Hey guys so I have a 100% stock integra, and from the time I’ve had it, the cooling fan has been moody. Sometimes it’ll never kick on, sometimes it’ll be normal, sometimes it stays on after the engine is off and kicks on and off overnight, killing the battery. The first time it happened, I just came back and my car was dead. Anyway, any help would be appreciated! My mechanic says there are two relays for the fan control, one under the passenger seat and one under the dash, and it should be one of those. My question is, has anyone had this happen or had to replace one of those relays, and if so, where are they and what are the technical names for them? And I know that there is an ECT Switch, and an ECT sensor, but I’m not clear on the difference and which one might be the culprit. Also, my temp gauge works only part of the time, and when it does work, usually reads low. Thank you!
Get a new mechanic, there are no relays under the seats! Sounds like you have a bad thermo switch, or a bad relay ( which is on the radiator support not under the dash). You could also have a short in the harness. Start by replacing the switch.
Thank you! What do you mean by thermo switch? Do you mean the ECT Switch? And I just read through Colin’s write up on this issue, which helped greatly. I guess I’ll start by replacing the ECT switch like you said.
Yes, one and the same. Be prepared or coolant leakage when you remove the switch. You will need to add coolant and use the Bleed screw to get the air out of the head.
Ok thank you. Also, one update. Did a quick test, and my cooling fan does NOT come on when I turn AC on on my console. Correct me if I’m wrong, but when the condenser fan kicks on, the cooling fan is supposed to as well. Hmm…and also the condenser fan seems to always be on…
Should I just start replacing all the switches and sensors in the cooling and fan system? Lol
Since your going to open up the thermo switch out you might want to check the condition of the thermostat as well.
Ok so quick update-I unplugged everything: ECT switch, fan relay, etc, and cleaned all connections, plugged them back in, now my fans work. The ECT switch, being right below the distributor, had some oil on the plug. So I’ll have to wait and see if they go back to doing the same thing (sometimes not cutting off) and go from there. All the grounds and everything looked good.
Might as well replace the distributer oil seal if you had oil on the connectors.
Yes, good idea. I’ll be doing that soon. Thanks for the advice guys!