Switch for Cooling Fan

[Jenn07]

Hello fellow saturn-enthusiasts

I'm hoping someone has attempted this same bypass already. My 94 SC1 has been overheating, and the problem has yet to be diagnosed, even by the dealer. The fan only comes on when everything is extremely hot (including my feet) and the car runs really rough at these extreme temperatures. So what I am trying to do, since it seems as though the relay may be where the problem is, is wire a switch in through where the relay should be. This way I would have full control over when the fan kicks in. The problem is, I am not sure what amperage the cooling fan runs at, or what the initial surge to start it would be at? I bought a switch rated for 10A and fused it at 7.5A but it blew the fuse on first trial. The problem may also lie in the placement of the wire ends within the relay. There are about 5 holes, and I'm not sure which two to use. Any help/suggestions would be truly appreciated with summer and it's heat headed this way!

Cheerz,
Jenn

[tarsun]

and then i ran the 2 wires to a switch... thats it. works great. fan still comes on with the ac too.

[Jenn07]

Thanks for the post! I am just wondering: Did you fuse the system at all? What gauge wire did you use, and what amperage was the switch rated for?

My relay has five sockets available - do you have any idea how this would compare with yours?

Thanks again!

[tarsun]

no
dont know
dont know
dont know

[Diablo_ve]

Here is a picture

[fdryer]

A dealer that can't figure out an overheating problem may not be a future choice for other repairs. What else can they not figure out? Maybe time to look elsewhere for another repair shop that can.

As a newbie, you'll have to research this site for all the maladies associated with overheating including replacement of the radiator if the car has over 100k miles. Anyone use sealer that may be blocking off parts of the radiator leading to overheating? Thermostat ever replaced in its lifetime? As a rule, most S-series turns on their cooling fan when just next to the redline. If you know your cooling system has been maintained properly including replacing hoses, etc., as necessary then you can search for the fan switch mod that was done years ago along with the wiring diagram to manually run the fan at any time without interrupting normal operation. I believe the mod is simply grounding the signal side of the fan relay (which makes it easier to use a small switch for switching a ground) as 12v is always sitting on one side of the relay coil, waiting for a ground signal from the PCM to enable the relay. Enabling the relay closes a set of contacts that sends 12v to the fan. Without studying the wiring I don't know if the SES light will turn on with this mod though I think it shouldn't. Search around for the mod.

[Firehawk_1989]

there are a few ways to do the switch. you could wire from pins 30 and 87 to a switch (doesn't matter the rating, its very low current draw since its just the relay) or you can ground a wire, to the switch than to either pin 85 or 86, whichever one DOESN'T have 12V going to it. I can't remember which one Saturns use as hot...

[wolfman]

Or...you could simply do a SEARCH of the boards which would have found you the directions posted here: http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/sho...ght=fan+switch

Which have been on the site for 5 years now....

[Firehawk_1989]

sorry, i was just trying to help.

[Low Saturn]

Or you can wire it up using a relay. That way you dont get a SES light, a code 26 or over use the factory relay.


To be able to turn the fan on anytime.


Or to be able to turn the fan on when the keys are in the ignition.

[tarsun]

the way iu did it i DONT get the ses light... and i know the light works too

[Low Saturn]

Originally Posted by tarsun

the way iu did it i DONT get the ses light... and i know the light works too

What year is your Saturn?

[benw82]

has anyone done this mod but figured out a way to have it turn off when the car is turned off?? thanks!!

[Low Saturn]

Originally Posted by benw82

has anyone done this mod but figured out a way to have it turn off when the car is turned off?? thanks!!

Look at my post above, then look at the second image.

[tarsun]

i have a 97 sl 5spd with an sc2 engine

[2NDSOUT]

Originally Posted by Jenn07

Hello fellow saturn-enthusiasts

I'm hoping someone has attempted this same bypass already. My 94 SC1 has been overheating, and the problem has yet to be diagnosed, even by the dealer. The fan only comes on when everything is extremely hot (including my feet) and the car runs really rough at these extreme temperatures. So what I am trying to do, since it seems as though the relay may be where the problem is, is wire a switch in through where the relay should be. This way I would have full control over when the fan kicks in. The problem is, I am not sure what amperage the cooling fan runs at, or what the initial surge to start it would be at? I bought a switch rated for 10A and fused it at 7.5A but it blew the fuse on first trial. The problem may also lie in the placement of the wire ends within the relay. There are about 5 holes, and I'm not sure which two to use. Any help/suggestions would be truly appreciated with summer and it's heat headed this way!

Cheerz,
Jenn

Jenn, just curious...what is your mileage right now on your 94 Saturn? From your avitar looks as if you have rolled over 400,000 miles.

I'd like to know what your current mileage is on your 94?

[Jenn07]

Hey Bryan!

I actually just hit 421 this weekend I've been pretty impressed with the little car overall - I bought in 2002 as a first car and it has been my only vehicle since. It is a 5 speed SC1, everything is original except for the exhaust and all audio components Looks like you have a nice little collection of Saturns going yourself - Good to see!

She's definitely starting to run rough though...... at low RPM she vibrates like crazy. And now I am getting to the point where I am changing the oil nearly every weekend...... Gets expensive!

But I have always ran VPower fuel and have been running synthetic oil for the past 6 months or so. Very slowly I am losing her - one component at a time. It's so sad

How have your little ones treated you?