Thread: Radiator fan problems when idle

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  1. #1 Radiator fan problems when idle 
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    2005 Pontiac Grand Prix: Looking for an opinion on the problem

    About a month ago, I noticed that my temperature gauge was going higher than normal when I was at a stop light or going through a drive-thru. I checked my antifreeze and it was a little low so I topped it off. The problem went away for about 2 weeks and then it start to creep up again while at a stop. Again, I checked the antifreeze and was a little low. I added more (about 1 quart) and again the temperature stayed normal for about a week. I checked for leaks and did not find any. I had to add about another quart and it was fine for about 4 days and started the same cycle of the temperature going up at a stop. I checked the radiator fans at this point (with it just filled) and noticed that the fan on the drivers side was running when it was supposed to (with AC on or when temperature rose) but the fan on the passenger side came on for a short time and then went off. It looks to me from looking at the manual that both fans are supposed to be either off, on slow or on fast. I found that there are 3 fan relays. I pulled them out and checked them with a multimeter and all seemed to test okay. I also looked at oil and it doesn't appear to have antifreeze in it. I see no white smoke coming out of tailpipe and there is no sweet smell that I can smell.

    Any advice on what would cause this would be appreciated. I was going to change all 3 relays out but not sure if that makes sense or what the problem would be causing the fan to not stay on and also the loss of antifreeze. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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  2. #2 Re: Radiator fan problems when idle 
    Turbo is the way to go. Fivefingerdeathpunch's Avatar
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    Intake gaskets for sure on the missing coolant. It's slowly eating it and that's why you see no smoke and can't smell it. Soon enough it will get worse and could cause major engine damage if it completely goes and sends coolant into the crank case.

    Not sure on the fan issue.

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  3. #3 Re: Radiator fan problems when idle 
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    Thank you. Have you ever changed the intake gaskets? I found something online that doesn't sound like it would be too hard to change but sometimes that's not the case.
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  4. #4 Re: Radiator fan problems when idle 
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    For an update: Dealing with the fan not coming on, I went and replaced all 3 relays for the fans and that worked on getting both fans to work. I ran it for a few days without problem and then noticed I was still losing coolant and temperature was higher than it should be. I also noticed a different noise. After opening hood it was pretty obviously coming from the water pump. I changed the water pump out and refilled the system with coolant and it has been about a week and I have no issues with the temperature rising anymore.
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