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Engine Overheating

2K views 22 replies 3 participants last post by  preacher Rob 
#1 · (Edited)
Hi all,

Our 1996 Concorde (LXI, 3.5 liter, 24-valve) is overheating, and the culprit appears to be the fans. I noticed the AC was putting out warm air when the car was idling, and quickly returned to normal cooling while going down the highway.

Am I correct in that there are two relays (Hi & Lo) in the under-hood fuse box, and another relay integrated within the fan wiring harness?

Outside of the heat-sending unit, are these three relays (as far as relays go) all that need to be troubleshooted? For what it's worth, the right fan was sometimes works, but I haven't seen the left fan work at all.
 
#2 ·
I have found that when what happens that you describe the fan clip is usually bad. I had the same thing so I replaced the fans and problem solved. When going down the road it would cool a bit. I am not a big technophobe I just go by what I have learned over the years. Have you used a fuse link and tried to run both fans by themselves? I have replaced a lot of fans on Chrysler products the last few years. There should be a diagram of sorts on here so you can identify the components.
 
#3 ·
I have found that when what happens that you describe the fan clip is usually bad. I had the same thing so I replaced the fans and problem solved. When going down the road it would cool a bit. I am not a big technophobe I just go by what I have learned over the years. Have you used a fuse link and tried to run both fans by themselves? I have replaced a lot of fans on Chrysler products the last few years. There should be a diagram of sorts on here so you can identify the components.

Pardon my ignorance, but can you buy one of those, or are they homemade of sorts.

I have an Intrepid repair manual for what it's worth.
 
#5 ·
Don't you need an old harness to make this device? I'd like to create something myself, but can't seem to figure things out yet. I thought about ordering some alligator clips, but I think the fan-side harness is female if I remember correctly.
 
#9 ·
I guess I'm just going to pull the whole assembly out of there, after removing the hood latch plate, and see if I can rig some sort of 12 volt connection to the harness. Is it safe to use a battery charger for a power source?

If the fans are bad, the best replacement price I have seen is around $200.00 for whole assembly. Individual fans can be had for slightly less. I may check the junk yard and see what they have.

One garage quoted me a price of 450.00 to replace the assembly. (Yikes!)
 
#10 ·
Have you checked RockAuto.com?

Here's what a quick search turned up for a 1996 Chrysler Concorde 3.5L.

 
#14 · (Edited)
Pardon my ignorance, but how difficult is that? Are the old wires soldered into place?

The local parts stores have these wires intact (on the new fan assembly) if I remember correctly.

EDIT: Found a Dorman at Rock Auto that does not come with a mounting bracket. Not sure what that means unless they are referring to the mounting bolts...

http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=274867&cc=1062414&jsn=414&jsn=414
 
#15 ·
There isn't a mounting bracket per se. If you look at the picture...the two tabs with holes on each side are where the fan shroud bolts to the radiator. Total of 4 bolts. The two tabs at the bottom fit into the plate at the bottom of the radiator. Nothing else is needed.

If you're going to replace this yourself make sure you disconnect one or both battery terminals to avoid any possible shorts/surprises!
 
#16 ·
I would also buy the Spectra brand as shown in my picture above. Dorman doesn't have a great reputation for many parts on our cars. The Spectra is also cheaper.
 
#20 ·
Works great!

The AC is really putting out cold air now (just in time for 100° weather).

My only issue is the lack of pre-drilled holes to mount a rubber strip with. I assume it is to offer some kind of moisture protection for the fan motors? I can drill the holes myself easy enough. What would you folks do?
 
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