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!!!

[FrankB2]

That's what I've been suspecting to be the case, and why I haven't ordered another switch from the dealer. I was going to go to another parts store and test their switches for continuity, but you've saved me time there. Today's high is supposed to be 93 degrees, but it will start dropping to highs of 70-something soon. Unplugging the AC fan helped keep the temp gauge around 1/4 from the bottom this past weekend, but who feels like playing that game? My man at the Toyota dealer didn't believe that there was even a coolant temp switch, so I don't know how much help he'll be. I have a diagram for testing all the fan relays, but I'm not sufficiently motivated to do that yet.....

Thanks for the info, Galcobar!