What causes the Buick GL8 electric fan to keep running?

[JoannaAnn]

Electric fan related control circuit issues may be the cause, possibly due to malfunctioning coolant temperature sensors or switches. Additionally, it could be caused by faulty or damaged electric fan relays. Below is relevant information: 1. Electric Fan: The car's electric fan is controlled by the engine coolant temperature switch, typically operating at two speed levels - first stage low speed at 90℃ and second stage high speed at 95℃. 2. Buick: Buick is an automobile brand marketed by General Motors in the United States, Canada, and China. It is sold in North America, China, CIS countries, and the Middle East.

[SamuelDella]

Last time I was driving, I noticed the electric fan kept running, which was quite concerning. The most common issue is a faulty coolant temperature sensor. If it's broken, the computer mistakenly thinks the engine is overheating and keeps the fan running at full speed. Or the fan relay might be stuck, with the contacts closed and not opening, causing the fan to run continuously. Another possibility is a short circuit in the wiring or a malfunction in the control module. It's normal for the fan to run when the AC is on in summer, but if it doesn't stop after parking, there's clearly a problem. You should take it to a repair shop as soon as possible. Running like this for a long time can accelerate part wear and waste battery power. It's best not to delay to avoid breaking down on the road and affecting safety.

[LeMadison]

I'm someone who loves studying vehicle control systems. The root cause of an electric fan running non-stop often lies in signal transmission failures. If the temperature sensor fails and keeps sending high-temperature signals to the computer, the fan will keep operating; if the relay sticks or burns out, maintaining continuous current flow, it will also cause the fan to run endlessly; or if there's an internal error in the control module, possibly due to program confusion, it may fail to determine when to stop. Another possibility is an issue with the fan motor itself, but if it burns out, it usually stops working, so the focus should primarily be on the aforementioned causes. It's best to use a diagnostic scanner to read the fault codes for targeted repairs. Remember, the fan also operates in conjunction with the air conditioning system when cooling is active. If the fan continues to run despite normal engine temperature, it should be addressed promptly.

[LaHarper]

Over the years of repairing cars, I've seen many cases where the fan won't stop. Simply put: first, feel the temperature of the lower radiator hose. If it's scalding hot, the sensor is likely faulty; if it's warm, check the relay—try unplugging it directly, and if the fan stops, that's the issue. Next, inspect if any fuses are blown. It could also be a short circuit due to a grounded wire or the ECU being water-damaged, sending incorrect signals. It's rare for the fan itself to fail and keep running. I advise against forcing the car to run—it drains the battery quickly, and needing a jump-start would be troublesome. Find a repair shop; they can diagnose it in half an hour. Spending a little to replace a relay or sensor usually solves the problem.