Are both of the cooling fans suppose to run together or are they staged based on engine temperature?

My left fan runs when the AIR is on and engine temp is normal but the right one doesn't. And recently while parked for a long period of time with the AIR on the temp was way up, not in the red but close. It cooled down quickly when I drove, so the system works when there is air flow. But now I'm questioning the viability of the right fan. And figured I'd ask this question before doing any diagnostics. e.g. If they are both suppose to run, and the right one isn't then it's time to figure out why.

Thanks in advance for the reply

 

I'm not absolutely sure about the 3CL, but on all other Honda's and Acura's I'm familiear with (2.2CL, 2.2 Accords, 2.5TL's), the fans should both be running together whenever AC is on and whenever the coolant temp reaches 195F. When engine is OFF, only the condensor fan will run to provide heat soak cooling.

It is likely you have a defective cooling fan, a not uncommon occurence on higher mileage Hondas and Acuras. You can confirm by checking for voltage to the connector when the other fan is running. If you have 12V, then fan is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Check ebay for aftermarket replacement fans at reasonable prices.

good luck

 

I went to test the power to the fan motor and noticed it was not connected. It was either left that way by a careless mechanic or it just slipped apart on it's own because the fan works fine. Classic check if it's plugged in story.

 

The connectors and the connector mount release are a real PIA to release because of lack of room. It's easy to see how they might not have been connected correctly, however they usually go together a lot easier than they come apart.

regards