Both Fans Run All the Time...Solution Question, 5SFE Options

[FrankB2]

Hi Guys.
Both of my 1997 2.2 5SFE fans run constantly, even after turning the ignition to "On" in the morning, but not starting the engine. A quick search here suggests the problem is the Engine Coolant Temperature Switch, located at the bottom rear of the radiator. Before draining my coolant, I thought that if this is the problem, disconnecting the wire from old and connecting it to the new without installing it into the radiator should keep the fans off with a cold engine (or just turning the ignition to ON without starting a cold engine). Does that sound about right to anyone? Also, does this look like the right part:
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wc...bwd_18970379-p# It looks right to me, but Advance Auto has given me the wrong parts before.... Oh Yeah! Do the threads need Teflon tape, or any other type of sealant?
TIA!!!

[Smaay]

That's incorrect. If you buy a new one and don't plug it in and screw it into the radiator. The fan well still be on.

thats not what he was asking

I was hoping that just plugging it in would indicate if that was the solution. Oh well....time to drain my coolant.

yes if you just unplug from the sensor on the radiator and plug into the new sensor in your hand, turn the key to the on position and the fans should NOT come on. if they do, you might have a broken wire somewhere in the circuit