92 Accord LX - Fan doesn't run after Shut Off

I've got a 92 Accord LX 4 cyl with 150,000 on it. Noticed recently
that fan does not run after shutting car off. Took it to my local
mechanic who didn't know. Appeared that fuses were ok, so he was
guessing it was possibly one of a few different sensors that connect
to the cylinder head. I called the Honda Dealer (some 70 miles away).
He didn't offer much help other than to say that they would look at it
for $65 and suggested it could be wiring, sensors, or whatever. They
would have to troubleshoot till they found it. Thought that perhaps
someone here might have an idea about this or perhaps have a '92 Honda
manual that would shed some light on this. I'm not all that keen on
taking it to the Honda dealer. Temp gauge appears to be fine on it
while driving, so car is not overheating, but I'm sure it is not
particularly good for car after shutting it off that fan doesn't come
on to reduce engine temp. How big a deal that is, I'm not sure. Can
anybody offer some help?

Thanks!
Mark

 

There is a "Hazard" fuse under the hood in the fuse box. If that fuse is
OK, then I would guess that it is a bad relay. I'm not a mechanic, but I
can give you the number to someone I know who is a certified Honda mechanic,
and he practically wrote the book on Hondas. I don't know where you live,
but here's his number: 704-636-1377. Ask for Shane. He has been a Honda
mechanic for the last 15+ years, so he should know. Let me know what he
says.

Jonathan

 

I am not at all sure you have a problem. Many cars (like the Civic) have
the radiator fan wired so that it will never run with the ignition off.
The Accord (every generation I have seen the wiring diagram for) has the
ability to run the radiator fan after you turn off the engine, but I
believe it will do so only if needed.

From you post, I gather that, with the engine running, the radiator fan
does come on from time to time, is this true? I would do a small
experiment. Let the car idle with the A/C off. Wait for the radiator fan
to come on, and then immediately shut off the engine. Does the fan now
stay running? While you are waiting for the fan to come on, keep an eye
on the temp gauge, just in case there is a problem and the fan never
comes on.

 

Jonathan,
Thanks for the great tip! Talked to Shane - he said it was most likely
fan control switch (located near the upper radiator hose). Said that
sometimes if an aftermarket thermostat has been installed, this will
occasionally cause engine to run a tad bit hotter, thus causing fan to
run after shutdown. Normally, engine fan shouldn't run after shut
down, unless you've been pulling a big mountain or two. (I've had an
after market thermostat installed and car fan would always run after
shutoff, thus I would agree with his conclusion). So obviously my fan
control switch must have conked out and I've ordered a new one ($33).
Lot cheaper than letting Honda take me to the cleaners. Will let you
know if this fixes the problem - won't know till they put it in next
Monday or so. I owe you one!

Mark

 

See my follow up to K-Town's note. You are correct, but...

Thanks for replying!
Mark

 

you could short around the fan control switch and see if your fan comes on.
(before buying a new one)

 

do a google search for "goss's garage".this guy is an expert that e-mails
people with unusual problems.he has a dim view of dealers that just check
codes.that means nothing but just tells the mechanic where to start looking.
how about worn bearings in the fan motor?an ammeter in series withe the fan
motor will monitor current thru the fan until the current will start to go
up.that's a clue for worn bearings.