97 Rav4 - Radiator Fan Runs Continuous – Troubleshooting/Factory Service Manuals

[RandyJ]

Just purchased a very nice one-owner 97 Rav4.

Noticed that the radiator fan runs continuous and previous owner was told by shop that it will not hurt anything.

Looking for step-by-step troubleshooting and diagnosis information.

Also does anyone know of availability to online Factory Service Manuals for 97 Rav4?

Thanks

[steffknee]

check to see if the radiator temp sensor is plugged in, also check the AC pressure switch. Either of these (if they are unplugged) will cause the fans to remain on constantly.

[jza80king]

Hey RandyJ my mom's Rav4 is doing the same thing. It killed her battery the other day so I'm hoping I can figure it out by registering her on the rav4 forums. Have you found the problem? She'll turn off the car and only sometimes the fan keeps running and the only way I can turn the fan off is by pulling the fuse out temporarily. Took it to a mechanic and they couldn't figure it out so i've been researching online and searching on here and ran into your thread.

[Pim]

Wiring details, service manuals and repair information is shared in this thread.
That might help you out.
Seems the cool down feature of the car is somehow broken.
That is needed when you have driven quite enthusiastically before shutting down the engine to let it cool down the heated parts enough, not to let them bent, or even eventually break.

Also you might want to take a look at the level of your coolant (and maybe change the coolant if you are unsure when it was done the last time). That might be filled too low, OR might have big air bubbles in it, making it heat up at some unwanted spots, which triggers the cooling fan. It also can be pretty dirty, making it much less effective.

In the cooling fan repair manual it says:

With engine coolant temperature below 190°F (88°C), turn ignition switch to ON position (engine off).
Ensure fans stop.

If fan does not stop, test cooling fan relay and ECT switch/sensor. See COOLING FAN RELAYS and
ECT SWITCH or ECT SENSOR . Check for loose or broken connector or wiring between relay and
ECT switch. Repair as necessary.

See earlier mentioned thread for the pictures and more information
Hope this helps!
Greetz

Pim

[Nijo]

Hi Randy,

I also bought my 1997 RAV4 recently and the fan used to run continuously, this in turn made the car consume more fuel coz the engine was never reaching the optimum temp to operate, I went to an electrical mechanic and he told me my only solution was to modify the radiator and insert a switch, reason is the fan was connected to the computer and this meant i either bought another computer box or modify, a computer costs USD 250 while the modification cost me USD 50 and it works well till now. Fortunately, all toyota can be modified because they have an extra connection for a swith for those that are connected direct.

Snipes

[t351bone]

hi randy, check a few things.
thermostat-cheap to buy and easy to change.
sensors for the guage and fans on the outlet.
i had the same problem. it waz cheap and easy to fix.
start with the basics