Fixing an overheat condition (the radiator fan) on a 1997 Toyota Corolla/Geo Prizm
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- Опубліковано 16 тра 2013
- This is a video I made showing how I helped my friend Bryan fix the overheat condition his car was having. Most aspects of a car's cooling system are the same from vehicle to vehicle, so this fix may very likely help even if you have a different vehicle.
I also talked about how the cooling system in your car should work, and some other parts that may fail and cause a problem.
If you have annotations disabled, please enable them for this video. There are a few points that I needed to clarify after the fact.
Like I said in the video, feel free to ask questions in the comments. I will try and answer them as soon as I can. - Авто та транспорт
Among the best diagnostic videos I've seen. I had a Prizm years ago. It was not the clone that the Nova/Corolla was in the 80's. I had some issues with the Prizm that the corolla did not share such as defective a/c vents, and a leaky window. Radio was better in the prizm than corolla. Other differences existed too.
I honestly love how this video is like a Combination of Scotty Kilmer & Technology Connections! :D
Wow that was probably the most thorough, helpful, and well narrated/explained diy video I've ever seen! Thanks man - I'm guna try all those tests and I'm sure one of them is guna fix my fan problem.
I’m telling you right now its the temp sensor cuz I’ve checked all but my Corolla came with a cut pigtail and or bad sensor so I’m going to get the pig tail but ether way if that doesn’t work then it’s the sensor as I’ve done everything else expect those 2.
first duck tape fuse cover from inside, or glue it . then the rest was all very informative and at the end providing the summary/recap of everything indicates he knows of one of best teaching methods
Just a Thanks! I was ready to install new thermostat. Saw your video and decided to recheck fuse to fan relay.
At the top of the fuse, it was visible the tiny wire was blown as in video- 1:49.
Well, this video has assisted me in diagnosing my 1996 Corolla (South African), found the issue to be the Relay. I replaced it, and the fan is working. 19/11/2023 🔥🔥🔥
Good job, man. You are helping this girl diagnose what part to replace quickly. Thank you
I been working on cars for 30 years now, mostly Japanese. For a non-car guy, you nailed this!
Thank you for the detailed explanation. 9 years later and your video is still rocking UA-cam. Big thumbs up.
A well put together vid explaning the Toyota cooling sys electric circuit. I'm having prob with fan on 92 Tercel and this has put me on the right track to fix the fan issue. Keep up the good work ... and thanks
Great job explaining the issue, 5 Star video thanks for your help
Excellent step by step video with simple explanation. Thank you.
Thank you. Your explanation is simple and easy to understand
Just wanted to say thank you for posting this video. Purchased a pretty sweet 1997 Toyota Corolla CE with 177k for $700 so naturally I thought I struck gold. After a 25 minute drive home I realized that the fan wasn’t working. Came across your video and sure enough, ife is good again. Thanks again man.
man your so help fullyou just help me keep my job I new what it was but for got the simple fix now I don't have to worry about over heating thank you man
I am not a motor head and i was able to understand your video, great job! All instructional videos should be like this.
This video is easy to understand and very helpful ! Thank you very much !!
awesome, you are an expert explaining technical issues
Alec, you are amazing, thank you soo much for your help.
Thank you Alec.Excellent instructor.
Excellent tutorial, well made and to the point. Thanks!
I just want to say that it really did help. Thank you. It makes sense and it is a great design once I understood how it works on how you explained it. Thank you
This worked for my Toyota Corolla Verso. Thank you so much.
This video is very helpful and informative. Searching for video to replace my corolla 1995 thermostat and just chanced into your video, I learned a lot from it. thanks....
These really helped me a lot. Thanks Alec
youre a life saver man thank you: I have a 1999 Toyota Sprinter Sedan
Great job Man👍
It was really really really helpful.
Absolutely amazing video!
I was having the same problem wit my Toyota corolla just wanted to say thxs ur video was very helpful and thxs to ur video I found out what I needed to fix the sensor was not working. Thxs for ur help. Alex
Well done. Great troubleshooting skills.
Came back to comment and say thank you, fixed my car bc of this a few months ago. I live in Miami, so it's okay to leave my connector off HAHA
Awesome video, thank you for posting it. it helped me fix my overheating problem.
