[DML] Re: My cooling fans stayed on...

["DMC Joe" <DMCJOE@xxxx>]

Dan,
It appears as if you have your AC compressor confisued with you alternator.
The loud click you heard is the compressor clutch engaging which also
switches on the cooling fans. This explains why the fans continued to run
even after you unplugged the otterstat switch. When you started to drive
the car the compressor clutch released and the fans shut off. 

Your AC compressor should only operate when one of the three AC positions
is selected on your AC/heater switch.

DMC Joe / DeLorean Services / <dmcjoe@xxxx>
Web Site: <http://www.deloreanservices.com>

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From: Danrc30 <Danrc30@xxxx>

Yesterday when I went to start my car, I heard a loud CLICK from the
engine, and the cooling fans came on. The engine was completely cold. The
key was only in the "on" position. Upon further inspection, I realized the
click was coming from the alternator. It seemed like it wanted to engage
even when the car was off. I then started the car and shut it back off to
see if the alternator was just stuck or something. But nothing changed. I
unplugged one of the connections to the otterstat switch, but the fans
stayed on. The only way I could shut them off was to pull the jumper wire
in the relay area. So, then I decided to drive the car anyway to see if it
would fix itself. And, sure enough, it did. As soon as I pulled it out of
the garage, the fans went off and all was back to normal.

My question is; what happened here? Is this a common occurance? Is this a
symptom that something really bad is about to happen to my car? Anyone else
have this happen to them? Thanks in advance for any help.

---Dan #5493