[stroker_SS]

Hi, guys my 88 mercury topaz 2.3l needs help keeping cool. I know the problem is the cooling fan, it won't turn on no matter how high the temp. goes, i've checked the plug going into it with a multi-meter, the ground shows no resistance to battery terminal ground, and the positive side shows 12.5v. But it still will not turn on, i've tried wiggling the plug in the socket but all attempts turned out the same.

Who else thinks the fan motor needs to be replaced, i could really use some professional opinions before i go throwing money at it.

[ernkazern]

Try hot wiring the fan and see if it turns on. You can see 12.5 volts with an voltmeter but a voltmeter only needs a milliamp, or so, of current flow to give a reading. When the fan tries to pull 5 amps through the same circuit the current may not flow because of a bad connection. A good way to test the circuit is to make a tester by connecting a headlight into the wiring for the fan. If when the engine heats up the headlight comes on you can be pretty sure the fan wiring is okay.

[stroker_SS]

wired the fan straight to the battery and nothing happened so, it looks like its time for a new motor.

[ernkazern]

Yes it does.

[ChevelleSS_LS6]

Originally Posted by stroker_SS

wired the fan straight to the battery and nothing happened so, it looks like its time for a new motor.

if you can't find one at a boneyard, try a universal aftermarket fan and attaching it to the stock fan shroud/mounting plastic part.