Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Replacing low-speed fan resistor; removing fan

You're welcome. The coolant sensor, if unplugged should make the low fan come on right away and run nonstop, along with a check engine light (this is based on another posting someone had). Does the low fan come on with the a/c on? Even if the a/c is not working, the fan will run if you turn it on. At least you know the fan itself is good now The engine computer triggers the relay.

More data:

Moved the resonator and got better access to the engine coolant temp (ECT) sensor, ohmmeter still telling me open circuit in the sensor. Haynes predicts 35-40 kohms.

Pulled the ECT sensor connector off, turned engine on. Like Fave said, CEL, but it was the HIGH-speed fan running. Plugged the ECT connector back in, fan kicked down to low speed for a couple mins then turned off. Engine was cold.

I'm confused - if the sensor is shot and shows open circuit always... how does the computer know if the connector is plugged in or not?

Further finding: cracked insulation on both ECT wires where they enter the connector. Perhaps this has shorted out and damaged the computer circuitry that reads the sensor? Hope not but looks like I'm overdue for a wiring harness replacement. Still haven't bothered to call Ford on that yet (115000 miles oops).

Will replace ECT ASAP and report.

what was the problem PANGLOSS? was it the sensor? Pls provide feedback as i have a same problem.

Not sure yet - got hosed by Advance Auto Parts last weekend: went to local shop, at first they told me they had it, then couldnt' find it, then called another store and had them hold one for me. By the time I got to the other store they couldn't find the held one, and of course didn't have any others in stock. They had quoted me I think $30 .... then called Pep BOys and they wanted $50 for it so I am going to try to order it from Bill Jenkins - hopefully I'll have it this weekend and can give more info.

autozone has it for $15.99

Wrapping up:

This weekend replaced the ECT sensor and the fuel charge wiring harness - that includes the wires to the ECT which were badly cracked.

Together that did the trick and the low=speed fan is back in action.

I wanted to test them separately but didn't have time to do the one, run it hot enough to test the fan, let the engine cool down again and do the other repair.