I've noticed my car running hotter than normal. It doesn't always do this, but twice already I've noticed that my tempature went well above the halfway mark.(But not to the danger zone.) I'd say it's barely 3/4 up the guage. I also noticed that when it's doing this that instead of the engine idling at 900 rpm, it seems to be idiling at about 600 rpm instead. Is this normal or should I be concerned?

Note: Just had the thermostat replaced last week thinking that was the problem.

Edit: I found out what's going on. My passenger side fan isn't blowing. I took a metal stick and kind of gave it a boost and it started running again, my engine tempature quickly dropped. I'm going to see about getting the fan replaced. Does anyone have a problem with the fans not coming on like they are supposed to?

Yet another edit: My anti freeze is leaking. I don't know how, I already had the radiator hoses replaced a few days ago. Maybe it's the cap? Any suggestions?

Edit again: I tried replacing the radiator cap. Part of the bottom of the cap I had was chipped. I'm crossing my fingers that this $6 part will help. I took a stick and gave the passenger side fan a nudge and it started spinning. Pretty interesting, that tells me that the power is getting to the fan, it just isn't spinning.

 

concerned .

 

yes, you should be

 

I noticed that the other day my drivers side cooling fan was laying up against the radiator. It apparently has come off the fan motor. My questions is first which fan is the primary and which one is the auxillary fan . The dealership said they have to replace the hole fan assembly and they recommend me getting it towed to the shop to prevent dameage to the radiator. The dealership is onyl 10-12 mins away. Any suggestions or can you replace the fan and blade only without having to replace the whole thing.

 

I'm not entirely sure, once I try to replace the fan I'll let you know. Someone else on the org may already be able to answer this question though.

 

Darn. I knew it.

 

Darn.

I knew it. I was just being hopeful. =\

 

In the meantime, to keep your car from overheating don't keep it running while stationary/avoid traffic jams, and if you can't avoid them and the temp gauge starts creeping up there crank the windows down and turn on the heater as hot as you can--the heater core will act as an auxiliary radiator. My radiator's kind of fubar'd and I had to do that recently in heavy LA traffic.

 

Thanks for the tips. On heavy traffic roads I have noticed that my car temp started going up.

 

if your coolant level is fine, and fans are spining, then it could be either your thermostat stuck closed, or the water pump is fuxored. Since water pump failing like that is really rare on a maxima, it could be the termo.

 

I just had the thermostat replaced. That what I orginally thought my problem was. I've conluded it is either the fans or the water pump, or even both. o_O At least I have the money to replace them both. But I'll have to forget my cosmetic issues, which really aren't all that important considering that the cosmetic issues aren't severe.

 

And they don't get viruses either!

 

lol, i meant to write "max". I hate MACs

 

haha it was still funny... Don't hate macs this post was posted by one!

 

idle should be 650rpm not 900rpm

 

I love your sense of humor! I love both PCs ad MACs. Being a computer admin @ a university makes you love all computers

 

Just to get back to the fan needing a little help to get started, the motor needs to be replaced or maybe worked on a bit. I don't know for sure but I'm guessing it has brushes that are worn out and aren't making full contact. Once you help it along, it makes intermittent contact and just the inertia of the fan moving keeps it going. I don't know if you can just replace the brushes, adjust them, or if the only option is just replacing the motor. You'll have to look.

I got a problem on my 98 where the whole fan shroud vibrates and makes quite a bit of racket. The passenger side fan blades are loose. I suspect they're just vibrating all over the place making the whole thing go nuts. Is it possible to pull off the fan shroud without removing the radiator?

Thanks

 

Yes you can remove that intake piping that rests on top and unplug the two connectors that turnon/power the fans and then its just the two bolts holding it on on top and you lift it out.

 

Thanks

I got the fan shroud off and was looking at my loose fan (the passenger side with more fins). I took off the nut and easily pulled the blades off and was looking at it. For comparison, I pulled off the other side. I had to pry that fan off. It was a tight fit. The fit on the one side definetely loosened up over time. I called AutoZone and all they said they had was a whole motor/fan assembly so I pick that up tomorrow.

How come the two fans have a different number of fins? I got to make sure the new one has the correct number I guess.

 

After u fix fan..if its still runnung a bit hot try "WaterWeter"...its an addative u mix into the coolant. I've been using it for awhile...works great...my temp gauge never gooes above half way. For us living in Fla. its a must.