Hi all,

I'm from the older Toyota section, but dropped because lots of you seem to use the SPAL fan controller, and I'm hoping you can help me.

My FAN-PWH has failed after just 2-3 months of light use (Only a few hundred miles driven.) It first appeared to have "lost" it's programming and wouldn't start the fan at any temperature. When I reprogrammed it, all three of the lights blink every few seconds, but it still won't start the fan. The AC bypass (power to the blue wire) works, as does the fan, itself. I'm using a SPAL in-line temp sensor (FAN-PWM-TS) and controlling a Taurus fan.

Another weird thing (I think) I noticed last night. Even when the controller is not running the fan, both the hot and ground wires to the fan from the controller have +12v to them? Is that normal behavior?

BTW, I've tried to contact SPAL, but this just happened this evening, and they aren't working tonight.

Have any of you ever seen this, or have any ideas?

Thanks,

Mark

Check your ground connection for the controller. If you have +12 vdc on both the fan terminals you may have a bad ground. If the controller is bad Spal should replace it under warranty.

I have had a Spal in my Sportage for several nonths and it has worked perfectly.

Thanks man. I may have the thing fixed: I replaced the temp sensor and reprogrammed the controller, and it worked OK when I tested it. The question is, will I trust it?

Would you test whether your controller behaves the same as mine? With the motor cool and controller hooked up, though not necessarily "keyed up" (if you have yours connected to the ignition), disconnect your fan and see if you're seeing voltage on both the red and black wires from the controller. Mine does that reliably, and the ground to the controller is good.

BTW, what fan are you controlling with the SPAL?

Thanks,

Mark

The temp sensor I amd using is the Sportages OBDII tempsensor which supplies temp information to the ECU, it is difficult to get to the fan connection but the Spal controller may be controlling the fan via the ground lead. If it is working dont worry aboutit. I am using a Procomp Fan.

I talked to a great guy at SPAL today, and he confirmed that the PWM functionality is implemented on ground wire, which is hot when the fan is not running.

Thanks for the help!

Mark