The cooling fan on my 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt LT is not operating. When the car is moving and in clean air - no problems; but if you're forced to not move (drive thru, etc) the reduced engine power comes on. To test the theory, we let the car idle until the reduced power light came on. Next we let the car cool, reset the codes and placed a fan in front of the car - no matter how long it idled, no error code or reduced power. I've checked the relays (both good), checked the fan (it operates when power is jumpered to it) - what next?
The air conditioning system developed a leak and is no longer in use. It's a car with a manual transmission that I've kept so my kids can learn to drive one - I'd like to get another year or two out of it.
What makes this problem better or worse?
Sitting idle in traffic
How long has your 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt had this problem?
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You actually need a professional quality scan tool to perform functional test and observe live fan circuit data when engine reaches operating temperature..
Now - you didn’t state anything about engine overheating which should certainly occur if cooling fans do not operate at all..
Keep in mind the engine may run 30 minutes are longer before fans turn on - that normal.
Reduced engine power is more commonly the result of a throttle by wire malfunction.
A top quality scan tool is invaluable - and knowledge of it uses.
Good luck!
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