Electric Fan Switch
Operation
On 1988 to 1994 Continental with 3.8L engines, The electric radiator cooling fan motor is mounted within a shroud behind the radiator. The Constant Control Relay Module (CCRM) actuates the fan when the coolant reaches a specified temperature, when the engine reaches a specified speed, or when the air conditioning clutch is activated, if so equipped. The same holds true for the 4.6L engines, the exception being that when the A/C high-side pressure is above 300psi, the fan control does not shut off.
NOTE
The cooling fan motor will not cycle with the air condition clutch on. The exception to this is when vehicle speed is over 45 MPH (72km/h) and the coolant temperature is below 220°F (104°C). The fan will then automatically shut off.
On 1995 to 2000 Continental , the cooling fan motor is controlled during vehicle operation by the Constant Control Relay Module (CCRM) and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) which will energize he cooling fan motors under certain conditions.
cooling fan motors will run at low speed if:
The engine temperature is higher than normal. The cooling fan motors start running at 216°F (102°C) and stops running at 212°F (100°C),
The A/C is on and the vehicle speed does not provide enough natural airflow. The cooling fan motors will stop running at speeds over 38mph (61 km/h) if the coolant temperature is below 212°F (100°C) and the A/C head pressure is below 250psi (1.71MPA).
The cooling fan motors will run at high speed if:
The engine temperature is higher than desirable and cooling fan motors have been operating at a low speed. The cooling fan motors start running at high speed when the coolant temperature exceeds 228°F (108°C) and return to low speed when coolant temperature dorps to 222°F (106°C).
NOTE
The cooling fan motors will not cycle with the A/C clutch. The cooling fan motors will come on when the A/C switch is turned ON.
A wide-open throttle (WOT) A/C cutout is used during hard acceleration. A signal is sent to the power train control module which then signals the constant control relay module (CCRM) to cut off power to the A/C clutch field coil. This keeps the engine from being overloaded.
Removal & Installation
Electric cooling fans are controlled by the PCM based on information provided by the engine coolant temperature sensor.
3.8L Engines- Remove the radiator upper sight shield.
- Disconnect the engine control sensor wiring from the CCRM electrical connector
- Remove the retaining bolts and constant control relay module (CCRM) from its mount on the radiator support.
- Installation is the reversal of the removal procedure.
- Remove the radiator upper sight shield.
- Disconnect the electrical connector .
- Remove the variable control relay module (VCRM) retainer bracket nuts, located on the radiator support and remove the VCRM
- To install the VCRM, reverse the removal procedures. Tighten the VCRM bracket retainer nuts to 36 in. lbs. (4 Nm).
3.8L Engines
Checking cooling fan operation with an integrated controller.
- Make sure the ignition key is turned off. Disconnect the integrated controller.
- Jump pin 3 to pin 2 at the integrated controller harness connector. Does fan run-
- If yes-Key off, disconnect the PCM, reconnect the integrated controller, turn the key on/engine off.
- Does the fan run at a slow speed- If no-replace the integrated controller. Reconnect the PCM and re-evaluate the symptoms.
- If no-Key off, disconnect the cooling fan connector. Disconnect the integrated controller. Jump pin 3 to pin 6 at the integrated controller vehicle harness connector
- Using a DVOM (digital volt/ohm meter), set to the 20 volt scale, and measure the voltage at the cooling fan vehicle harness. Is the voltage is greater than 8 volts-
- If yes-replace the fan motor, reconnect the integrated controller and re-evaluate symptom.
- If no-Key off. Disconnect the cooling fan and the integrated controller. Jump pin 3 to pin 6 at the integrated controller vehicle harness connector. With a DVOM on a 20 volt scale, measure the voltage at the cooling fan harness connector, positive side and the battery negative post. Is the voltage is greater than 8 volts-
- If yes-Service the open in the ground circuit to the fan. Reconnect all the components, and re-evaluate the symptoms.
- If no-Service the open in the power-to-fan circuit from Pin 6 and Pin 7 of the integrated controller harness connector the cooling fan harness connector. Reconnect all the components, and re-evaluate the symptoms.
The Variable Control Relay Module (VCRM) controls
The cooling fan motor operation and speed.
The A/C clutch operation /.
Other non-A/C functions.
It also increases and decreases the cooling fan motor speed as necessary, depending on the refrigerant system high-side pressure.
Turns off the A/C clutch circuit OFF if the high-side pressure exceeds 425psi
- To begin testing, perform the PCM Quick test.
- Service any codes.
- Check for a binding/seized-cooling fan.
- Connect Scan tool
- Turn the Key-on Engine off (KOEO)
- Access the output test mode on the Scan tool
- Command the cooling fan ON and check for fan operation -For two speed fan applications check both fan speeds (wait 30 seconds after commanding high speed fan on).
- Does the fan operate-
- If no-
- Command the cooling fan OFF ; and disconnect the cooling fan.
- Command the cooling fan ON ; and measure the voltage between the power-to- fan circuit at the cooling fan vehicle harness connector and chassis ground.
- Is voltage greater than 10.00 volts-
- Turn the key OFF .
- If voltage supply is greater than 10.00 volts (source voltage) than power is being supplied to the fan.
- Disconnect the scan tool from the Data Link Connector (DLC).
- Measure the resistance between the ground circuit at the cooling fan vehicle harness connector and the chassis ground.
- If resistance is less than 5 ohms, replace the fan motor.
- If not, service the open ground circuit; reconnect all components, verify the systems operation.
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