Dealing with aftermarket radiator fan...

[Geok]

2006 SE 2.4L with (what I discovered) is an aftermarket radiator fan. Gifted from father-in-law and he hardwired fan always on with ignition to dash fuse block. That was "unfused" and it melted part of the block, and fan is no longer working. Aftermarket fan is two wires (blue and black) and it works when grounded to black and blue hooked to battery power. I thought I could connect the factory fan connector on either the high or low side to the blue fan power lead and the black to black. One sided didn't work (neither on the high or low side) when I connected the aftermarket fan blue power line to the category radiator wiring harness. So, I decided to bridge the two sides (high and low of the factory connector) to the aftermarket radiator fan blue line and it worked with A/C on! I bought a Mopar connector and repined it with the aftermarket wires bridged, BUT, it seems like there is an issue with the load. The lines were sparking at the connector and seems like they instantly heated up.

Should I be shopping for a used radiator fan assembly ($300-400 range on eBay!)? Craft a fan switch (I have no idea what this aftermarket fan draws, fuse requirement, etc.)? Or try to devise an inline fuse on the ground wire like the factory fan assembly.

Some photos for reference below. As usual, thanks to anyone who can participate and help in this discussion.

 

[macleanflood]

Personally I'd ditch the electric fan...find yourself an OEM fan shroud at a junkyard or Davey's Jeep or Deep Jeep.

Following thread has all the parts listed for a fan clutch and fan...

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/jeep-wrangler-tj-cooling-system-overhaul-faq.3397/

If not read a few posts or so down... someone was just playing with an electric fan...

-Mac

 

[Geok]

Personally I'd ditch the electric fan...find yourself an OEM fan shroud at a junkyard or Davey's Jeep or Deep Jeep.

Following thread has all the parts listed for a fan clutch and fan...

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/jeep-wrangler-tj-cooling-system-overhaul-faq.3397/

If not read a few posts or so down... someone was just playing with an electric fan...

-Mac

Unfortunately (or fortunately if you swing toward electric fans), the OEM IS electric for the 2.4L. So, I don't know if there is a fan clutch conversion FROM electric.

 

[JustDandee]

Just confirming that your fan is a single speed and that the bridge is to pick up the signal from either pin to run the fan?

• Not sure if the wiring would backfeed up the unused side and cause a potential issue?
• If it is just a single wire fan and your getting hot maybe the amp load is more than the factory on the aftermarket fan and a relay is need. Use the signal from the plug but take it to heavier duty relay- not a lot of confidence in that as the true problem but a possible solution never the less
• Replace that fan with a new one maybe it has issues. Perhaps find a unit that has the two speeds - aftermarket, factory or junkyard donor such as a Taurus.

 

[Geok]

Just confirming that your fan is a single speed and that the bridge is to pick up the signal from either pin to run the fan?

• Not sure if the wiring would backfeed up the unused side and cause a potential issue?
• If it is just a single wire fan and your getting hot maybe the amp load is more than the factory on the aftermarket fan and a relay is need. Use the signal from the plug but take it to heavier duty relay- not a lot of confidence in that as the true problem but a possible solution never the less
• Replace that fan with a new one maybe it has issues. Perhaps find a unit that has the two speeds - aftermarket, factory or junkyard donor such as a Taurus.

Yes, single speed fan and yes on bridge to pick up high and low speed. I tried it one speed only, and it wouldn't work.
I have no idea on the back feed. Looking at a wiring diagram, the relay's are "on/off" switches and I don't believe it would pose an issue if both were on at the same time - but I'm not sure on this.
Was trying to use the factory relays, but I don't know the total amp pull of the aftermarket fan. It seems like the 40 amp fuse would blow if draw is greater than 40 amps? If it didn't blow, then something else is a weak link. I'm think the jumper cable I used may be inadequate (stranded copper 16#) or the connection was loose and arcing.
They don't make new OEM fans, but I can get a used one. They are just stupid expensive ($300-400) and no guarantee they will last. I was wondering if any of the other MOPAR 2.4L would have a similar unit? Like the PT Cruiser or Liberty?

 

[JustDandee]

According to the all knowing google…13 amps for a 16 gauge wire so that could be your heat source… need to go bigger. someone that is more multi meter savvy than me might know how to confirm the amp draw of the motor so you have that detail. A little curious why you don’t see a signal from both wires- wonder if you have a sender out also.