the temp in low 80's but quickly goes to 205 or so when going less than 40 or stopping at redlights or other slow traffic for extended time.
I am still concerned because of the low margin of error if something does happen. For example, a while back, my A/C compressor clutch bearing went out and it QUICKLY went from about 190 to about 235 before I could get to a safe place to pull off. Being in the sunny South where it frequently gets to 100F or so, I don't want to take any unnecessary chances and don't want to have to concentrate totally on my temp gage, especially with a good looking in the car next to me!
I have seen lots of posts about in a manual switch or changing to a switch that turns on at 200 and off at 185 instead of the factory settings that were mentioned. Had not heard about reprogramming though and wonder if that might be the best option if it will work for my car. Is this a dealer only project or can others do it, if so, what kind of shop am I looking for? Thanks!
I am still concerned because of the low margin of error if something does happen. For example, a while back, my A/C compressor clutch bearing went out and it QUICKLY went from about 190 to about 235 before I could get to a safe place to pull off. Being in the sunny South where it frequently gets to 100F or so, I don't want to take any unnecessary chances and don't want to have to concentrate totally on my temp gage, especially with a good looking in the car next to me!
I have seen lots of posts about in a manual switch or changing to a switch that turns on at 200 and off at 185 instead of the factory settings that were mentioned. Had not heard about reprogramming though and wonder if that might be the best option if it will work for my car. Is this a dealer only project or can others do it, if so, what kind of shop am I looking for? Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,082
Likes: 3
From: Conowingo Maryland
Can all of them be reprogrammed or just the later ones? I have an 88, and it seems to be doing fine -- with clean radiator, etc. it runs about 180 on the digital temp gage when cruising along with the temp in low 80's but quickly goes to 205 or so when going less than 40 or stopping at redlights or other slow traffic for extended time.
I am still concerned because of the low margin of error if something does happen. For example, a while back, my A/C compressor clutch bearing went out and it QUICKLY went from about 190 to about 235 before I could get to a safe place to pull off. Being in the sunny South where it frequently gets to 100F or so, I don't want to take any unnecessary chances and don't want to have to concentrate totally on my temp gage, especially with a good looking in the car next to me!
I have seen lots of posts about in a manual switch or changing to a switch that turns on at 200 and off at 185 instead of the factory settings that were mentioned. Had not heard about reprogramming though and wonder if that might be the best option if it will work for my car. Is this a dealer only project or can others do it, if so, what kind of shop am I looking for? Thanks!
I am still concerned because of the low margin of error if something does happen. For example, a while back, my A/C compressor clutch bearing went out and it QUICKLY went from about 190 to about 235 before I could get to a safe place to pull off. Being in the sunny South where it frequently gets to 100F or so, I don't want to take any unnecessary chances and don't want to have to concentrate totally on my temp gage, especially with a good looking in the car next to me!
I have seen lots of posts about in a manual switch or changing to a switch that turns on at 200 and off at 185 instead of the factory settings that were mentioned. Had not heard about reprogramming though and wonder if that might be the best option if it will work for my car. Is this a dealer only project or can others do it, if so, what kind of shop am I looking for? Thanks!
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 323
Likes: 4
From: McKinney Texas
That was a bit of stress I did not need. Wish I could have read this thread first.
Side note, my digital temp stays at 185 all day long while the needle gauge reads one bar higher.
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Ok so hearing that this is a normal temp thing im worried as when my '87 reaches about 220 in traffic in temecula it starts to have a knocking sound this sound does worry me and when its cool there is no sound so i assume it has to do with the temp of the car (coming from a 'stang that never got im still worried 
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