https://www.fieropedia.com/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Radiator_fan_relay 2026-09-05T08:29:48Z Revision history for this page on the wiki MediaWiki 1.46.0 https://www.fieropedia.com/index.php?title=Radiator_fan_relay&diff=384&oldid=prev 2026-07-19T00:20:01Z

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<p>Created page with &quot;&#039;&#039;&#039;Radiator fan relay&#039;&#039;&#039; refers to the electrical relay used to switch power to the <a href="/index.php?title=Pontiac_Fiero" title="Pontiac Fiero">Pontiac Fiero</a> <a href="/index.php?title=Radiator_fan" title="Radiator fan">Radiator fan</a>. The radiator fan relay allows a low-current control circuit to turn on the higher-current radiator fan motor. == Overview == The radiator fan motor requires more current than a simple temperature switch or control circuit should carry directly. The radiator fan relay acts as an electrical switch. When the control side of the relay is activated, the...&quot;</p> <p><b>New page</b></p><div>&#039;&#039;&#039;Radiator fan relay&#039;&#039;&#039; refers to the electrical relay used to switch power to the [[Pontiac Fiero]] [[Radiator fan]].<br /> <br /> The radiator fan relay allows a low-current control circuit to turn on the higher-current radiator fan motor.<br /> <br /> == Overview ==<br /> <br /> The radiator fan motor requires more current than a simple temperature switch or control circuit should carry directly.<br /> <br /> The radiator fan relay acts as an electrical switch. When the control side of the relay is activated, the relay closes and sends power to the radiator fan motor.<br /> <br /> A faulty relay, poor connector, wiring problem, blown fuse, bad ground, failed fan motor, or control-circuit problem can prevent the radiator fan from operating correctly.<br /> <br /> == Location ==<br /> <br /> {{Image wanted|Photo or diagram showing the radiator fan relay location near the front of the Fiero, close to the radiator/headlight area.}}<br /> <br /> The radiator fan relay is located at the front of the car, near the radiator/headlight area.<br /> <br /> The exact location and appearance may vary by year and configuration. It is part of the front electrical and cooling-fan circuit, not the engine-mounted temperature switch.<br /> <br /> The radiator fan relay should not be confused with the [[Radiator fan switch]]. The switch is the temperature-controlled trigger; the relay is the electrical power-switching device.<br /> <br /> == Function ==<br /> <br /> The radiator fan relay switches power to the fan motor.<br /> <br /> A simplified fan-control path is:<br /> <br /> # The engine reaches the fan-switch temperature or another fan-control condition is met.<br /> # The fan-control circuit activates the relay.<br /> # The relay closes.<br /> # Power is sent to the radiator fan motor.<br /> # The radiator fan runs.<br /> <br /> The relay allows the fan motor to receive the current it needs without routing all fan-motor current through the temperature switch or control circuit.<br /> <br /> == Relationship to the radiator fan switch ==<br /> <br /> The [[Radiator fan switch]] is mounted on the engine and reacts to coolant temperature.<br /> <br /> The radiator fan relay is mounted at the front of the car and switches electrical power to the fan motor.<br /> <br /> The switch controls the circuit.<br /> <br /> The relay powers the fan.<br /> <br /> == Common symptoms ==<br /> <br /> Possible radiator-fan-relay-related symptoms include:<br /> <br /> * Radiator fan does not turn on<br /> * Fan works intermittently<br /> * Fan works only when jumped or powered directly<br /> * Fan works with one control method but not another<br /> * Engine overheats at idle or in traffic<br /> * Relay clicks but fan does not run<br /> * Fan runs constantly if relay contacts stick closed<br /> <br /> == Common causes ==<br /> <br /> Common causes of fan-relay-related problems include:<br /> <br /> * Failed radiator fan relay<br /> * Poor relay connector contact<br /> * Corroded terminals<br /> * Broken wiring<br /> * Blown fuse<br /> * Poor fan ground<br /> * Failed fan motor<br /> * Faulty radiator fan switch<br /> * Control-circuit problem<br /> * Previous wiring modifications<br /> <br /> == Diagnosis ==<br /> <br /> Basic diagnostic checks include:<br /> <br /> # Confirm whether the engine is actually overheating.<br /> # Check whether the radiator fan turns freely.<br /> # Check whether the fan motor runs when powered according to the correct test procedure.<br /> # Check fan fuse and related power supply.<br /> # Inspect the radiator fan relay connector.<br /> # Check for corrosion, heat damage, or poor contact.<br /> # Listen or feel for relay operation when the fan is commanded.<br /> # Test or substitute the relay if appropriate.<br /> # Check the radiator fan switch and control circuit.<br /> # Check the wiring diagram for the specific year and configuration.<br /> <br /> == Fan motor circuit ==<br /> <br /> The relay is part of the fan motor power circuit. If the relay operates but the fan does not run, the problem may be in the fan motor, fan ground, power wiring, connector, or fuse.<br /> <br /> Related topics:<br /> <br /> * [[Radiator fan]]<br /> * [[Electrical system]]<br /> * [[Ground problems]]<br /> * [[Wiring diagrams]]<br /> <br /> == Control circuit ==<br /> <br /> If the fan motor and relay are functional but the relay is not being activated, the problem may be in the fan switch, air-conditioning control circuit, ECM-related control circuit, wiring, or connector path, depending on year and equipment.<br /> <br /> Related topics:<br /> <br /> * [[Radiator fan switch]]<br /> * [[ECM]]<br /> * [[Air conditioning]]<br /> * [[Connector pinouts]]<br /> <br /> == Relationship to overheating ==<br /> <br /> A failed radiator fan relay can cause overheating at idle, in traffic, or during low-speed operation.<br /> <br /> If the car cools normally at road speed but overheats when stationary, the radiator fan circuit should be checked.<br /> <br /> However, overheating can also be caused by low coolant, trapped air, crushed coolant pipes, incorrect caps, radiator problems, thermostat problems, water pump problems, or other cooling-system faults.<br /> <br /> == Notes ==<br /> <br /> Do not assume the fan relay is bad simply because the fan does not run.<br /> <br /> The fan motor, fan switch, fuse, wiring, ground, relay connector, and control circuit should all be considered.<br /> <br /> The relay is separate from the engine-mounted temperature switch.<br /> <br /> == See also ==<br /> <br /> * [[Radiator fan]]<br /> * [[Radiator fan switch]]<br /> * [[Cooling system]]<br /> * [[Overheating]]<br /> * [[Electrical system]]<br /> * [[Ground problems]]<br /> * [[Wiring diagrams]]<br /> * [[Connector pinouts]]<br /> <br /> [[Category:Fieropedia]]<br /> [[Category:Cooling system]]<br /> [[Category:Electrical system]]<br /> [[Category:Diagnostics]]<br /> [[Category:Common problems]]</div>

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