02 pathfinder electric fan conversion blues

[Mbrianc]

Hello everyone!

I recently bit the bullet and decided to do an electric fan conversion on my 02 pathfinder 4x4. I installed a proform 67014 "14 fan and a proform 67012 "12 inch fan with a derale 16738 controller. As far as the fans running, they turn on at my setting (190 degrees by my OBD tool.) The A/C override switch works as well.

The problem is that when the hood is closed, the fans stay constantly on at idle. Open the hood and the fans run for about 30 seconds, shut off, and then cycle again as advertised. Close the hood, and once the fans turn on they don't shut off. I think the problem is related to the hot air underneath the hood being unable to escape. Anybody else have this problem after their conversion? And if so, how did you fix it?

[barnaclebob]

Is that really a problem? If the fluid is hot the fans need to be on right? Do the fans turn off after driving around to cool the fluid?

[Mbrianc]

Yes, the fans need to be on if the fluid is hot. But at some point, the fluid should be cool enough for the fans to stop. Right now it is February and the highs are 55-60 degrees. Right now the fans shut off when I get above 30 mph. What happens when the Arkansas summer kicks in and the highs jump to about 95-100? And what happens to my alternator when the load from the fans never drops?

I saw two posters here that had done the conversion, xplorer4 and fastpathy. xplorer4 had issues with keeping his battery charged with his fans. But I also understand that he had aftermarket lighting on his pathfinder. Fastpathy was using a 12" and a 10" fan. I never read anywhere if he had charging problems due to the extra amperage drawn by the fans. He even stated that his switched ignition wire was run directly to the positive on the battery, causing the relay to be constantly energized and enabling the fans to run even with the ignition off.

What I didn't read from either member was wether or not their fans run constantly at idle, or do they cycle?
These answers are important, as I would rather not get into summertime and have a damaging overheat or fry the voltage regulator on my alternator.

But thank you for responding.

[Rockwood]

Did you pull the plastic shield off the bottom of the engine and test it? That would help improve airflow. Kind of sounds like airlow is your problem.

[Mbrianc]

Plastic Shield? Do you mean the lower fan shroud? I removed that, I don't know of another one.

[yeldogt]

Are the fans blowing in the correct direction ?

Why did you remove the OE fan ? It has a clutch

[Mbrianc]

Both fans at set to pull from outside into the engine bay. The air is moving the right direction.

The reason I installed the electric is that the fan clutch I replaced year before last (OEM) was failing again staying engaged constantly when the weather was cold. When I inspected it, the fan blade was cracking at the base. I figured for what an OEM clutch and fan would cost me, I could go electric and not worry about it anymore.

[barnaclebob]

Well there will probably need to be airflow at idle otherwise the heat will just build up. With the hood open air can flow better in a more natural path upwards so thats why you get better cooling at idle with the hood open.

If you leave the hood open will the fans eventually turn back on? Id assume that there isn't enough natural cooling even with the hood open too keep the fans off permanently.

For now I wouldn't worry about it too much unless you can find a way to improve the airflow somehow. 100 degree air can still extract a lot of heat relative to 190 degree fluid in the summer. Extra load on the alternator is just part of the game when you change an accessory from belt driven to electric. I guess if the alternator craps out or your battery wont stay charged you can upgrade the alternator.

[Mbrianc]

Yeah, the fans cycle on an off like they should with the hood open. I looked up that lower engine cover. The previous owner must have removed it because it wasn't there on mine when I bought it.

I understand about the alternator. I just don't want to find out about that the hard way. I was hoping that someone here had walked down this road before.

[barnaclebob]

Maybe try PMing the people who did it before. That might send them an email notification even if they haven't been on the forum for awhile.

[yeldogt]

My guess is the fans don't have enough pull for what's required -- The OE engine fan is big .. and obviously has a lot of power. I'm surprised you had a problem with it .. I have never heard of one going.