Great, thorough vid. Thanks for the explanation
Great video, thank you for sharing. I have exactly the same car, with an overheating problem. In my case, when disconnecting the cooling temperature sensor and turning the ignition on, the fan does NOT run. I checked the fan's operation with a paper clip and it works just fine. I also checked the reley, and it works just fine, too. Do you have any idea what should I check next? (My mind goes to possibly worn cables, which keep the reley grounded all the time, not allowing it to de-energise.)
i wish u were my automotive instructor.crystal clear explanation.easy to understand..=)
I know this voice… it’s the dude from TECHNOLOGY CONNECTIONS!! Humble beginnings, still humble though 😌
I can tell you are an expert in what you are doing although I could not follow everything you said. Thanks
Alec..ur a good instructor ..u explain things very well.. i have only one query.. the reason maybe why fan did not run when you'v connected the sensor is because the engine is still in its cool state. . it will only de-energize the relay coil when the engine reached a predetermined high temp when engine is running.. causing the temp-operated fan to run.. & yes i also do believe that the culprit is the temp sensor.. since uv temporarily fixed ur friend's car.
This video was really helpful for me today!
Very nice job to explain this problem. Thanks a lot.
Great video. Well explained. Thanks!
thanks for the video. i was racking my brain trying to figure out how the single wire fan switch worked.
Very helpful this video I have a 1996 camry is doing that I'm going to due that tomorrow I purchase that car yesterday so thanks very much for your video and sharing you knowledge
Good Job, Very Helpful and to the point.. Thank You..
Great presentation! I have a Toyota Corolla 1999 and I notice there is a sensor on the engine block just below the intake manifold that is shattered. Which sensor is this?
Excellent video...thanks for sharing
That was very informative for me.
My 96 corolla fans arnt kicking on. I will use this info to correct this problem. Thanks.
Very well narrated.
mine still overheats during summer highway driving and I just had 10w 30 put in and fresh antifreeze and water put in but I believe it's 60/40 instead of 50/50
and fans work
but I think it takes a slightly longer time to cool down
any ideas?
fargeeks bad thermostat
+William Dowell actually no it turned out it was the radiator and or the water pump which I had both replaced
William Dowell no it was the sensor.. when I disconnected it the fan turns on.. this video helped me fix it.. I still have the car.. it's parked .I've migrated to a 93 Camry
Usually the water pump will start making a rack or leaking before it fails,
radiator could've been dirty.
Hie thanks for the video it was very help full. i have a Toyota Raum, i removed the thermostat but the did run the fun come on letter when is boiling. so what cloud be the problem?
Great video on trouble shooting. My relay done the exact same thing as your had done. I also replaced with a new temp sensor and I still get nothing. I've been pondering this issue for quite a long time. I'm getting close though... Ive got a 2000 toyota solara which is basically the same...
I like the video... smart & professional... thanks...👏👍
hey Alec great video I have a 1999 corolla with what appears to be developing the same problem I followed your tuition and it was like I was working on your friends red corolla. The only question I have is how did you disconnect that plug from the sensor?
Mine is stuck fast
Very helpful video, helped troubleshoot the problem I was having. Liked & sub'd
this is exactly what i was looking for thanks.
Great video Sir!
Top man must have lots of mech experience. Thanks very very good
I got to say that your a very good teacher I am mechanic but you explain it great
What stops the fan from turning on when the car is off?
Edit: It's a 15a fuse under the left kick panel that enables the fan. '95 Geo Prizm
Thanks for the video! If this censor is bad will it set a code in the ECM and the check engine light come on? I believe this is my problem I also found out that I can turn the AC on and it would turn the fan on and cool the car back down when it was over heating.
Great video tutorial, I have a 99 Toyota Rav 4 which is a similar engine as above, but in my test my radiator fans will not come on unless I remove the radiator fan switch which is located near the lower radiator hose. The problem is even after replacing the radiator fan switch it still doesn't kick on the fans at higher temperature. I'm guessing the theory is invalid that if you unplug a sensor and the fan doesn't come on that it would be faulty. Please help
Great explanation, thanks Alex
also will that be ok if i run it with the switch disconnect continuously
as it make the fan run
Great video. How did you get the fan connector off?
