I have a 1998 dodge stratus 2.4 in live 4 cylinder. I was wondering if the radiator fans are on all the time or only at certain times. Thank you.

 

stage 1 - single fan low -usually used to maintain temp but not cool. this should normally go on and off.
stage 2 - single fan high- car has gotten a little to warm, high fan kicks on to quickly cool the motor. this will randomly turn on, especially when stopped or idling
stage 3- both fans on - either the car is too warm and it is trying to cool itself off or the A/C is on (either to cool the car or to run the defroster), one of the fans should go on and off individually to keep the motor at normal temp
FAIL SAFE MODE- Both fans on high all the time. caused by the car not finding a signal from the temp sensor, either by the relay failing or the sensor itself failing. Sounds like a vacuum...