I just did this last weekend...
My CRX Fan Switch writeup:
You'll need:- Borg-Warner model # for a CRX Si is TFS500
- 1-1/16" deep socket
- Shop towels
- Clean jug or bucket or tray for temporarily storing some coolant
- A tupperware bowl
- Pliers
Put the car up on jack stands and drain out the coolant.
At the passenger side bottom of the radiator is a little spout you can open to drain it. Drain it into a
clean jug/pan/bucket and you can put it right back in when you are done, just keep it clean and covered while you work so pets are not tempted to drink it, and nothing falls into it. You can drain a gallon, or you can drain it all, the goal is to get as much coolant out of the engine as you can, so if there's some left in the radiator, its fine.
Now Find the Switch
Crawl under the car, bring your safety glasses, socket, and the roll of shop towels serves as a pillow for your head.
Look between the block and the firewall just above the oil filter. The switch is screwed into the block, and it has two wires plugged into it. The wires are covered with a rubber boot. The boot will most likely crumble, dont sweat it, just get it out of the way and unplug those wires.
You dont need to remember which plug is which. They will work either way, since the switch merely connects them when a certain water temp is reached.
Fast Hands = Less Mess
Now you'll want to have a shallow tupperware bowl positioned on your chest where you can catch coolant that comes out when you remove the switch. Get everything ready and within reach, so you can do this:
- Loosen the old switch to where its just almost completely free
- Grab the new switch in one hand
- Take the old switch out and drop it
- Quickly put the new switch in and screw it down before a bunch of coolant spills out
The idea is to make less mess! BTW, if you decide to change your oil then it will be much easier to get to the switch with the filter removed, but you'll need to cover the oil filter hole with a rubber glove or something so coolant doesnt get inside.
Ok, you might have to use pliers to get the plugs back on, but you're pretty much done at that point. Dont forget to replace the coolant and 'burp' the air out of it.
The fan should only come on when the temp gauge is a little past the halfway point, then go back off when its cooled down. If you are still having problems, you need to look into the temp sending unit, and/or the thermostat water valve.
Good Luck!