Randomly my engine fan will turn on all of a sudden when I'm driving (or sitting) about every minute or so. What could that be?

 

Does this happen with the AC on or off and what is your engine temperature? The electric fan will typically come on when the engine temperature or condensor temperature reaches certain levels. No worries.

 

Thats the thing. It comes on whether or not the A/C system is on and is always around 170 degrees, which is what it was before this started happening.

 

??

 

Time for a new t stat

 

Is that what it is you think?

 

Could also be the Temp sensor that controls the E-fan...It will also go on with the defroster...Tj

 

^

Yes, it is supposed to turn the fan on at 210*, if the thermistor in the Temp sensor goes bad it can do a few things.

1. Not turn the fan on
2. Always keep the fan on
3. Prematurely turn the fan on
etc etc

 

How can I tell if it's the t-stat, the thermistor, or the temp. sensor then?

 

The thermistor is the electronic part in the temp sensor that controls it.

It is most likely your temp sensor.

 

If I take it apart, is it possible to tell if its the whole mechanism or just the thermistor?

 

You would have to know what the variable impedance, current/voltage handling, etc would be to replace the internals.

Get a new temp sensor.