New fan not engaging

lucmor444 · Postby **lucmor444** » Mon Jul 29, 2019 3:42 pm

Just replaced my Mishimoto fan with a SPAL radiator fan.

However the new SPAL fan is not starting when my temp gauge reaches the point (or past the point) where the Mishimoto fan would engage/start.

Any suggestions on what I need to do?

aviper4u · Postby **aviper4u** » Mon Jul 29, 2019 3:50 pm

so im guessing the the old fan did not work either which is why you're changing it?

maybe try to power the new and old fan directly when off the car to determine the fan or the car's actuator... should be 12V dc if i'm not mistaken you can power of the battery?

let us know how you go

Magpie · Postby **Magpie** » Mon Jul 29, 2019 4:14 pm

SPAL fans are very high draw when starting. There is the possibility that the current wiring/relay are undersized to run the fan or you have blown the fuse.

When the car is up to temperature is there voltage going to the fan?

lucmor444 · Postby **lucmor444** » Mon Jul 29, 2019 4:22 pm

Thx Magpie - I have yet to check is there is an actual current and will do that in the morning.

lucmor444 · Postby **lucmor444** » Mon Jul 29, 2019 5:17 pm

aviper4u wrote:so im guessing the the old fan did not work either which is why you're changing it?

maybe try to power the new and old fan directly when off the car to determine the fan or the car's actuator... should be 12V dc if i'm not mistaken you can power of the battery?

let us know how you go

Thanks also aviper4u. I’ll check those things too. The Mishimoto fan was working up till when the screws on it’s motor worked loose from it’s shroud and spun around on itself. It was crap at it’s job anyway so an upgrade was suitable.

lucmor444 · Postby **lucmor444** » Tue Jul 30, 2019 10:32 am

Put in a new fuse and now fan starts, runs for around 15 seconds then stops before starting up again after a few minutes and repeating the start stop cycle. Should I try a higher amp fuse?

RS2000 · Postby **RS2000** » Tue Jul 30, 2019 11:04 am

If the fan is starting & stopping automatically when the engine is up to temp, & the car is not moving through the air, then it's working as it should.
The ecu will start the fan when the coolant meets a certain temp, then stop it once the fan has done its cooling job.

lucmor444 · Postby **lucmor444** » Tue Jul 30, 2019 12:01 pm

Replaced a poor quality connector as well and everything working properly now - thx for everyone’s help.

Magpie · Postby **Magpie** » Tue Jul 30, 2019 1:50 pm

lucmor444 wrote:Replaced a poor quality connector as well and everything working properly now - thx for everyone’s help.

Electrical issues are always so much fun to resolve...

Most times it is a connection issue, wire size or fuse. Process of elimination. As I mentioned SPAL fans draw massive current when first starting up.

lucmor444 · Postby **lucmor444** » Tue Jul 30, 2019 1:57 pm

The connector in question had pretty ordinary workmanship. I’m no sparky but even my efforts make me look like a craftsman in comparison.

Those SPAL fans sure do move some air - a great upgrade.