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Classic/Antique Car Repair/90 firebird cooling fan

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Expert: - 12/19/2007


Question
My 1990 firebird operates the cooling fan when the a/c pressure switch activates but not when the a/c is off.  Where might I look for the problem?

Answer
The electric cooling fan is controlled by the engine management computer. It gets information from the coolant sensors and turns the fan on when the engine temperature reaches between 212 and 220 degrees F. And then shuts the fan off when the temperature drops to near 200 degrees F. So unless you really get the engine warm the fan will not come on when the A/C is off.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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