vlcm's

[the1andonlyGR81]

ok, youve got your temp sensor, temp sending unit, temp gauge, all running through the variable load control module , which in theory is supposed to rotate the fan enough to keep it cool down to whatever temp . now if the vlcm is bad, would that cause your temp gauge to show faulty signals? i mean ive over heated 3 motors, this one had another issue as well but upon startup the gauge was cold rose at normal speed never went past 1/2 way. this last time when the vlcm was supposed to have been replaced i find a jumper wire that was rigged to come on when the car came on, after long debate on this issue with many i decided that replacing the module was the way to go so i told the guy to do it. after inspecting why my fan wasnt working i discovered the jumper wire. when i took it off the fan still didn't work unless i turned on the a/c. so trying to get home (remember the gauge showed ok) i started to hear valve chatter so i pulled over the car stalled, when it shut off the gauge skyrocketed, and i had oil every where.so if the vlcm is bad would it be safe to think that its not sending the proper temp to gauge? no matter what, im putting column mounted temp gauge this time anyways, but what say all?

 

[98lincmk7lsc]

I don't have any useful info to offer up other than to tell you that I've got a spare VLCM from a 98 if you think you need one.

I would definitely recommend getting yourself an aftermarket temp gauge though...

 

[ford nut]

Your thinking way too deep.
First find and fix your oil leak, if your engine is still in one piece.

Do not rely on the dummy dash gauge.
What you describe is exactly what will happen if your low on coolant, system is not burped.
Dummy dash gauge will read normal, then sky rocket.
As far as the bypass fan wiring.... not a good idea, fan on all the time will cook your alt.
The fan is supposed to come on when the air is turned on that would be normal.

Take your problems one at a time.

Read This

From Here

 

[GMAN]

My sentiments exactly. I've sold quite a few VLCM's when most likely it didn't solve the problem.

 

[thaywood]

Most likely, if the VLCM is bad, the fan won't work at all. When mine went out on my old '96, the fan stopped working, the a/c clutch engaged and wouldn't disengage and ran my battery down, and several other weird little things were happening. So a bad VLCM will cause your Mark VIII to act stoopid.

But I do agree with Ford Nut in your case. If your fan comes on when the A/C comes on, it would appear to be working properly. Your overheating issue is possibly due to air in the system. I know from experience, these cars NEED to be PROPERLY BURPED. Sorry for the caps, but that is a requirement. There has to be no air in the system or it WILL overheat. No if's and's or but's about it.