Questions and Answers

Acura Integra Cooling Fans Q. Hi Mr. Ciulla, Thanks for ALL the help so far....you're 3 for 3! :-) 1992 Acura Integra Hatchback 95,000 miles A/C, P/W, Cruise

I've noticed lately that when I drive somewhere, and shut off the car, the fan comes on and stays on for a while. In the beginning I thought it was normal, that the car was just cooling itself off. Now, it comes on about 8 out of 10 times. I'm also noticing that the temperature gauge doesn't move very much off Cold when I'm driving.

I don't have a long commute to work, so that's what I thought it was. But I've made a couple of 90 minute drives lately, and with or without the heat on, the temperature gauge isn't rising. Any ideas?

Thanks!

A. Thanks John, nothing like putting the pressure on me. You know one of these days I'm going to be wrong and you're going to give me hell for it. Okay, let me step up to the plate...

This is how the cooling fans work:

The fan control unit controls the operation of the radiator and condenser fans. It uses inputs from the coolant temperature sensor and A/C pressure switch on the A/C system to determine when the fans should run and at what speed. When the coolant temperature is about 183°F the fan turns on at low speed and goes off again at 172°F.

When the coolant temperature is about 194°F the fan turns on at high speed and goes off again at 183°F. When the coolant temperature is about 230°F the A/C cut turns on and goes off again at 226°F.

When the engine oil temperature is above about 221°F after the engine is stopped, then condenser fan goes into operation to cool the engine for a maximum of 30 minutes. When the temperature falls below about 194°F, then fan is stopped.

The fan motor runs at low speed to decrease operating noise by using a in-line resistor. If required, the fan begins operation five seconds after the ignition switch is turned Off.

So it sounds like your fans are operating the way they should.