overheating problem

thanks for the diagram rustbucket, I am picking up the relay and a new temp sensor today this looks like it should be a good fix.

The temp switch you want is the one that threads into the block in the back on the driver's side. The ground referenced in the drawing is the engine block. There is only one wire connection on the temp switch.

Ummm...I thought that was just the sender for the gauge. I thought the coolant sensor in the lower intake was the one that told the computer to switch the fan on.

2.3 cars have the fan controlled by a CCRM or similar module. On my 89 it is under the dash to the left of the steering column. On later ones, it is under the hood and has a different name. It is controlled by the EEC4 module to some degree.

There is a separate temp sensor for this module, (as well as one for the EEC and one for the gage) but it does not control the fan directly, but via the relay module.

On my 89 the relay in the module controls the fan directly, so there is large amps going from the module to the fan motor. It tends to overheat and melt the connector at the module. Ford and the aftermarket sell the new connector as well as the module. My modules survived, but I have melted two connectors.

I ended up putting a relay at the fan for power and using the module to just operate the relay.

Then last week the new fan motor died, so the original is back in and working fine.

I am having the same heating problem...on a hot day (over 85) and in traffic, the fan kicks in, but it doesn't cool the engine, it continually keeps slowly getting hotter.

Any Ideas?

Anyone have any ideas?

Flush your radiator.

Also, you're a lot better off starting a new thread than replying to a 3 year old one.

Guys,

If you're overheating despite the fact that your fan is coming on, there's only a few things it can be:

1. Faulty temp gauge lying to you: verify temp readings with infrared thermometer before you spend any money on new parts. Of course if you're puking out coolant that's a good sign you are in fact overheating.
2. Bad thermostat: test in pot of water on stove with meat thermometer and watch for temp at which it opens. If bad, replace with a new one but test the new one the same way before you install it.
3. Clogged radiator: shine flashlight down into radiator and look for deposits clogging ends of core passages. If it's gunked up, flush radiator like Red_LX says.
4. Low on coolant: fill it up and check for leaks. Check coolant level in radiator, not just overflow bottle.
5. Fan not moving enough air: check radiator fins for debris clogging them; check fan to make sure it's getting enough amps and spinning fast enough.