Help needed to diagnose cooling fan problem on 91 200QW

[Eckfeldt <eckfeldt@snet.net>]

My 91 200QW started acting up today. I think that it must have talked to my
wife's 87 5KCSTQ last night as when I got home last night she said her temp
light came on when driving home, but her temp gauge stayed normal and the
fan ran normal. I told her it was probably just the sensor or contacts
needed cleaning, not to worry unless the fan was running constantly and the
temp was high. Probably the full moon effect.

Back to my problem. While sitting in a parking lot waiting for someone to
arrive with the engine running the coolant light can on and I then checked
the temp gauge. It was high. I shut down immediately, but did notice that
the fan was not running. Checked the fuses and if the owners manual and the
fuse box cover are correct the fuse, #15 is fine. The car has been running
fine and usually runs at the first line on the gauge and only goes higher
when sitting and then the fan comes on. Didn't have any problems on the 1.5
hour trip up so I assumed it was only when sitting. I went to lunch and let
the engine cool down. Driving home the temp would go up when things were
moving slow, but as long as I was moving it never got above the second line
and the light never came back on. I made sure I kept moving...

When I got home I pulled the relay, #2 slot, and switched with the #3 as
they both had the same p/n. No difference noted. If I jump the contacts in
the fuse box for the relay I can get the fan to run. So if I get stuck in
traffic I can always jump the fan. Now to the question... I don't have a
Bentley and so am looking for some guidance on the diagnosis. Where to
start... The relay and fuse seem fine. Now there should be a temp sensor and
if it is the same as the 87 there is another relay inside the kick panel on
the drivers side. Suggestions and comments appreciated. I know I should
probably break down and buy a manual... TIA

Grant
Grant Eckfeldt
eckfeldt@snet.net