Last Update - 93 Honda overheating - Ground problem?

[WORSS]

Again, thanks for your inputs.

I have followed the Honda repair procedure for both the condensor fan and
radiator fans not working. I have checked all the continuity between all
the points it suggests and have checked the fans and even the diode. All
checked out okay. The next thing it says to do is to check continuity of
the black wire connecting the radiator fan control module (timer module) and
ground. I SEEM TO HAVE AN OPEN CIRCUIT!!!!! According to the manual...if
I had continuity, this would lead one to conclude that the module had
failed. BUT.....I don't have continuity so it just says to "fix" the
grounding problem. At this point I am lost because there are so many damn
grounds on this car!

However....I did check the main ground coming off the negative terminal of
the battery and I would estimate that at least half of the wires have broken
off the connector that is bolted to the engine block. I realize that this
is an issue and should be fixed, but could this be my problem? This ground
must impact every ground on the car....everything else seems to be working
correctly?

Thanks,
Bill

 

[Jim Yanik]

Again, thanks for your inputs.

I have followed the Honda repair procedure for both the condensor fan
and radiator fans not working. I have checked all the continuity
between all the points it suggests and have checked the fans and even
the diode. All checked out okay. The next thing it says to do is to
check continuity of the black wire connecting the radiator fan control
module (timer module) and ground. I SEEM TO HAVE AN OPEN CIRCUIT!!!!!
According to the manual...if I had continuity, this would lead one
to conclude that the module had failed. BUT.....I don't have
continuity so it just says to "fix" the grounding problem. At this
point I am lost because there are so many damn grounds on this car!

However....I did check the main ground coming off the negative
terminal of the battery and I would estimate that at least half of the
wires have broken off the connector that is bolted to the engine
block. I realize that this is an issue and should be fixed, but could
this be my problem? This ground must impact every ground on the
car....everything else seems to be working correctly?

Thanks,
Bill

Look at the grounds that connect the radiator mountings to the chassis or
block.There's a ground cable from the front of my Integra to the
block,perhaps more than one.

 

[CaptainKrunch]

I would just fix what is obviously broken and then worry about whether or
not it fixed the problem.

CaptainKrunch

 

[Charlie S]

You can connect a black (ground) wire to the body anywhere there is
metal. Drill a hole, scrape the paint off and use a nut, washer and
bolt or sheet metal screw. Just get a good contact. It might be easier
to add a new black wire. A bad connection is like an open switch.

Re your main ground, replace it, it will make the car more reliable.

I would just fix what is obviously broken and then worry about whether or
not it fixed the problem.

CaptainKrunch

 

[Tom Wilson]

Again, thanks for your inputs.

I have followed the Honda repair procedure for both the condensor fan and
radiator fans not working. I have checked all the continuity between all
the points it suggests and have checked the fans and even the diode. All
checked out okay. The next thing it says to do is to check continuity of
the black wire connecting the radiator fan control module (timer module) and
ground. I SEEM TO HAVE AN OPEN CIRCUIT!!!!! According to the manual...if
I had continuity, this would lead one to conclude that the module had
failed. BUT.....I don't have continuity so it just says to "fix" the
grounding problem. At this point I am lost because there are so many damn
grounds on this car!

However....I did check the main ground coming off the negative terminal of
the battery and I would estimate that at least half of the wires have broken
off the connector that is bolted to the engine block. I realize that this
is an issue and should be fixed, but could this be my problem? This ground
must impact every ground on the car....everything else seems to be working
correctly?

Thanks,
Bill

I believe that it is very possible that you are on the right track--It's
my guess that one of wires that you mentioned in the last paragraph is the
source of the problem. After you reconnect the wires--your problem related
to the radiator fans will (hopefully) be fixed.

 

[Aron]

You're supposed to get continuity between the black wire and ground, you
said. If this wire is one of the broken wires you found at that ground on
the block then you should get continuity when you connect the test lead you
normally would connect to ground to one of the dangling ends. Perhaps
you'll have to trip the ends first but you should be doing that anyway
because you should repair those broken wires for the longevity of the car.
Some parts may be pulling current through others to complete the circuit if
their ground is gone. This can do damage over time that isn't done
immediately.