GM Inside News Forum banner

2001 Chevy Malibu cooling fan issue

51K views 5 replies 4 participants last post by  jay4cars  
#1 · (Edited)
2001 Chev Malibu 3100 series motor 101000km Automatic transmission

Hope there is some help out there.
My 2001 chev malibu is overheating, due to the cooling fans not turning on. The overheating doesnt occur right away. It warms up normally and the slowly keeps rising. (vehicle is idle in the driveway) I havent let it quiet get to 3/4 of the way on the gauge. "This car has been sitting for 2 years"
So, Ive replaced the thermostat, coolant temp sensor, tested all 3 relays and fuses which are all working correctly, pulled the pig tail connector off the coolant temp sensor and both the fans turn on which also increased the rpms, bought a OBD2 reader and have no fault coming up, code only came up when i unplugged the coolant temp sensor (P0118 code), plugged sensor back in and used OBD2 reader and no code shows up, Ive had the intake gaskets done, ive performed the A/C test where you turn on the A/C and one of the cooling fans should turn on and neither are, searching the net for people with the same problem to see what fixed their problem. Hope to hear from some of you in regards to this issue.
Thanks Malibu owners and techs
 
#4 ·
The PCM commands Low Speed Fans on under the following conditions:

• Engine coolant temperature exceeds approximately 106°C (223°F).

• A/C refrigerant pressure exceeds 1310 kpa (190 psi).

• After the vehicle is shut off if the engine coolant temperature at key-off is greater than 140°C (284°F) and system voltage is more than 12 volts. The fans will stay on for approximately 3 minutes.

The PCM commands High Speed Fans on under the following conditions:

• Engine coolant temperature reaches 110°C (230°F).

• A/C refrigerant pressure exceeds 1655 kpa (240 psi).

• When certain DTCs set.
 
#5 ·
I would like to thank everyone for there help and input. Just an update and to let you all know the problem has been corrected. Both cooling fans came on at 210F. Also, had to have the "drag pin" on the PCM adjusted. Temp guage is now reset and the cooling fans are coming on now when the gauge reaches a tick past the half way mark. Air conditioner compressor is seized and needs replaced and the high pressure line on the power steering pump is sweating where a wear mark occurred on the line due to vibration of the altenator. Other then that I had the cooling system flushed, cleaned the trottle body, changed the oil, and now prepairing to have an emissions test to get the car on the road.

Best Regards
Jeffrey Bishop
2001 Chev Malibu owner