f5 fan controller install?

[snappytravis]

Just curious how many have used the f5 fan controller. I have mine hooked up and the fans are running with just the key on. I would also like to know how you wired in your vehicle speed sensor. Mine has two wires. I believe one is ground and one is signal.
Thanks Travis

[Adam07]

I'm having the same issue with mine, after it working properly for two weeks. Painless told me it may have something to do with the vehicle speed sensor circuit. I have the sensor wire connected to ground, and had initially left the push button off, which the instructions that came with it said you could do if you don't have a VSS. The tech on the phone recommended I install the button, use the manual off switch to turn the fans off, and press the VSS button for three seconds. I tried that and it did not fix anything. I'm going to work on it again tomorrow, and call Painless to find their next recommendation.

[snappytravis]

I went to plan B. I messed with it and ended up sent it in for repair. I received it back aprox 6 weeks later. Installed it just like the new directions said and it worked with one fan hooked up. So I wired in the other fan and then It would not work properly. I ended up going to plan B spent a few hours wiring two relays in and all works good.. Let me know how you come out on this one.

[Adam07]

I spent some time on the phone with Painless today, troubleshot some wiring. They had me dial both temperature potentiometers to max and try it again. When I turned the ignition switch on (engine off), the fans still came on. Then they had me start the engine and warm it up to normal operating temperature. The fans stayed on after the engine started, but about a minute later they turned off. My temperature gauge was around 140. When the engine got to 190 I adjusted the start potentiometer until the fans turned on, after that the fans cycled on and off normally, starting at 50% and turning off when temperature lowered a few degrees. I called Painless back, and they thought this was an odd behavior. They told me to try it again tomorrow and see if the fans come on again when the engine is cold and turn off after it warms up a little. I'll keep you posted.

[Adam07]

It's been a while since I've been here, but I've had a properly functioning F5 fan controller for over a year. I spent some time back and forth on the phone with Painless Performance, and after much troubleshooting they eventually had me send my unit back to them. Turns out I got a very rare defective unit. They swore up and down initially that they don't have much trouble with the units and if it doesn't work properly it must be something I've done. When I got the replacement unit installed and calibrated, it started working properly and over a year later it still is.

So I would still recommend this controller to someone looking to install electric fans in their car. It can be installed pretty easily, and works great. I have it set to turn on at 195, and I don't think I've seen temps above 200 even in mid August. Make sure your cooking system and fans are properly sized for your application, and this controller should keep temps in check.

Mine is installed in a 72 Pontiac LeMans with a mild Pontiac 400. I have a Summit brand aluminum radiator and a DeRale dual electric fan handling the cooling duties. I live in CT, so the outside temps aren't the most taxing on the cooling system as compared to more southern locations. But like I said, even in the hottest weather I don't see temps above about 200.