Hello all,

Driving back from DC to PA yesterday there was a traffic jam (no movement)and 90 deg heat, so my 1996 850 overheated and I had to pull over and let it cool down. I did that a few times until traffic got moving and it was fine. The cooling fan was not running so I tried to hot-wire it just till I got out of there but it almost melted the wire (probably too small - about 18 ga) and I burned my finger - ouch. I want to figure out why the fan doesn't turn on. I see three relays above the radiator but don't know how to check them. Could it be the fan that is pulling too much current? A fuse? Any ideas would be appreciated.
Going to take the fan off next weekend and do some checking out, but would appreciate any leads or suggestions. Thanks
Henrik

Just replaced the relay in my 940 and the original one would not work after cleaning contacts etc., guess they only work for ~22 years. Anyway, the 850 uses the same relay, eEuroparts has it for ~35 bucks, made in good ole Germany by KAE. For some reason, most others want a lot more $$$ for this stupid relay.

Next time, don't forget to turn up the cabin heat to max and the blower to max. Lower the driver's window and the rear passenger window to let the heat out.

It is easy to verify which relay belongs to the engine fan, it's wires go to the fan motor. Check the wiring diagram, the 3rd one down:

http://www.volvotips.com/index.php/850-2/volvo-850-s70-v70-c70-service-repair-manual/volvo-850-engine-cooling-fan/

Then look for broken wires or just a bad relay. Note, these relays don't fail often and a junk yard relay will work. There is a fuseable link on the red wire.


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My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat

Thanks Klaus,

I will check it out.