Cooling fan problem Protege DX 1999

I have a 1999 Protege DX Automatic with air, 209 k miles. When I stop at a light for awhile or am idling (in the hot Florida sun) my temperature starts climbing on the temp gage (to around H) and the A/C stops. I know that the A/C problem is because the condenser is too hot and it can't turn the freon back to liquid. The problem is why can't the fan handle the load anymore. This is the first time I've ever had the problem. My thoughts are that it must be either:
1. Fan is wearing out and needs replacing
2. Relay that increases fan speed when A/C is turn on isn't working
3. Relay that turns fan to high speed when needed isn't working

Does anyone have any ideas how to quickly and easily narrow down the cause?

Accordind to Haynes some 94 and earlier cars used a two speed cooling fan. The earlier wiring diagrams show two inputs comming into the fans from fan controllers. The wiring diagrams for 95 and later show a single input to the fan it is controlled by the PCM. So if there is a control problem it's in the PCM. Have you checked to see if both fans are running when the engine heats? That's where I would look first. If you don't have a check engine light I doubt if having a OBD II scan would show a fault, but it may be worth a try. I believe AutoZone and perhaps Advance will provide free scans. Usually an electric fan is OK if it spins freely. If you do not heat at speed I would think the radiator is OK. It does sound like an air flow problem, but I don't know of any way to determine if the fans have become less efficient.

Clifton

I've listened to the fans but haven't actually had time to take a look at them yet. I was looking at a parts link and found that there are two fans, I think I need to make sure both are working. From what you said and what I've found I'm beginning to think the aux fan is shot. At any rate, I have a better idea of what to look for. My wife and I had another son two weeks ago, so any time I can save is very precious. Thanks.

Congratulations on the new son.

Clifton

Last night I finally checked the fans and found that the cooling fan doesn't turn on period. The condenser (aux) fan kicks on if the temp gets too high and brings the temp back down. I checked the relay and the fuse and both are OK. I'll have to pull the fan tonight and run 12 volts directly to it to see whether it runs when there is definitely current going to it. As of right now, I haven't ruled out the temp sensor. BTW I bought an OBDII reader before places like autozone started loaning them out. It's paid for itself more times than I can count.

Final update:
It was the fan. You can't find an aftermarket one that fits all that well, but you can adapt the ones that they sell with two wire leads fairly easily.
Pull the plug off the old motor, solder the leads to the backside of the plug and epoxy the plug to the edge of the shroud. The holes in the shroud for the fan will have to be drilled out a tiny bit to accommodate the screws that they provide.

Doug, thanks for the update. Good to hear you solved your problem.

Clifton