97 cobra overheating issues

Clemmonssvt

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Aug 16, 2018
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Alvin
Ok so I have a 97 mustang cobra that has been getting hot and I noticed the fan is not kicking on and I don’t think the thermostat is opening. I’ve changed the thermostat twice and put on a new fan. What could this b it’s driving me nuts could the water pump b out? Ive also noticed the fan never comes on unless I have the air conditioner on the fan is new and so is the thermostat. Does anybody kno what could b causing this.
Thanks.
 
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Clemmonssvt

New Member
Established Member
Joined
Aug 16, 2018
Messages
14
Location
Alvin
Ok so I have a 97 mustang cobra that has been getting hot and I noticed the fan is not kicking on and I don’t think the thermostat is opening. I’ve changed the thermostat twice and put on a new fan. What could this b it’s driving me nuts could the water pump b out? Any suggestions would b awesome.
Thanks
I also noticed my fan is not coming on unless I turn on the air conditioning does anybody kno what might b causing this
 

SNAKEYE

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Coatesville, PA.
To those whose radiator fan is not turning on with engine coolant temperature rise:

First make sure that your engine coolant is at it proper operating level. A low level of coolant will not properly deliver heat to the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor, which will not then be able to tell the control circuits to turn on the fan.

Second, because your fans run when the A/C is switched on all of the main fan wiring and connections are in proper operating condition, a very good thing!

Which leads to the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor, which could have quit working, or there could be faulty wiring leading to it. The ECT is located at the front of the engine to the right of the alternator. It kinda looks like a small brass sparkplug, and has a two-wire gray connector plugged into it. To test for a faulty sensor, with the ignition switch on and fingers, clothes, and tools out of the operating area of the fan, unplug the connector and short circuit the two connections within with a small gage wire (like a paper clip). This simulates the ECT sensing very hot coolant and being of low electrical resistance. There is no danger of electrical shock or frying any wiring. The fan should come on right away. If not go on to inspecting the wiring to eliminate it as a possible fault.
The ECT is/was Motorcraft Part No. F5AZ12A648AB and cost me about $29 dealer cost back in the day when I was into modifying 'SNAKEYE'.

Good luck guys!
 

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