Fantastic video! Should work for other Toyotas of the same generation as well.
the fans in my 1997 Honda Odyssey not work and the thing is that when I turn on the car, the temp. gauge goes all the way to have even that I know that the car is cold, and I can`t find the problem, cu`s I all ready change the thermostat, the cooling temp. switch, the cooling temp. sensor, and I test the relays by switching them and the fuses, so what else you think I need to do?
Wow.... Thank you ... You gave the best explanation I've ever heard. This video is SOLID GOLD. Ok... one question for you. I should go back and listen to your video again, but my question is; When the engine cooling sensor is still in my hand, Is this a normally open sensor ? or normally closed sensor ? Thank you again, Have a great day.
Guess that it is open when its in your hand. Cos the fan is turned on only when its closed ( usually at high temp)
Good day
Simple and easy to understand. Thanks a lot
My car is 1994. I think that the second fan does not working, the one on the left side of the radiator. The first fan works fine. I feel that it is hotter in the engine compartment of car because I see water evaporated from the engine hood while drying in rain. Which relay should I check? Thanks
Hi there cool video and very imformative and maybe I can get some help here. My 01 accents fan wont turn on either. Checked relay, and fuses good, tested fan, good. However when I unplug my radiator tmp sensor, the fan doesnt run. I checked the volatge on plug to the fan and its fine. When I checked the voltage to plug to sensor. Gave me a weak signal but shoulndt it turn on regardless if its off?
I know engines since I could walk but never been too good with electrical wiring systems.
Any info is greatly appreciated
Hi I have the same car but 99 model, I have shorted the relay and the fan came on ok,than I tried taken the sensor clip off but the fan stayed off,can you please let me know what that means and what to do after this...... Thank you
Hi Alec,
Thanks you very much for the video. It's really help full for me. I need your assistance regarding radiator issue. When my car heated up, all the water goes out in bottle and also bottle cap open with the radiator pressure. one thing more my radiator fan also not working. My car model is Toyota 98 sedan.
Thank you...very helpful!
My problem was fan didn't turn OFF . Problem was connector in Fuse Box !!
Good tutorial !
Which connector?
man you are awesome
but i have one question i got Hyundai Accent and i got exactly the same issue
if the direct it the fan runs and if the connect the connector which turns on the sensor fan does not work
now i most of the Indian mechanics are saying its a problem with ECM in the car
is that correct
do i have to replace it or can it be fixed
because ECM costs a lot
very informative video. thx!!!
Hello, a very nice video I have the same problem I just leave the thermoswitcht unplugged so that the fan will run. I already replaced the thermoswitch, and when I plug it and wait for the temperature to go up it does activate the fan. what could be the problem? please help my car is 2E corolla.
Excelent video!
Great video! Very helpful to me 👍👍👌🙏🙏🙏
Alec, my friend. I pursued this method for diagnostics. Does your knowledge exceed what is here? This is the exact process I used, and there does not appear to be power to the fuse or relay, but if I jump the fan to the battery, the fan does run. My understanding of the function of a fuse is that it is a circuit protection device. If hot goes to ground, in theory, the fuse would blow before damage to the circuit occurs. In THIS case, there doesn't seem to be power to the system, the A/C does not turn the fan on, the fan does not turn on at all. If there is circuit damage, is there an alternative process?
It means when the coolant temperature sensor is closed it will energise the relay where the fan contact is open . And when the coolant temperature sensor get heat will open the circuit and will cut the relay . And when relay cuts so the relay will pass contact to fan . Correct me if I am wrong
Thanks for the info is this information good for my Toyota Camry 95 becouse I have the same problem could you tell me if that sensor that you point out is in same location in my Camry 4 cilindet 95 ??
Very Nice Job .....Thank You!!
you are a good man alec. I got the sensor unplugged fan runs now. would you say I'd need to replace the sensor as soon as possible to avoid the fan burning out?
im having this problem with my 97 elantra wagon. i have checked my relays they are good but even with the cable of the sensor the fan does not turn on. my book says i have to get my ecu (car computer checked) at my local hyundai dealer. i am going to replace my sensor first before i get the ecu looked at. it is a much cheaper alternative. and its only 40 bucks to try so go for it.
This video was helpful. However, my car does not overheat just in traffic. in fact, it overheats after i have been running for a little while. Then, the engine shuts off. After a cooling off period, it will start again and I can continue to my destination. Do you think replacing the thermostat will fix this? Or could it be as serious as the water pump?
