Cooling fan surge

Technical info on the Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix including do-it-yourself info
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Vibrator03
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Aug 28, 2016 8:57 am
Location: Ontario Canada

Cooling fan surge

Post by Vibrator03 »

Hey, other day used remote start. And as I walk up to car I notice the cooling fan surging. Not on off but spin and then spin faster. Happened for about 5 min...and went away. Later day same thing. Hasn't happened again (unless wife hasn't noticed and told me). It was NOT the idle speed fluctating. Tach remained at fast idle until it came down.
Thoughts? SUggestions? opinions?

thanks in advance :)
jolt
Posts: 945
Joined: Sun Mar 02, 2014 2:07 am
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota

Re: Cooling fan surge

Post by jolt »

A fan relay going bad, or a fan going bad, or bad electrical connections in fan system? Air conditioning on and fan fast cycling to keep up with the heat?
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MacGyver
Posts: 340
Joined: Sat Apr 30, 2016 2:45 pm
Location: Ottawa (09 Base)

Re: Cooling fan surge

Post by MacGyver »

Does this happen only when the vehicle has been started remotely?

I'd want to put a multimeter on the fan when this behaviour is observed and see what's what.
2009 Vibe Base
Vibrator03
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Aug 28, 2016 8:57 am
Location: Ontario Canada

Re: Cooling fan surge

Post by Vibrator03 »

guessing its the motor, relay is just guessing.

however I appreciate the input.

Sorry I dont know how to use a multimeter, I pulled the relay today and fan came off but when I plugged back in it would click and thus fan would cycle on high and low speeds constant. I took video.
I went to crappy tire and priced a relay. $99.....frig that to guess.
The fan either works or it doesnt so I am not gonna condemn the fan....Ill try to get a relay from somewhere.
again, thanks for the advice.
jolt
Posts: 945
Joined: Sun Mar 02, 2014 2:07 am
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota

Re: Cooling fan surge

Post by jolt »

Try this:
https://www.amazon.com/Santech-Industri ... automotive

It is better then $99 if it fits.
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MacGyver
Posts: 340
Joined: Sat Apr 30, 2016 2:45 pm
Location: Ottawa (09 Base)

Re: Cooling fan surge

Post by MacGyver »

Vibrator03 wrote:I went to crappy tire and priced a relay. $99.....frig that to guess.
Stop shopping for car stuff at Canadian Tire and go to rockauto.com

Use the money you save to buy a multimeter and learn how to use it.
2009 Vibe Base
Vibrator03
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Aug 28, 2016 8:57 am
Location: Ontario Canada

Re: Cooling fan surge

Post by Vibrator03 »

I ordered one locally from a jobber here for $30. I was going to put it in but something else arose. My health is not well so I just took it to my mechanic and asked him to figure it out.
Thanks again for trying to help. Much appreciated.
Vibrator03
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Aug 28, 2016 8:57 am
Location: Ontario Canada

Re: Cooling fan surge

Post by Vibrator03 »

Ok so I took it to my mechanic. Took him awhile to get it to duplicate issue but finally it did. The high pressure AC switch was causing the fan to on and off. Was low in freon as it was leaking from switch. The plug was green too. Goota find a plug at the wreckers, and had him order a new switch.

Just letting ya know.

again, thanks for your kindness
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