The electric radiator cooling fan does not seem to come on even when the car is sitting idling (in traffic for instance).  I say "does not seem to" because I am getting the info second hand. Assuming it does not come on, how does one troubleshoot this issue?  Vehicle is a 1997 Legacy with the original EJ22 non-turbo SOHC engine and it has the manual transmission.  Mileage is about 290,000.

Is it actually overheating?

 

Did you check the fuse, relay, etc.?

 

IF it has AC, turning the AC on should kick the fan on, assuming the AC compressor is working.

 

If you disconnect the battery (a must as it could come on with power) does the fan blade spin freely by hand? Or is it frozen? Binding?

 

If it's moving freely, can try disconnecting the connector, and jump the fan to battery (figure out ground/12v+). If the fan all of a sudden works, start tracing backwards until you find the break i.e. relay, fuse, etc.

I think you can plug the 2 test connectors together under the dash and the relays and fans will cycle.

I have never utilized the aforementioned test connectors.  Do you know what color they are?

I have never utilized the aforementioned test connectors.  Do you know what color they are?

 

just need to hook up one of them.  the green set.

High likelyhood of fan motor failure. Happens about that many miles on that platform.

 

GD

I have some spare fans if you need one.  I'm in CO 80919