And awesome video by the way!!
I understood your explanation. However, my 97 Camry has two fans! They would both come on until I replaced the radiator. What do you think happened?
Thanx it helpfully i manage to solve my car overheating problem
Peter PR
How did you do it
Thanks for your video it was awesome
thank you for the video! turns out i know my project car a lot better than i do my corolla haha
Great narrate, this is whats wrong with my 1997 Toyota Corolla
Hey Claude and Alec, I think your highway problem is probably the thermostat!!!!!!...or maybe you have a leak somewhere..hose..radiator..or water pump (when the seal in water pump breaks, it will drip out a little hole on the bottom of the water pump)...also, Alec...excellent job on the video!!!!!!...My only advice would be the water pump issue..some guy once said that it always works (if it is spinning, it is working, because it is simply an impeller) [of course the impeller could snap off internally**rare, I'm guessing**]...he told my that the only real problem with the water pump is when the seal breaks and it will leak...but will always work if belt-connected!...Also, I believe the water flow usually flows from the radiator out the top to and through the thermostat housing...and I saw some other post where a guy took his radiator cap off and could see that there was no flow???!!!--I don't know for sure...but it makes some sense! Thanks again...very useful information from everybody and especially you, Alec!!!!!!
A former Army mechanic at AutoZone told me RockAuto is great for online parts! www.rockauto.com/catalog/catalog.php
Thank you so much for this video but I have a worry though! My corolla 94 overheats on high way, when It does, i stop and open the bonnet and notice that water spilled out after heating too much, and the radiator is completely drained of its water. I fill it up again with water, fill up Coolant, and after about 30km drive, same problem. But when driving in the city, its no problem. Could you please explain to me how to approach this issue?
When I unplug the ECT sensor the fan should automatically turn on right?
Alec...If you have a car that overheats even with a belt driven fan and it has an auxillary fan also..is it wise to just run a bypass switch when in slow traffic to turn on aux. fan then..?
My car Vios when engine ignited, the coolant fan did not turn on. When i on the air conditioner, the fan will start spinning but off and on within few seconds interval repeatedly. The air conditioner will not cold after car running for 20min. What is the problem?
Hi Alec thank you for the very informative video I have subbed. I have the same problem and tried what you did but the radiator fans still wont turn on when they should (at 90 celsius), I have a Toyota Previa 2000 (ACR30) and here is what I've tried so far:
-Radiator fans work fine
-Radiator Fan Temperature switch works (tested outside)
-Coolant temperature sensor works (tested outside)
-All fan relays work (tested outside) and all fuses are fine
-When ignition is ON a paperclip into connector for the fan temperature switch turns the fans on
-The paperclip trick you did at 5:43 doesn't work for fan relay 2 and 3, but works for relay 1
-When the fan temp. switch connector is unplugged with ignition ON, the fans don't turn on
Could this mean the fan relays aren't getting power and there's a problem with the wiring going into relay box? Or should power NOT be going to those relays until the fan temp. switch triggers at 90 celsius?
I apologise it is a bit of a read, I'm really clueless at this point, thank you for your time in reading this I would really appreciate any help.
What causes a heavy noise in the engine due to over heating at mostly the head the noise comes from
I tried jumping the relay but I bypassed the control side of fan #1 and burnt the cars control module or something and now I dont have to buy a radiator temperature sensor but car acts like the ac is turned on all the time or it thinks its super hot. I used a paper clip fist on sensor thinking fans should come on. They were not working with ac switch or after driving for a while. I jumped it the day before right and only one fan was coming on but I was trying to see if the computer was working or thinking sensor bad but I used too big of a wire and now both on if I turn the key to on. Im still gonna switch sensor because of the idle but now whats the point I may get little less mpg but not never gona need a sensor long as thermostat good just a module next time.
my car will throw the coolant out of the gallon container if the heater is not on and the fans will not turn on.but if the heater is on the fans will turn on the car will be okay can it be the temperature sensor??
I have a similar engine type with the one to you are showing but problem with the radiator fan. Both fans ( Cooling and radiator )works but the radiator fan motors keeps burning out in just 4 months or so. Any ideas?
Can you make a video on how to clean the battery cables?