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Looks like my radiator fan controller is dead. Fan comes on with ignition and stays on for about 15-20 seconds after ignition is switched off. Pretty sure its just staying on all the time. I know there was a recall on these things but my car wont qualify because of salvage tittle. So I'm going to rip it out later and see what can be done. Otherwise not sure if there are any replacement options other then OEM?
Last edited by Biggiesacks; Sep 15, 2017 at 10:22 AM.
Was able to open it up, its got some sealant inside to keep out moisture so it took a little prying with a small flathead
As I suspected, full voltage on the output without any control signal being applied
Left is current draw (in reverse) and the right is the output voltage to the fan motor.
The electrolytic caps seem to be in good shape, which is bad because I was hoping that was the problem. This is making me think the internal thermistor might be bad, which I don't think I will be able to replace. Im tossing the unit in the freezer and ill test it again after the thing is good and cold to see what kind of results I get.
So I just checked Ebay, and I can get a replacement for $25 bucks brand new. I'm just going to abort this attempted repair and do that. Not as fun but way more cost effective.
Last edited by Biggiesacks; Sep 15, 2017 at 10:42 AM.
I would have done the same. At least this way you can be sure that any other circuit elements that were about to fail have been taken out of the equation.
yah its a no brainer. When i first looked into replacing it through mitsu they wanted like 200+ dollars so I figured I would take a whack at it, and get some practice in. After getting it opened up though its clear it wasn't meant to be repaired. The way the enclosure is glued together you would have to basically destroy it, or spend forever with a heat gun, to get to the main board, which is coated in a weather proof sealant. Those two things make board level repair pretty much out of the question. If repair was like the only option it could be done, but the time and effort would be enormous. The $25 bucks is easily worth it.
Ebay one will work but will soon have issues. Oem or bust.
i don't think the one i got is a knock off, its the same MFG and P# as the oem one. If anyone wants to buy one and send it to me i'll happily crack it open and verify lol.
Update: The ebay controller died a month or so ago. I tore it apart, and it is for sure a knock off. I bought a gates replacement off of Rock Auto. After checking that unit out it looks like the ebay unit is closer to that unit then the OEM, but they are not identical. I'll see how long this one lasts and update if/when it dies.
Update: The ebay controller died a month or so ago. I tore it apart, and it is for sure a knock off. I bought a gates replacement off of Rock Auto. After checking that unit out it looks like the ebay unit is closer to that unit then the OEM, but they are not identical. I'll see how long this one lasts and update if/when it dies.
Bump, I need a new controller and was looking at the same one on RockAuto. How has it held up for you?
Sep 15, 2017, 08:26 AM
