Electric Fans

[BlueTahoe2001]

Couple questions about electric fans for you guys!

From what I understand you can run a set of electric fans by either tapping into the PCM and having BB Tune your PCM to turn the fans on OR you can simply install the fans and turn them on by a simple toggle switch? Is all of this correct?

If this is correct, have any of you installed a simple switch and just turn them on when you get in your truck? I've thought about purchasing a set of fans and doing this so I wouldn't have to mess with the hassle of the confusing PCM wiring.

 

[08grey]

I wired one for a friend the other day. Just ran a relay and triggered it off of the ac compressor relay.

 

[livingez_123]

What happens when you forget to turn it on? I would just have the ECM programed for it. It doesn't cost very much, and if BB isn't close by or you need it done in a hurry I'm sure any dealer would be glad to charge you a few hrs labor.

According to the BB site they charge $55 for the Efan program

 

[BlueTahoe2001]

I wired one for a friend the other day. Just ran a relay and triggered it off of the ac compressor relay.

Why to the compressor relay? Several people on Performance Trucks have suggested using a 30 Amp SPST to a switch.

What happens when you forget to turn it on? I would just have the ECM programed for it. It doesn't cost very much, and if BB isn't close by or you need it done in a hurry I'm sure any dealer would be glad to charge you a few hrs labor.

According to the BB site they charge $55 for the Efan program

Black Beat is supposed to be down this way in November or December to do full tunes which I'm going to invest in. The only reason I have reserve about this is it makes me a little nervous to try and tap into the PCM.

 

[livingez_123]

Nothing to worry about with the PCM, your using an empty pin. It's designed that way. I don't see how it would mess anything up. My motto is, do it right, do it once.

and your not taping into a wire. you pull out the pin plug and insert a new pin and then plug it back in.

 

[BlueTahoe2001]

Okay. I still like the idea of a simple switch. Doesn't really bother me that I will have to turn them on and off when I get in and out of the truck. I'll see what I can dig up at the junk yard today.

 

[Vette66]

The switch idea in theory seems to be a "easy" way of doing it. But I will tell you from experience, built a few hot rods and blowing one up because of a switch wired fan, it is not a good idea. One of 2 ways. Get a thermostatic switch or do the PCM. It is simply to easy for you to forget to turn on a switch when your mind is elsewhere, causing damage to an engine cause you forgot to turn on a switch.

With a switch on all the time the engine may never reach proper operating temps or could get there very very slowly causing engine damage due to running it cold for long periods of time. Getting worse MPG and possible codes could be caused from running in open loop for long periods of time. Since the computer will not close until the engine is at proper operating temp.

---------- Post added at 06:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:11 PM ----------

Something like this will work if there is a place in the block or intake manifold. Not sure have not done my research on these engines. http://www.ebay.com/itm/210-Degree-...Parts_Accessories&hash=item4841c3eb08&vxp=mtr

 

[BlueTahoe2001]

The switch idea in theory seems to be a "easy" way of doing it. But I will tell you from experience, built a few hot rods and blowing one up because of a switch wired fan, it is not a good idea. One of 2 ways. Get a thermostatic switch or do the PCM. It is simply to easy for you to forget to turn on a switch when your mind is elsewhere, causing damage to an engine cause you forgot to turn on a switch.

With a switch on all the time the engine may never reach proper operating temps or could get there very very slowly causing engine damage due to running it cold for long periods of time. Getting worse MPG and possible codes could be caused from running in open loop for long periods of time. Since the computer will not close until the engine is at proper operating temp.

---------- Post added at 06:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:11 PM ----------

Something like this will work if there is a place in the block or intake manifold. Not sure have not done my research on these engines. http://www.ebay.com/itm/210-Degree-...Parts_Accessories&hash=item4841c3eb08&vxp=mtr

I see what you are saying. The more I have thought about it I believe I'm going to install the harness and tap into the PCM as of right now. I'll just take one for the team and head up to Mooresville and have PCMForLess do a tune when I decide to do the install.

 

[fiatdale]

If you havent found a set of fans yet, i have a set for sale! PM Me!