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2005 GMC Sierra 4.3 v6 over heating issues

Scorpyd

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Scorpyd Enthusiast

Scorpyd

Posted
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The truck is a Sierra 1500 with the 4.3 v6, regular cab, and 8ft bed. Work truck no 4x4. The truck had been having trouble with heating up over 210, maybe up to 220+ in that range, and the fan doesn’t come on. Only when i turn the AC or heat on, the fans turns on. I’ve even tried it at the house letting it sit and run and let it over heat to watch if the fans kicks on and no luck. Could this be a problem or is it normal?

Supreme Pizza Senior Enthusiast

Supreme Pizza

Posted
Posted

The A/C always kicks on the fan. Keep the A/C on until you solve the fan issue. There are several temperature sensors on your engine. One of them controls your dash gauge, one sends info to the computer, and one of them controls your engine fan. The switch acts like a toggle switch for your fan. When the switch gets hot enough, it connects power to your fan motor. They can be wired many different ways, but its all the same result. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fan_relay_install_zps19f4125b.jpg

Scorpyd Enthusiast

Scorpyd

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I might try replacing the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. Took it to advanced again, it didnt show a check engine light but, their test scan thing said it was that. My truck runs fine but i may try replacing it. I heard that it may be corroded and can break off, will that happen or is my best bets a garage?

Supreme Pizza Senior Enthusiast

Supreme Pizza

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You can easily replace it yourself. It will not break off. Just make sure the engine is cold when you remove it. Not only will it come out easier, but it will keep you from getting burned by hot water. Make sure you get the sensor that controls the fan. 

 

Another option is to just bypass the switch so that the fan runs all the time. That fix is free and easy. Your thermostat will regulate the engine temp. 

Supreme Pizza Senior Enthusiast

Supreme Pizza

Posted
Posted

There are a few possibilities. 

 

If its a single terminal, then you just ground that wire to the engine or body. 

If its a 2 terminal, then you would cross the wires. 

 

If you unplug the sensor, and your dash gauge stops working then you have the wrong one. 

If you unplug the sensor, and your check engine light comes on, then you have the wrong one. 

 

There is a possibility that your vehicle has a multi-purpose temperature switch, that controls multiple different items, but that is not very common. 

 

Another simple option is to unplug the fan, and ground 1 terminal, and hook the other terminal to a power source under the hood that is only hot when the engine is on. 

 

Or you could do this: 

 

 https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b/hayden-3856/cooling---heating-16773/cooling-fan-controller-module-11359/1a3fc21dfde5/hayden-temperature-switch/3647/4364642/2005/gmc/sierra-1500?q=fan+controller&pos=1

 

 

Supreme Pizza Senior Enthusiast

Supreme Pizza

Posted
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There are different models, and some are adjustable. You put the probe in the radiator, and then hook up the wires. Easy to install. It supplies power to the fan motor when the probe reaches a certain temp.  I have used them many times for various reasons. 

 

 

 

 

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Supreme Pizza Senior Enthusiast

Supreme Pizza

Posted
Posted

I have a 2002 Suburban that started to overheat once. It has a clutch fan, rather than electric. I replaced the fan clutch with a "severe duty" fan clutch, and then made a secondary fan shroud with 2 BMW electric fans, controlled by a Hayden fan switch. The whole setup was well under $100. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supreme Pizza Senior Enthusiast

Supreme Pizza

Posted
Posted

You engine is set up for a clutch fan. You could EASILY add a clutch fan and shroud. Junk yard parts - maybe $35 total. Install would take 10 minutes. The can treads onto your water pump. 

Scorpyd Enthusiast

Scorpyd

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My dad has the same truck as mine with the 4.3, but his is Chevy and he uses that for work every day, with a trailer. His truck would never over heat, even with the ac on. His is a clutch fan. I think the clutch fans were too good so GM stopped putting them in trucks, i believe. I wouldnt mind having a clutch fan but im going to try the temperature switch/probe and change out my engine coolant temp sensor

A0CA84D0-FD31-4835-85F6-5D0C38D86013.jpeg

Scorpyd Enthusiast

Scorpyd

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I actually bought a 2007 a few months ago and the fans in that would run if the temperature were to run over 210 and brings it back down. I want my other truck like that

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