Rep Power: 0

I believe my A/C stops cooling because the system overheats. When the outside temps get above about 85, the A/C only cools for approx 20 min after the car is started from cold. With warmer outside temps or driving under congested conditions, it doesn’t cool even that long. The A/C will sometimes begin cooling again after being off for a few minutes.

I’ve noticed that the radiator fan starts when the A/C is turned on, but I don’t believe the condenser fan ever comes on. I’ve searched, but haven’t found a guide to follow to troubleshoot a non-working condenser fan. Anyone want to advise me?

 
Rep Power: 518

BOTH radiator fans are supposed to run at the same time.

turn on AC so the fans are powered up and good one is running.
Spin the bad fan by the blade and see if it moves on its own, or tries to move..
Or hit the fan motor and see if it tries to turn, that would indicate it is powered up and motor is bad.


If zero movement
Unplug fan motor, connect a test light to the cars fan harness and see if it will light up the bulb.

Connect fan motor direct to battery to see if the motor will run.



Also, you should check if the compressor is still engaging or not when it quits cooling.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thank you for the response.
The fan showed no signs of life with pushing a blade or jarring the motor with the a/c running.
The only test light I have is intended for household use, so not sure that the lack of a light at the fan motor wiring harness means anything. Attempted to connect directly from battery to the condenser fan motor at the wiring harness. Fan did not run. I couldn't readily see another point on the fan that I could connect to. I have no confidence that I'm even working with the correct wiring harness. lol

I think I swapped all of relays that are related to the a/c and radiator fans. I traded the relays between 3 pair of them, then went for a test drive. No difference in the operation of the fans or a/c.

I'm throwing in the towel and taking it to a pro. Thanks again for attempting to help me. I really do appreciate it.

 
Rep Power: 518

A 120VAC test light won't work with a 12vdc car system.

You can buy a 12v test light at a parts store for like $5, or make one with a car light bulb (license plate light bulb #194) and 2 wires.

The test light idea is just to confirm both power and ground are reaching the fan motor connection.

If you connected directly to the fan motor, sounds like that motor is bad. Replace?