missing relay for rad fan?

[JimSuperSix]

I have been trying to get my rad-fan to work, and upon checking the fuse box under the bonnet (next to the battery, that also contains a relay for the headlights and glow-plug fuse etc...) the relay for the rad-fan is missing. I assume there is supposed to be a relay here as the cover diagram says there should be.

If I short-circuit the 2 control pins (from the temp sender) the fan kicks in, but why would the relay be missing, or is this a common thing on jap Surfs?

Do I need a specific type/part number to replace it (ie. a genuine Toyota one) or can I get some generic part from Halfords or Maplin or suchlike?

thanks
James

[Simon.O.]

Righto, its the electric fan problem again.
Firstly. Does yours have 1 electric fan in front of the a/c rad or the underslung a/c rad with two fans ??
At the moment you have got the fan to run by doing a little electrical magic. Can you tell me EXACTLY which two "pins" you shorted to make the fan go.
There is a thermoswitch on the front of the thermostat housing that will run the fan when they get hot.
Give us a little more information as to your problem and what exactly you need and I am sure we can help.
This fan is one of my favourite topics as many round here know
More info = faster results

[JimSuperSix]

Hello Simon,

sorry for the late reply - forgot to check this thread again.

The pins I was referring to were the smaller 2 contacts where the relay would fit - there a 4 contacts, 2 large (for the power to the fan) and 2 small (for the switch). Short across the 2 small (ie. switch it on) and the fan works.

My rad fan is a single fan behind the grille. I used to have the underslung 2-fan AC rad also, but I ditched that as the compressor was knackered. Shame the AC rad fan relays don't fit the normal fan ....

I've checked with Toyota and they say it should have a relay there, so it now does! Given the state of the Surf's engine when I bought it (I discovered some of the head bolts were loose when replacing the inevitable cracked head) I'm not suprised that the previous owner or his muppet mechanic removed the relay - I suspect the headlight relay blew or similar and they whipped the fan relay as a quick fix.

I also have a spare switch the cabin that was previously wired into some (removed) spotlights, so I intend to wire the switch in also so I can manually short the relay and thus switch the fan on when I want, just for peace of mind when towing my trailer around town or stuck in traffic. I have this arrangement on my kit car and it works very well - the auto fan switch on is still present but I can manually override it if I want to.

I've no idea if the temp sender is working or not - I have tried disconnecting either or both of the grey wires to the thermostat housing, as somebody here suggested, but the fan stays off. How can you test it?

[BUSHWHACKER]

To test the electric fan, switch on ignition and pull off the round, grey plug on the thermostat housing and the fan should come on.

[JimSuperSix]

No, it doesn't - does the engine have to be running?

Can I swap the sender without draining the cooling system?

[BUSHWHACKER]

No, it doesn't - does the engine have to be running?

Can I swap the sender without draining the cooling system?

Try connectin 12v to the fan first to make sure it works. You can replace the sender without draining the coolant, as only a little will dribble out, just check the levels when finished.