Manually Control Cooling Fan
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New User
Joined: Jan 2010
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Manually Control Cooling Fan
Has anyone looked into this? Pulling a heavy load in stop and go traffic, I'd like the ability to override the computer and be able to turn on the fan whenever I want to. If it's hot out, and I'm sitting in traffic with a trailer, on my tow tune, I notice my temps start to slowly climb and I want to have a little bit more control of the temps.
A simple toggle switch is what I had in mind.
A simple toggle switch is what I had in mind.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
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From: Scio, OR
I don't think it's that simple. The fan isn't just ON or OFF. It's a variable speed fan clutch. I can't find specifics in the service manual, but I'm guessing the signal to the fan is some sort of pulse width signal and wouldn't be simple to control manually.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
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From: Scio, OR
I found this...
The fan speed sensor is a Hall-Effect sensor integral to the vistronic drive fan (VDF). The PCM will monitor the sensor input and control the VDF speed based upon engine coolant temperature (ECT), transmission fluid temperature (TFT) and intake air temperature (IAT) requirements. When an increase in fan speed for vehicle cooling is requested, the PCM will monitor the FSS signal and output the required pulse width modulated (PWM) signal to a fluid port valve within the VDF.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Smiths Grove, KY
As David pointed out the PCM uses multiple parameters to control the fan in order to optimize engine cooling. I think I would let the computer do it's job and not try to control it manually. Also remember this is not a standard fan clutch so if you do decide to try manual control I would really understand this circuit before I "rigged up" something. The fan is controlled by a visitronic drive which operates from a 12v PWM signal from the PCM. The PWM signal controls the on-off time of a valve (via a relay) which determines the fan speed. There is also a Hall Effect speed sensor which supplies feedback to the PCM. How does the PCM programming respond to the speed sensor feedback when the fan isn't supposed to be operating?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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Dcham etc. are right, think mine (E series) is old fashioned manual and not electronically controlled.
What would be needed is either reprogram PCM, or to spoof it to think it is hotter, or to do a PCM module add on.
Not simple...
Alternative might be to slap on a manual electric fan in front.
What would be needed is either reprogram PCM, or to spoof it to think it is hotter, or to do a PCM module add on.
Not simple...
Alternative might be to slap on a manual electric fan in front.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 82
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What's the latest on the fan clutch mod guys? Anybody figure out how to do it? Mine was running all the time so I just disconnected it for the time being. I would like to be able to manually turn it on before towing up a giant hill.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 15,369
Likes: 121
From: Stuttgart, Ar
If you'll find out what's making it run all the time and fix it the PCM does quite well at running the fan correctly.