Hey all! New to forum and Cavaliers. I recently purchased a 1997 Cav and noticed the guage runs 3/4 NORMAL @ idle and then cold while driving. I know it needs a tstat, but I also noticed it wasnt kicking on the fan when supposed to. I pulled the plug to temp sensor guage quits and fan comes on in fail safe mode. So, I replaced the temp switch, but still no fan. I also, noticed that the fan doesnt come on w/ AC or defrost. The light for AC comes on but clutch on compressor doesnt engage. Could these two problems be related? Anyone know the fix? They fan relay clicks when in fail safe mode and the fan comes on, so i assume the relay is good. Is there a way to check the wires to temp switch w/ out cutting open the wiring harness? Thanks, Jay.

Your fan only comes on when it gets over 180. Since you are saying it never gets that hot then the fan will never come on.

Get a new thermostat installed and even then the fan may not come on unless you are idling for a long time. I would try some of these questions in the newbies forum.

Welcome to the group!

Actually, I don't think the fan comes on until 220. As for the A/C, it will only turn on the fan when the compressor is engaged. If you're low on refrigerant and the compressor won't engage, the fan doesn't come on.

Be prepared for some fun! These cars are notoriously a PITA when it comes to cooling system repairs. It seems that everyone has problems purging the system.

2.2 97 Cavalier......the "Crapalier"