Auxiliary Cooling fan setup for 3rd Gen?

I’d def use google and search things like “Tacoma world cooling upgrade”. We’ve got plenty of hardcore trail/sand/dune people that are 100% running aftermarket stuff to keep temps down.

 

I can assure you I DID search, quite a bit in fact. There were a lot of old threads, many of which were for 2nd Gen trucks or were not relevant or not exactly what I was looking for since a brand new 3rd Gen overheating isn't a common issue. However, it anyone else has a 3rd Gen overheat, they will now have a thread to read and perhaps a starting point on how to fix it or what to look for.

This forum is a great resource but doesn't have a specific answer to everything. If members are chastised not searching before posting, nobody will want to post and the value of the forum will be a lot less than what it is today.

 

Uh…I didn’t chastise you. Can I now that I found the very thing you said didn’t exist?

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-transmission-cooler-upgrade.482280/


https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cooling-issues-not-anymore.682278/

 

More:

https://youtu.be/KB3Xbx97Emw


https://www.google.com/amp/s/tacoma3g.com/threads/electric-cooling-fan-options.11336/%3Famp%3D1

 

Appreciate the links but I'm not looking for a Transmission Cooler or factory fan replacement. I was looking for an Auxiliary Cooling fan setup for a 3rd Gen, something that is in addition to the factory fan and preferably one that can be switched on manually as needed. One of the guys I know did this to his 4Runner but he had to custom mod the bracket. I was hoping somebody had done something similar.

 

I am also interested in an aftermarket radiator/cooling system, so subb'd here. I emailed CSF to confirm it works with the manual transmission 3rd gens as well. Good luck with your search, I'll see if I can't dig something up.




Edit:This looks like the TSB mentioned if anyone cares to view it. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10187260-9999.pdf

 

Update:
I was told today that the CSF Radiator I ordered is in so I should have it installed last week, I'll post up some photos once it's done. I also asked the shop doing the work to help design an Auxiliary Cooling fan setup that I can switch on manually during extreme use so I'll post of some photos of that as well if it all works out.

 

It's because Toyota is too damned cheap to fit aux cooling fans to pull air when there is little to no airflow as everyone else has done for decades. I was shocked when I noticed there are no aux fans. If you run your A/C or otherwise put a load on your truck in stop and go driving you will get hot and the A/C will cease to be effective (no air running across the evaporator). Stupid stupid stupid cost cutting. Searching for a solution now.

 

That's a helpful diagram & image @caribe makaira. Do you know where the CDS fan relay is physically located?

 

Your taco most likely doesn't have it or the terminals to attach the relay.

 

You are probably correct that my Tacoma won't have the relay or the terminals to attach it. I will look later. At best I expect to find a blank spot.

The elegant solution is to run a set of wires and terminals that duplicate the OEM setup. It can be done, and I have some similar things on other vehicles. It is usually easier to install a separate circuit with its own fuse and relay. That's probably what I'll do. Even easier would be to install a dashboard switch that turns the fan on and off, maybe with a pilot light.

Thanks.

 

Reading material:
Installing the Factory TSB A/C Condenser Fan (DIY)

 

I installed an electric fan in front of my condenser operated by a 6-auxiliary switch panel in the cab. It does help the AC and the engine temp quite a bit while driving slow. Turning on your heater works well in a pinch also as mentioned.

There’s also another reason why you may have boiled over, depending on the elevation you were at, and if you’re running the right ratio of coolant and water in your radiator:

 

As caribe pointed out, it won’t have the terminals in place. The CDS fan relay is in the little box hanging off the side of the main box. Terminals could be added and wires run out through the bottom of the box. I just added the TSB condenser fan (for AC, not for any sort of added engine cooling and MT so no transmission cooler), and I found it easier to use my own relay located elsewhere. I would have definitely liked to run it exactly like stock but the juice wasn’t worth the squeeze.

Controlling the fan like stock is quite easy, two wires in the cab to do it like the TSB if that’s what you’re after. The TSB controls the fan like the stock Mexico-destined trucks, it just doesn’t use the exact same ign circuit for the relay activation. But it functions the same using the same output from the AC amplifier to control the turn on.

I didn’t add any sort of manual control for mine, I do kind of wish I had a small indicator light telling me when the fan is on for my own curiosity. It’s so quiet that you never know it’s on unless you stand in front of the truck. I’m curious if it shuts off at specific speeds. With temps at 100°+ currently, it’s running anytime my truck is parked idling so far. Back in the 90° temps it often didn’t turn on.

 

BLtheP, did you not mentioned that the CDS fan came on at higher temps sitting a stop light and slow traffic?

A few temperature sensors to the A/C amplifier

 

When I did testing (before the fan was installed - was only testing ground from AC amp with a continuity beeper on my meter), it was about a 90-95° day and it seemed to turn on about 15-20 seconds after I stopped moving. Once I started moving, it seemed to stay on until I got to 15 mph or so and then shut off.

Now that we are at 100+ days, it is on much more. Mornings are 80° and it’s off then. Afternoon when it hits 95-100 it seems to be on pretty much anytime I check it. I have stopped and gotten out quickly to check and it’s been on. I am guessing it is running even while driving when the temps are this hot.

If the temps drop to 95ish and the cab has reached selected temp, the mag clutch will cycle every 20-30 seconds and the fan will then work with the mag clutch on only, and shut off when mag clutch disengages. Really just seems to depend on what you’re asking of it and how hot it is outside. Very different operation day to day depending on the condition.