Cooling fan turns on every minute or two when idling.

[Gutbolt]

My question is basically in the title. The cooling fan on my 2005 Pontiac Vibe turns on every couple min when the car is running. AC is not on. New fan was installed 6 months ago but issue was happening prior. I'm thinking the fan actually wore out quicker due to turning on so often. What could be the issue and what order would you troubleshoot things? Thanks!

[VibeNation2024]

I have a 2007 with 110,xxx miles and a 2008 with 69,xxx miles but have never run into this or heard of this in the maintenance forum. But did you purchase this car new and this was happening since day 1? Or did you purchase used and it was always happening since you purchased it? And does it happen regardless of the temperature outside? Also, have you checked the coolant level is correct? Have you ever had the coolant replaced? Are there any indicator lights on or have you used an OBD reader to check for any codes/diagnostics? I have a topdon OBD reader and it shows the engine temp. Another member might have some other input but that is a good starting point.

[andrewclaus]

The wiring diagram I have is for a Corolla and there may be some differences. It shows the fan control is by the ECM and the A/C pressure switch, which also takes it to a higher speed. I imagine the ECM takes input from at least the engine temp sensor. I'd start with checking the temp sensor and see if the A/C switch is flaky. No check engine light?

[Gutbolt]

......did you purchase this car new and this was happening since day 1? Or did you purchase used and it was always happening since you purchased it? And does it happen regardless of the temperature outside? Also, have you checked the coolant level is correct? Have you ever had the coolant replaced? Are there any indicator lights on or have you used an OBD reader to check for any codes/diagnostics?.....

Car had maybe 230k when I got it. I don't remember it happening back then. It's at 323k now. I don't think temperature outside affects it much. Coolant level is correct. I haven't personally had fluid replaced since having car but I think new fluid was put in the reservoir on the fan when I got the new fan put in 6 months back. Not sure if that counts. No indicator lights on dash. Never used OBD

[VibeNation2024]

Interesting. If there are no lights on the dash, the OBD reader will most likely not read any active codes but it will still be to tell engine temp. But if you didn't have a baseline, then it might not help much. As far as coolant, I would expect the fan would run constantly if there was an issue there. There are some older posts that touch on this topic but nothing that matches all of your symptoms. Did the shop that replaced the fan run any test where they idled it to check that it was working properly? Maybe it is an out of the box failure or if it was refurbished it has the same issue? Small chance but not 100% unlikely. Also, not sure if you saw Andrew's reply to check the temp sensor and see if the A/C switch is flaky.