Cooling fan runs all the time

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john188971
Posts: 34
Joined: Mon Mar 21, 2016 4:05 pm

Cooling fan runs all the time

Post by john188971 »

Good morning!
I have a quick question. I'm new to vibe ownership. I have a 2006 with 68k base. I've noticed my cooling fans run basically all the time the car is running. This morning I started it at 53 degrees outside temp. Fans came on within 5 seconds of running, and didn't shut off until I got to work. 30 minute drive.
Cooling system is full of antifreeze. I haven't checked the mixture but that shouldn't matter since it's spring.
So my question is.
Is this normal? Or
Do I have a temp sensor bad?
Thanks to everyone for their time!
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runningslow
Posts: 294
Joined: Sun Sep 01, 2013 5:16 pm
Location: Dallas, TX

Re: Cooling fan runs all the time

Post by runningslow »

The fans run all the time when the A/C is on. If you have your vents set to defrost, even it you're blowing heat, then the A/C is running.

Now, if the A/C is off, then fan should cycle on and off as needed.
Josh
2005 Vibe GT ~ Platinum
2006 Vibe ~ Lava, Base, Auto
2005 Corolla S ~ Silver Streak Mica, Manual (Wife's)
A common mistake that people make when trying to design something
completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools.
john188971
Posts: 34
Joined: Mon Mar 21, 2016 4:05 pm

Re: Cooling fan runs all the time

Post by john188971 »

Runningslow,

Interesting. So ac on over rides any thermostat on cooling fans?
Never would have guessed that.
Good to know nothing is wrong. I did have the defroster on.
Thanks so much!
Once again this is a great place for help :D
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kumquat
Posts: 379
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2013 9:01 am

Re: Cooling fan runs all the time

Post by kumquat »

john188971 wrote:Runningslow,

Interesting. So ac on over rides any thermostat on cooling fans?
Never would have guessed that.
Good to know nothing is wrong. I did have the defroster on.
Thanks so much!
Once again this is a great place for help :D
The A/C system condenser is mounted between the radiator and fan. The condenser needs the fan running to work. The fan is activated either by the engine coolant temperature getting high, or by the A/C system being activated.
FeelTheVibe2004
Posts: 41
Joined: Sat Mar 12, 2016 8:30 pm
Location: Montreal

Re: Cooling fan runs all the time

Post by FeelTheVibe2004 »

You don't need the AC to be on to defrost the windshield. Just setting the control to the coolest setting, with the fan on and having the vents towards the windshield will always blow cool air. I use it during warm summers when I'm alone in the car.
Useless if you're multiple ppl and the sun is beating down on the car though.
Checked your coolant level lately?
Last edited by FeelTheVibe2004 on Sat Apr 30, 2016 2:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.
2004 Pontiac Vibe
2005 Toyota Matrix XR
1996 Honda Accord EX
john188971
Posts: 34
Joined: Mon Mar 21, 2016 4:05 pm

Re: Cooling fan runs all the time

Post by john188971 »

Thanks for your reply, yes coolant is full. It was on defroster that morning. I tested without defroster everything works as it should.
FeelTheVibe2004
Posts: 41
Joined: Sat Mar 12, 2016 8:30 pm
Location: Montreal

Re: Cooling fan runs all the time

Post by FeelTheVibe2004 »

john188971 wrote:Cooling system is full of antifreeze. I haven't checked the mixture but that shouldn't matter since it's spring.
So my question is.
Is this normal? Or
Do I have a temp sensor bad?
Thanks to everyone for their time!
Hadn't read it to the end I guess...my bad. :? lol
2004 Pontiac Vibe
2005 Toyota Matrix XR
1996 Honda Accord EX
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