I had a similar problem last year.  Try the switch before you do anything
else.  I know because I replaced the fan before I got it to work right. :-(

Jeanne
'87 Syncro Westy

----- Original Message -----
From: Dave L <k1cajun@pipeline.com>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, June 21, 2000 10:23 AM
Subject: Re: Radiator Fan Keeps coming on

> Katy <katya@netins.net> wrote:
> > Well my 89 Westy has been doing the same thing.  Is this common in
> > the 89's?  When I start the van up, before it has had time to warm
> > up, (and gauge reads cold too) the fan will go on in addition to to
> > the rpm's increasing.  It goes off shortly and then come on again.
> > It will do this maybe 3 or 4 times before reaching normal operating
> > temp.  Also if I've been driving a while and I stop and put in park
> > the rpm's go way up now with the fan on.
>
> Katy,
> As another 89 owner, I can say that mine operates the same as other
> years in the 2.1L series (86-91) do.
>
> It will always come on if the A/C is on, regardless of coolant temp.
>
> It comes on when coolant reaches a given temp X (not sure of actual
> value of X).  When coolant gets to X+Y, blinking light should come on,
> though this hasn't happened to me since the new engine (knock wood).
>
> If stopped and idling long enough, fan comes on.  This is because no
> wind is being pushed through radiator from forward motion and coolant
> reaches that temperature X, so fan comes on to substitute for forward
> motion.
>
> Your situation of it switching on and off right after starting doesn't
> sound normal to me.  If the A/C was on, it should switch the fan on and
stay on.