I have a 1999 Drifter 1500 and the electric fan has stopped working any suggestion on what could cause this. I replaced the fuse, no change. I have plenty of coolant, but wonder if the fan not working will cause any engine damage. Any help would be appreciated. Jim
Is it not running during times when (form past experience) you're sure it should be running?? It could be a bad fan motor, fan relay, wiring, temperature sender, or ECU. Seems like I've heard of someone else's fan motor going bad. You can test the motor by unplugging it and jumping 12v (and a ground) to the fan motor, either from the bike's battery, or a jumper-pack.
OR...easier, yet...pull the 2 wire plug from the BIG switch on the bottom of the radiator, and take a paper clip and jump across the two terminals inside the plug (not the switch). The circuit is completely independent of the computer, the ignition, or anything else. it's completely stand alone, an works with the key on or off. I'll scan a wiring diagram and post it in a few minutes...
FYI
The thermostat opens and closes to keep the coolant within operating range. The thermostat starts opening at 136-144F (58-62C) and is fully open at about 167F (75C).[/size]The fan doesn't come on until the coolant reaches between 212 and 230F(100-110C) and it will go off again at between 207-217(97-103C).
I also have this problem. Checked fuse is ok, fan works jumped to the battery, replaced the fan switch into the radiator, still no working fan. Any thoughts on the next step.
I've yet to have it overheat or a temp warning light come on, but my rides are short and not much stop and go traffic at all. Also used the tip about raising the tank instead of removing to access the radiator cap, that worked well, thanks.
Did you jump across the two terminals in the switch plug? That will test the whole circuit. Check the wiring diagram carefully. A bad ground will also keep it from turning on.
Check the thermal switch; when the prescribed temperature is reached, the switch grounds out, (closes) fan comes on. When it fails, it will not close. Also, it takes a lot of hard work to get it hot enough to come on. Mine has only come 2-3 times in its life. :-\
49Reo, Troll,
Appreciate the replies. Possibly I just hasn't needed to come on yet, when I changed the fluids it was right to the top of the radiator and overflow tank was at the correct mark, no fluid change in 2 years (5000 miles).
I had read the previous post about the fan not coming on and I became paranoid perhaps?
But it always came on after a ride, when I turned off the bike, and had stopped. Not for long, but it did run.
thanks, Mike
Thought I'd post an update. Installed the new fan switch Thursday before last weekend. Went to Laconia Saturday, first rest stop about 60 miles in, stopped and the fan was working. 225 mile round trip bike rode great. Since then it has come on a few times. Appreciate your tips, I believe the fan switch needed to be replaced.
Also, saw another Drifter,1999 or 2000 black (no chrome) and Goose Berry color, hand shift on the right, parked in the middle (Saturday about 2pm).
Thanks to all again.
Mike , just curious where did you get your switch and at what cost . My switch just went bad , as well .
Drift1, Picked up on Ebay from seller "hollywood28601" , $49.95 & $3.00. This was half of my local Kawasaki dealer cost.
Really easy install, read the post about "lifting" the tank, real easy to access the radiator cap.