Hi everyone,

I have a Hyundai '98 accent that was overheating really bad for a
while, and just recently I replaced the radiator. Even though I
replaced it (the original had sprung a leak) the car is still
overheating. I replaced the thermostat and the radiator cap, and it's
still overheating.

I checked out the radiator fans, and something I noticed is that there
are two fans to cool off the radiator. The fan positioned on the
drivers side is still working, but the one on the left (passenger side)
isn't working anymore. I tried to find a fan motor replacement at a
local auto parts store, but I had to return it because the motor they
provide doesn't adequately fit. However, I can find a proper
replacement for about $130.

I have a question. I don't run any air conditioning, so I thought
that at least the one fan that still works would've been sufficient to
cool the radiator? I thought the fan positioned on the left is only
really necessary for the times you run ac? I'm just wondering, that
way I'll know whether or not to order it from the autoparts store, or
maybe the overheating could be caused by something else. But I think
it's probably that fan. If any one can help, I'd appreciate it.

thanks

 

It's been long enough that I don't recall whether both fans energize for
either a/c operation or for normal engine cooling. You should probably
experiment with both situations and stab the fan connectors with a
voltmeter and see when each is activated.

It may also be worth your while to check the coolant temperature sensor to
see if it's working properly. If not, the ECM won't operate the cooling
fan properly.

It's possible that if you've overheated your engine badly enough that
you've warped the head or damaged the head gasket, and that's the cause of
the continued overheating.

 

It's been long enough that I don't recall whether both fans energize for
either a/c operation or for normal engine cooling. You should probably
experiment with both situations and stab the fan connectors with a
voltmeter and see when each is activated.

It may also be worth your while to check the coolant temperature sensor to
see if it's working properly. If not, the ECM won't operate the cooling
fan properly.

It's possible that if you've overheated your engine badly enough that
you've warped the head or damaged the head gasket, and that's the cause of
the continued overheating.