Dumb Fan Question

Shirley

Founding Member
Nov 14, 2001
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Phoenix, AZ
Just got a 16'' electric fan on ebay, came from a lincoln. It is a two speed, and came with a wiring relay kit. I do not want to use the two speeds, only the high speed. I can't figure out how to wire it so that it only comes on after the car is started. As of now, the high speed wire is connected to the positive starter relay, and the ground wire is connected to the negative starter relay, this obviously isn't the right wiring because the fan comes on as soon as i ground it. HELP!!!! :(
 
What is a negative starter relay? Is there a switch in the circuit?

You should use the controller or at least the relay so you dont burn up switches. With the relay, you can use nearly any key-on power source you want, since it is only drawing enough energy to energize the relay (as opposed to powering the fan itself).

Also, I would wire the low speed up. Fans are not generally made to go from off to high speed. Doing this can shorten the life of your new fan.

A DcControl unit would take care of all this, but it is probably not in the budget. If so, I know the feeling.

Good luck.
 
Electric fans need a relay for power, or you will have to run like 8 gage wire to the switch.

Install a relay for the fan, 30 amp works for most. It has power from the battery, (install a fuse in this wire), and a wire to the power terminal of the fan.

You can then run a switch from inside the car, which you power from some circuit that is hot only when the key is on. The best way is to run a switch, and then in series, run a temperature switch that turns the fan on when the engine heats up and off when it cools.