I have a couple questions regarding the installation options of electric fans in my 2001 Chevy Tahoe. I have been tossing the idea back and forth about taking on the project and ordering a set of electric fans and installing them. Today as I was reading the "Bolt Ons" thread I noticed that it mentioned electric fans can be installed using a toggle switch instead of tapping into the PCM.

So to double check this, it is possible to run electric fans using a simple toggle switch wired into the interior? If I do this, will removing the factory clutch driven fan cause a code to appear?

Lastly, what type of fans should I order that would bolt up to my radiator without a great deal of modification? And all I would have to do is remove the fan and thats it or is there a few other steps to this process?

Thanks,
Taylor

 

Removing the clutch fan will not cause any codes. Yes, e-fans can be run to an interior switch, although I would recommend using a 40A SPST relay (This one has a 60A surge capacity) to switch the fans instead of running directly to a switch.

As far as fan type, you can get the electric fans from a junkyard, look at GMT-800 trucks from 03-06. The fan rack will pretty much drop in. Alternatively, you could purchase high performance fans like Perma-Cool offers but make sure you purchase the proper size for your radiator. I think your year truck could have either a 28" radiator or a 34" radiator (bigger is better; swapping is easy).

 

Thanks for the help! I can remove a fan rack from a GMT-800 truck and wire it to the SPST Relay then to a switch?

I wouldn't mind completing this mod soon if this is the case.

 

Yep. Although you will need two relays as there are two 30A fans on the truck rack. I would look at getting an extra fuse block (for the two 30A circuits) and wiring it up to the power stud inside the main fusebox.

 

Awesome! Thanks for the help! I'm gonna get to a few salvage yards tomorrow and see if I can track down some fans.

 

If you're lucky you might find the whole wiring harness and accessory block that goes with those fans, too. The accessory block is mounted on the right side of the main fuse box where your fender support crosses.