GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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?

Thanks for your reply, yes coolant is full. It was on defroster that morning. I tested without defroster everything works as it should.

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