My girlfriends Escort LX ('95) overheats in traffic jams - we figured out that the electrical fan doesn't come on when it should. I changed the switch and checked the fan (hooked up to the battery - was working). What signal do I get from the switch - how can i test this one (maybe i got a bad one), what signal should the fan get?? Can i shorten out the switch to make the fan work (although the car does not overheat)?
thx. for any suggestions

Test the fan by jumping it directly on the batterie's pole. If it'S run then the fan it's fine. Next you need to locate the fan's relay(usaly behind the glove compartement) and check if it'S working (you're suppose to hear a little click when it'S close/open). Also check for the thermostat. (check it with a multimeter and a ligther). If the the thermostat is scrap, the computer will never get the signal and won't give power to the fan relay, so the fan won't start.

For cheap repair you can by pass the system by using a switch, but you gonna have to check on your temperature gauge carefully and start your fan when required. It's not a handy job because you'll have to plug you're fan in the fuses box and from the fuse box to the switch.

At last, when you fix it, dOn't forget to check the head gazket for damage

stupid question - where IS the relay for the electrical fan on a Escort LX ('95)?? In the manual it looks like it's behind the glove compartment, but i didn't see it?!?! Do i have to unmount stuff to get there??

It's suppose to be behind the glove compartmant but sometime's they put it under it (happen on friday's car). I think (i'm really not sure of it) you have to unmount the heater fan to see it. I'll check back on it. I'll you know if I find anything else.

The high speed and low speed relays are located in the driver side fender. You will have to remove the air filter to get to them. If you have a code reader you can hook it up to test the fan as well... much quicker. Or you can use the jumper method if you don't have the code reader, but ya better know what you are doing.

Hey I just dealt with this issue. That relay on the 95 is in the engine compartment fuse box on the driver's side under the hood. There is also a 40 amp fuse in the same place. If its blown, you'll see a dark burned spot right on the top. My fan had seized up so I replaced it, the relay and the fuse. Its as easy as unbolting the fan assembly and removing it from the car then change the fan if its bad. I got one from AutoZone for 93 buck plus tax. If the fuse is your issue, about 3 dollars for a replacement. the relay will run ya about 12 dollars.