98 SUNFIRE Cooling fan doesn't come on til almost in the yellow caution zone. What temp should it come on at?

Question

I HAVE CHANGED THERMOSTATS, CHANGED FAN RELAY, FLUSHED RADIATOR,CHANGED ENGINE TEMP SENSOR FIRST THING. ONLY HEATS UP ON EXTENDED IDLE OR IN SLOW CITY TRAFFIC. COOLS OFF ON THE HIGHWAY. HOW DO I GET THE COOLING FAN TO COME ON SOONER?

Answer 1

If it isn't in the red, then your engine is not over heating. It's operating as designed, there is nothing wrong with your car. It is a clutchless fan motor for that car.

A way to turn the fan on in most cars is to turn the a/c on for about 5 seconds then turn it back off. The fan turns on in most vehicles and will run a normal cycle (90, 120 seconds, in some cars more, in some cars less) because the a/c system creates additional heat that needs to dissipate.

Answer 2

I'm pretty sure they use the same temp as Corvettes, 220f, but you can actually have it changed at a shop to 180 or possibly something inbetween.

Answer 3

Hi,The fan it self is bad .It is a clutch type operation that engages automaticly.It is probably slipping, thats why it is going on late.I think you might be able to install your self ,but make sure system is off before working on it, I could be wrong so check out first,safety.Good Luck

Answer 4

most GM cars the fan comes on at 220 degrees and if you turn the air on it should come on right away.

Answer 5

on some cars, like Ford, you can turn on the fan anytime by turning on the AC or Defroster, try it

Answer 6

That's normal.

The fan is "just in case" you get stuck in traffic, and it's working just like it should.

Answer 7

you probably wont believe this but try putting on a new radiator cap.