2003 Vue Engine Fan

[HyperCube33 \(Life2Death\)]

I've noticed that my cooling fan kicks in excessively - like when the gauge
reads that the engine is at 'normal' temperatures. It only stays on for a
few moments, usually when I'm idling (like in a drive thru) and shuts off -
and it doesn't appear to lower engine temp like with my SC2. I can imagine
that the engine is warm after driving on the highway, and having it kick in
that long should cool it down sufficiently - but I'm not seeing any change
in the gauge and it does it when the engine reads cool too.

Also I'm hearing a clicking noise from 'under' the car when at stop lights -
I think I saw someone else once post something about it and everyone blew it
off as exhaust system contraction - but it definitely doesn't sound like
that and will come on when the car is idling on my lunch break in 25'F
weather - definitely not cooling down from a long drive as it shouldn't be
changing temp at all (unless the fan is causing it?) - also the lights dim
momentarily with the click noise. It happens about once a minute to once
every few minutes.

--

-Brian

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Life2Death
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[Guest]

The Fan will do this if your dash setting is on defrost or floor/defrost no
matter what the temp. Try turning it to vent and see if it continues....

IYM

 

[HyperCube33 \(Life2Death\)]

Good to know, but what the hell is the logic behind this? As far as I know
it's usually colder out when you need defrost so this only prevents the car
from warming up - thus defrosting. Awesome.

 

[Ed]

If you have the defroster on it usually also starts the air conditioner (to
dry the air coming in to not fog up the windows inside). The clicking is
the AC compressor starting up, which loads the engine, which dims the lights
momentarily until the computer boosts the engine RPMs up again to
compensate. When the AC is on, the electric fan starts, even if the engine
is cold.

Eddie