My radiator fan for 96 avenger does not kick in... what am i looking to replace? already replaced thermostat, hoses, radiator cap and such.... i know theres a fan switch... need to know where its located... thanks!

 

Fan Clutch Operation: A device installed between the water-pump pulley and fan of an engine- driven fan that is sensitive to engine speed and underhood temperature.

 

[*]INSPECTING[*]Fan operation can be checked by spinning the fan by hand.[*]A noticeable wobble or any blade that is not in the same plane as the rest indicates that replacement is in order. The fan can also be checked by removing it and laying it on a flat surface. If it is straight, all the blades should touch the surface. Never attempt to straighten a damaged cooling fan. Bending it back into shape might seem easier (and cheaper) than replacing it, but doing so is risky. Whenever metal is bent, it is weakened.[*]Fan clutches use a fluid-filled chamber (usually silicone) to turn the fan. Obviously, loss of the drive fluid will render the fan useless.[*]One of the simplest checks is to visually inspect the fan clutch for signs of fluid loss.[*]Oily streaks radiating outward from the hub shaft mean fluid has leaked out past the bearing seal.[*]Most fan clutches offer a slight amount of resistance if turned by hand when the engine is cold. They offer drag when the engine is hot. If the fan freewheels easily hot or cold, replace the clutch.[*]Another check that should be made is to push the tip of a fan blade in and out. Any visible looseness in the shaft bearing means the fan clutch should be replaced.[*]Fan blades are balanced at the time of manufacture but can be bent if handled carelessly.[*]Likewise, fan clutches are machined very accurately to run true. However, rough handling at the time of pump replacement causes nicks and dents on the mounting faces. This can cause the fan blade to be installed crookedly. Serious trouble might follow soon after the car is back in service.[*]Therefore, handle fan clutches and blades with care and be sure to file away any nicks, burrs, or dents someone else might have caused. Obviously, if any fins have been broken off the fan clutch, it must be replaced.
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[*]TESTING[*]Block off the radiator and run the engine with the air conditioner operating to help warm the coolant.[*]When the engine is cool, the fan will not pull air.[*]As the engine warms, there should be a noticeable increase in the noise level from the fan.[*]If the fan clutch doesn't engage before the temperature gauge shows hot, it must be replaced.[*]When a warm engine is shut off, the fan can turn a small amount, but it should not continue to freewheel. If it turns more than four or five turns, it is probably defective.[*]When the engine cools down after the radiator is unblocked, the fan should disengage.

 

REPLACING

The removal procedure for fan clutch assemblies are generally the same for all types of cars. To remove the fan clutch, simply unfasten the unit from the water pump and remove the assembly from the car.
Then, take off the capscrew that holds the assembly together to separate the fan from the drive clutch.
Attach the new fan clutch to the fan blade. Then, reattach the fan assembly to the water pump. After reassembly, clean the clutch drive with a cloth soaked in solvent. Avoid dipping the clutch assembly in any type of liquid.
The coil spring type of fan clutch can not be disassembled, serviced or repaired. If it does not function properly it needs to be replaced with a new unit.

 

is that the same as the temperature sensor ? or do i need to replace that too?

 

First off ALL of his posts are WRONG ... We have an ELECTRICAL fan assembly ...

 

so is the fan connected to a temperature sensor? if yes where is that sensor located?

 

I'm not positive on the 96's ...If you follow the wiring back it goes into a brass sensor with two terminals thats the one

 

im just wondering.. once in a while the temp gauge creeps up a bit... like a tiny bit and then comes down when the car is idle... is that normal?

again i changed the radiator, rad cap, thermostat and hoses... just noticed the fan never came on.. or atleast never heard it....