850 1995 Changed Cooling (radiator) Fan, How Do I Test It?

Ossipeegirl · Post by **Ossipeegirl** » 27 Oct 2008, 20:12

Hello Everyone,

My brother changed out the cooling fan in my car today. It smoked out on me over a week ago. My question: "how do I test it to see if it works properly?" It spins freely by hand which the old one would not do. My brother ran the car in the driveway for about 20 minutes and it didn't kick on. He had to get to work so couldn't take it out. Now I need the help of my Volvo Experts out there!!!! What should I do? Is there a way to test the fan, the relay, etc. etc. etc.? What needs to be tested? I do okay with a voltmeter if I need to use one. Any help will be greatly appreciated as ALWAYS!! This forum has helped us out so much since my husband became ill. I really don't know what I'd do without y'all!!

instarx · Post by **instarx** » 28 Oct 2008, 02:41

Try driving it a few miles with the air conditioner on. My fan is usually running when I get back in the driveway.

Ossipeegirl · Post by **Ossipeegirl** » 28 Oct 2008, 15:19

Thanks, instarx, for your reply! I do appreciate it! Unfortunately, my A/C hasn't worked for years. My husband has been out of work for two years now due to lung cancer so we haven't had that checked out. We've tried to figure out the problem ourselves with the help of this forum (and they've given me LOTS of help) but have had no success. We can live without A/C but I'm praying this cooling fan is okay. Thanks, again, for your reply!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 28 Oct 2008, 16:24

May not be the fan, but the relay for the fan...it is just under the fan shroud at the front of the car on the passenger's side. Sometimes too the wires running to the relay are corroded or bad or the connector is bad....check all of that out and if it looks good, see if you can get another relay from a junk yard...believe they're all the same from '93 up to '98 and see if this turns the fan on.

Ossipeegirl · Post by **Ossipeegirl** » 28 Oct 2008, 18:58

Thanks very much, MIJ. I will check this out tomorrow. It takes me a little time to get things done but when I get specific directions on what to do, it makes it so much easier. I'll post back and let you know how things went. Thanks, again!!! I really appreciate your time and knowledge!!!

instarx · Post by **instarx** » 30 Oct 2008, 13:21

There may be nothing wrong with it ossipeegirl. My fan almost never turns on even during the summer here in NC, unless it's idling in the sun or the AC is on. Natural air circulation may be all the radiator needs in November in MA.