I have a 96 GXE with 110K miles. I noticed that the radiator fans were not coming on. I tested both the fans by taking them out and connecting them to a 12V source, they worked fine. I checked all the relays and fuses associated and all were fine. I finally gave up and took the car to my trusted mechanic. He said that he traced the problem to the computer and that I need a new computer. Can anyone think of anything else that might be causing this? Thanks

 

I really think it is a fuse/relay.

 

I personally checked all associated fuses/relays, and my mechanic double checked them. They are all fine.

 

How about all the wiring harnesses associated with the fans? Maybe one of them is suspect.

DW

 

We also checked the connections between the fuses and the fans, they were fine. The only thing we have left to check is the connection between the computer and the relays/fuses. If that checks out OK, I'm afraid I will have to replace the computer. My checkbook isn't looking forward to that

 

You can find used ECUs in the $150 range. Do you have any friends you could do an ECU swap with first, just to verify that it is indeed an ECU problem?

 

Unfortunately I don't know anyone else with a Maxima that would be willing to let me swap computers with them. Where could I find a used computers that price? Is there anywhere I can look online, or should I try the local junkyards? Thanks

 

it sounds like a fuseable link to me. you can measure a broken one with just a thread of connection and still get the correct voltage but not enough amps to switch the relay on. i would really check the voltage drop on those before getting a new computer.

 

That's the price that was quoted to me by a local junkyard. You can try car-part.com