Hey guys, quick question. I noticed today the radiator fans on my Protege aren't running unless I have my a/c on. My temperature gauge reads just the same as it always has, just shy of halfway. Most of my driving this summer has consisted of short trips, so I'm thinking maybe my engine just isn't hot enough for them to come on.

The only reason I'm concerned is because I DID install the Injen intake a few weeks ago, and I'm thinking maybe I fudged up the temperature sensor.

So is it normal for the fans to stay off when the engine is cool, or is something wrong?

 

the fans ARE thermostatically controlled....yes the coolant system has to reach a specific temp BEFORE they will turn on......are you checking the fans to see if they are running like right after you have been driving your car and you pull in somewhere? because under those circumstances they MAY not be running...

after you have your car all warmed up.....just let it set and idle on the drive way a little....see if they come on...and if your guage still reads normal....keep an eye on it just in case....

if you are still in doubt.....take the car to the dealer and tell them you suspect that the fans aren't working and ask them to check out the fans and the switch.....

do NOT tell them that you think you MIGHT have messed up the switch.....because you do not KNOW you did...and if you even mention it to them....they will certainly tell you that you did if its not working properly....just let them check it out, if you even get that far.

 

I just checked it out again, and they're working fine. I took it for a quick drive, then let it sit in driveway. After idling for about 4-5 minutes, one of the fans came on. The temperature gauge never budged, so I assume everything's working as it should. I usually have my a/c on anyway, so when I drove around for a while with it off and didn't hear the fans, I got concerned. I should have realized the engine is easier to cool when the a/c is turned off.

Anyway, thanks for your replies.