Circuit Sports Fan Controller Troubleshooting

[Kaifd3s]

So I installed the fan controller according to the directions. Everything powers up properly, the unit shows the vehicles voltage also. Now the thing is the unit keeps saying "LO". I read the manual, and it said it could be a poor connection for the temp sensor, or a broken connection.

I checked EVERYTHING on the sensor and the wires that lead up to the unit, and there is no open circuit. If i jump the signal wire on the relay with 12v the fans kick on.

Any ideas why the hell this think keeps saying "LO"??
Could it be a bad unit?
How's Circuit Sports customer service?

Thanks,
ALI

[Kaifd3s]

http://www.circuit-sports.com/index2.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.view_images&product_id=185&image_id=459&Itemid=104&pop=1


Link to the Manual. Only two pages.

[gostrider]

:confused:mine says "LOL" I called them and they laugh at me

[dopplganger1]

does it say this with the car warmed up?

[Kaifd3s]

Yup I have a defi gauge and it goes all the way up to normal operating temps.

Tried checking the sensor, and when checking for continuity, I think both sensors are showing an open circuit. There is no resistance on either of the sensors. The multimeter stays at 1, and does not drop to 0.

Sucks that there is absolutely nothing on Google for reviews on this controller.

[Kaifd3s]

So I called Circuit Sports customer service number, which happens to be the number for Phase2motortrend. I informed them of the situation, and they guy on the phone had no idea about the units even coming with sensors. He pretty much told me I am out of luck

Guess I'm going to have to try and source some sensors. Anyone have any idea where I can get one?

http://www.circuit-sports.com//components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/EFC-K1-GD%20(Logo)%2018.jpg

[gostrider]

Prosport sells them

[Kaifd3s]

I have a spare Defi sender, going to try and connect it to the harness. I'll update it later.

[Kaifd3s]

So put the Defi sender with controller. Now the controller finally got out of the "Lo" status. The only problem now is the controller will not see past 30C. Figure is the sensor's difference in resistance.

Just ordered the Prosport replacement sensors. I'll update to let you guys know how it works out.

Worst comes to worst I'm just gong to bite the bullet on this piece of crap, and order a Pivot controller from RHDJapan.

[KevinEdgar]

Mine came with sensors but when properly installed it would flash on when I turned the car on but wouldn't stay on. Just ended up wiring a switch so I could turn the fans on for the event I was late to. $60 piece of garbage.

[iamtheyi]

good god. Good thing I never bought this thing.

[WhiteS12+1]

I had ordered mine over the summer but had not got around to getting it installed till this past week. I was a little skeptical after I saw your problems with it, but got mine installed and it seems to be working properly knock on wood. Any updates on yours?

[240sxfan6882]

So I called Circuit Sports customer service number, which happens to be the number for Phase2motortrend. I informed them of the situation, and they guy on the phone had no idea about the units even coming with sensors. He pretty much told me I am out of luck

Guess I'm going to have to try and source some sensors. Anyone have any idea where I can get one?

http://www.circuit-sports.com//components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/EFC-K1-GD%20(Logo)%2018.jpg

url]

I'm using one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/Flex-lite-31165-Variable-Control/dp/B000CNN3LS

No problems and works great - you can use the temp prove sensor or actual 1/4NPT "in coolant" sensors!
GL!

[Kaifd3s]

Put the Prosport sensors in, and the controller is working perfectly. Guess the sensors I had were just garbage.

[KevinEdgar]

I read that Prosprort gets their stuff from Taiwan from an ex employee while researching their gauges. So you put a crappier sensor with a crap controller. I would try to get mine to work but I'm pretty sure I already pitched that bitch in the garbage. Lol.

[iamtheyi]

How do you like the unit now that it's working? Worth the money?

[Kaifd3s]

On my Defi gauge, the readings never pass 90C, they hover around 82-87C. Fans kick on around 90C and bring the temps down.

Honestly I might have had a bad set, but once everything works its a pretty good unit. I like the fact that damn fan shroud is gone. Much easier to work on the car also.

[Kaifd3s]

*UPDATE*

The Prosport sensors I wired in took a shit. Started the car and got the "LO" status again. I emailed Circuit Sports about the problem. The guys sent out a brand new sensor without even telling me, and for free. Put it in and its working again.

This thing eats sensors, but the Circuit Sports guys are awesome for their service. Other than that its holding up pretty well.

[Croustibat]

These sensors are basic temperature changing resistors. Not something that fries like that ... There must be something else. Something might be wrong with the fan controler, maybe it is not filtering voltage, or lowering it enough.

TBH i think the simpler the better : just use a thermostatic switch, and wire it on a relay that powers your fan(s). Do not forget a fuse. Voila, cheap fan controler that works. Mine closes the circuit ( so starts the fan) at 95°C, and opens it (stops the fan) at 86°C. I also have a bypass switch in the cabin that will force fan start (it can only force start it, no forced stop).

Who needs variable temperature fan controler anyway ?