Fan switch question

[gtstang86]

i have installed a mishimoto radiator with only one problem. there is some sort of electric switch box that is a rectangle shape that plugs directly into the radiator fan and a wiring harness plugs into the other end. but with the mishimoto the switch wont fit because it hits my water pump pulley. i can plug the wiring harness directly into the fan without the switch and the fan still kicks on. i just wanted to know if anyone knows what the swtich does and if its necessary...im assuming its there for a reason.

 

[HISSIN50]

Sounds like you might have the retrofitted circuit breaker for the cooling fan motor.

I'd try to leave it (since in theory it can help prevent a fire).

 

[BlownFiveLiter]

That's the circuit breaker, as JT pointed out. I guess Ford figured it was cheaper to add a circuit breaker versus replacing all the fans that can catch fire when the bearings start to fail and they draw too much amperage for the harness. An overheated engine after the circuit breaker pops is also easier to fix than a crispy car, so I'd do my best to try and find a way to retain the breaker, even if it means finding a point farther up the harness to splice it in.