[ToocoolZ28]

First,I know NOTHING about electrical systems or electricity. Now, I have a new digital volt meter and an electric cooling fan in my work car (92 Saturn) that doesnt work. How do I use this meter to test if the fan motor is bad or relay or something else. I guess what I want to know is how do I find out if the fan motor is getting power?
It's a small hand held Craftsman meter with a black lead and a red lead, the red lead can be plugged into 2 different outlets. The dial has 10 different settings.
Thanks
Ron.
Hope this isnt a stupid question.

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70 Chevelle SS396 (427)M21 Before / After
66 Nova SS 327 M20
95 Z28 Convertible T56
Aces 3081, TC #54 Gold

 

[John_Muha]

Does the one red lead output have some words next to it? Something like Volts Ohms?? The other outlet maybe says ma. The ma one you will probably never use. The black goes into the one marked ground or common.
One the dial there should be some markings. Some are for DCV (Direct Current Volts). A car is 12 DCV. Select the dial to a number above 12. Some meters have 10DCV and the next scale is 50DCV. In that case you want the 50DCV scale because it is above 12.
Touch the car frame (ground) with the black lead and touch whatever (like battery +) with the red lead. Meter should read something slightly above 12 volts.
Try that first. If you get the hang of that I or someone will type up resistance or continuity measurements. These are the only things you need on a car. (At least with that meter).

 

[d1_bradley]

Most ??? modern electric fans only come on when needed. The have a thermostatic switch that comes on usually somewhere around 200 and turns off at 190 or so.. some come on when the AC is turn on also. Are you sure the fan doesn't work at all?

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Dave Bradley
www.corvetteforum.net/classics/d1_bradley
'69 SS396 ragtop
'33 3W Coupe
'65 Vette BB Roadster

 

[Wes V]

The general ideas on how to use a meter are pretty basic but "specifics" may vary from brand to brand. Swallow all pride and find a friend to sit down with you to show you how to use it.

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Wes. Vann
Technical Reference section
Gold Member #5

 

[Coppertop]

I don't know if this applies to you (have a GM dealership friend find the specifics); but there was a TSB (technical service bulletin)as follows:

TSB: 92T48

DATE: OCT 92

Desc: Intermittent No Cooling Fan/High Coolant Temp/Idle High

Applies to '92 Saturn (LS model?) 1.9 litre engine


[This message has been edited by Coppertop (edited 10-31-2002).]

 

[ToocoolZ28]

Thanks guys for the info, ant Coppertop for the tip on the bullitin.
The fan doesnt come on at all, when sitting in traffic the temp will go up to 250 if I let it sit still that long, and it doesnt come when I turn the air conditioner on either. I'm going to do what John this evening and see how it checks out.
Ron

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70 Chevelle SS396 (427)M21 Before / After
66 Nova SS 327 M20
95 Z28 Convertible T56
Aces 3081, TC #54 Gold

 

[ToocoolZ28]

OK, I checked it out, here's the scoop. There is no current going to the fan. I used a jumper wire from the battery to the fan and the fan runs. The fuses are all good and I replaced the relay under the hood for the cooling fan but still nothing. If it makes a difference, the air conditioner doesnt work either but I dont know why (it was like this when I bought it recently). Even without the air conditioner the fan should still come on when the temp goes up.
Any more ideas??
Ron

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70 Chevelle SS396 (427)M21 Before / After
66 Nova SS 327 M20
95 Z28 Convertible T56
Aces 3081, TC #54 Gold

 

[John_Muha]

Ron
I can't help without a Saturn schematic. As Dave mentioned there's probably a thermo-switch somewhere screwed into the engine. Chevy V-8s put these into the heads or intake manifold. This would be a good thing to check out next but no idea where it's at or which one it is.

 

[Importtech]

Toocool

Shoot me an email if you need a wiring diagram..


EDIT...You didn't specify what Saturn you have..I'm not real familiar with Saturns
but looked at the SC2...looks like the PCM
controls the cooling fan relay ground based
upon input from the coolant temp sensor. Im
not sure exactly where it is but its a 2 wire
sensor Grey and yellow. Most likely what is
happening is the PCM is not grounding the
relay possibly from no signal from the ECT sensor. I'll send this John's way and maybe he can talk you through this. If you need a
different wiring diagram I'll try to help..
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best regards
Importtech

68 chevelle

my webpage
Dad's Place

[This message has been edited by Importtech (edited 10-31-2002).]