'03 cooling fan continuing saga

[mtnram]

p0483 appeared when I had a lift pump failure. cleared for awhile, and reappeared so I replaced the clutch.

Now, the intermittent operation of the clutch is gone and it seens to not work at all.

I noticed it today while towing, and when in stop and go traffic, engine and trans temp elevated. At speed (air flow) temps run normal.

I've checked the code persists, tried checking the cold start, ac switch on and off, defrost on and off and nothing seems to get the clutch to lock.

Fuse is good, still need to check for power at the connector at the lower rt of shroud.

Tomorrow I will be digging into this as I need to use this truck and warmer weather is here.

I've read many posts here and have come to the conclusion that this problem has existed for quite awhile because only occasionally have I heard the roar of the fan and temps have always crept up in traffic, and ac seems to drop off nice cold air to tepid at idle.

Looking for ideas and input on what/how to trouble shoot.

Nearest dealer is over an hour away and I'd like to avoid that for now.

The new clutch went in less than a month ago.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Any chance the wire going to the clutch fan got chaffed?

 

[mtnram]

I have on my list to check the wiring. I'll check all the connections as well.
The fsm has the procedure to check the computer, but I lack the proper scan tool.

 

[TCDiesel]

Simple Fix... .

 

[mtnram]

I will consider this fix if I cannot find a reason for the issue.

I realize this occurs on many '03's because of the amount of posts on the topic.

Has anone found the cause of the faulty signal? If it is resistance based I may throw a coolant temp sender at it and disconnect and re-connect all connections leading to the clutch and various circuits associated with it's control.

 

[AH64ID]

How high are your temps getting? What kind of load?

I would check the wires, and see where that get's you. I would also look into a thermostat, as a bad thermostat can make the temps run higher and make the fan cycle more, and not let it reach the commanded rpms.

Here is the P0483 from the 05 SM, I don't have an 03 sorry. Hopefully it's helpful.

My fan is SUPER quiet, I rarely ever hear it. In fact I have had it tested and it responds to commands with a scan tool just fine, and never throws a code (well once, but the winter front was on and closed so it had no air to grab). I can see temps up to 215° towing up a 6% grade in the summer with no code, and no fan noise.

 

[mtnram]

Air temp at about 90*, load ~ 6000# trailer, grade 8% for 7 miles, engine temp read just below the red, ~ 242*, trans was at ~225*.
The thing that concerns me is I cannot hear the fan cycling. I can hear the ac clutch locking, the engine rpm's will go up to 1,000 rpm's with the at selector in park. It seems the fan clutch signal is not being generated, or perhaps delivered.
If the problem were resolved, will the code clear itself? Should I disconnect the batteries overnight and reconnect. This issue is annoying.
EDIT--> at the top of the grade I was traveling with at selector in 2nd gear, at about 35mph. within 1/4 mile of top of grade temps were back to 200* or so. It seems to me reduced air flow is allowing rad temp to increase and thus allows at temps to increase. I am pulling at temps from the fluid out of trans to rad line, not from the pan, via my fabricated clamp on sensor lug.

 

[mtnram]

Update

Started checking all connectors and problem did not take long to locate. The new clutch connection is cracked and the green wire is loose from it's pin connector.

I could swap the end from my removed fan, but checked with the part store, they said they would defective/swap it our.

Seems the packagaging is lacking on this part, the heavy clutch can easily make contact with the connector during shipment and this likely caused the damage.

Should have the new one installed later this afternoon (needs to be transferred up to my rural parts store). Wil update when I hear that familiar roar.

 

[mtnram]

also- re checked codes today, I have a mess of them. All likely due to this connector:
p0480 fan control, p2509 check engine (probably from overheat), p0483 fan speed, and p0217 overtemp. I hope these will clear with a new clutch.

 

[AH64ID]

Do you have a way to clear the codes?

Good find.

 

[mtnram]

no way I know of without buying a tool or programmer.

 

[AH64ID]

Does the auto parts store have a scanner?

 

[mtnram]

one part store town here with a couple local shops that complain the parts store was taking business from them, so parts store quit the tool loan program.

THe good news is that I replaced the fan and as soon as I tarted it I could hear the roar. Life is good and the manufacturer of the fan should find a way to isolate the connector so the clutch does not beat on and break the wiring at the connector.

Here I sit with a smile on my face and small cuts and scrapes on my wrists from the sharp fan edges. Removing those few bolts to get a wrench on the hub is dangerous!

Thank you for the suggestions and help guys!