Engine Coolant Drain Block Location and Interior Fan Problem

[Domie D]

I have a 1996 Sidekick Sport JLX. I am going to drain the coolant and backflush the system. Is there an engine block drain for the coolant and where is it located? I have the DOHC engine.


A problem I am having with my interior fan speed switch is recently the first two lowest speed setting wont turn the fan anymore. The last two setting will work. (med-hi and hi.) I was thinking about swapping out the blower motor switch for a new one.
Anyone out there who had a similiar problem or think this would work?

Thanks, and nice forum!

[deardsy]

Gday, I have a 97 vitara, there should be a drain plug on the bottom of your radiator, if not just remove the lower radiator hose.
I've had the zook for 7 years, 6 of them have been without the two lowest fan speeds, trust me, you get over it!

[jtgh]

I didnt see a block drain on mine but who knows? but your is 2 years newer. the block on mine is 94. got lots of pictures naked.

there is a sub module that has a block of resistors just for the fan speeds.
replacing it will cure the problem.
if you are serious :
pull resistor array box, measure all the resistors with an ohm meter.
have schematic for you if you need it.
then if its bad, replace it.
if not the switch assembly is bad, new would be exepensive.

or
just shot gun it, with a Wrecking Yard swap out of both parts.

ive been known to replace individual resistors with commercial types.
Ohms and watts. from an electronics supplier. MCM electronics or Mouser electronics to name 2.
best wishes.

[Domie D]

Well thankyou for the replies. I spent the morning a various part stores to get new radiator hoses, clamps and antifreeze. I struck out on any hoses that were the right ones. Only one place showed hoses in stock for the Sidekick and when brought to the counter I knew they weren't the right ones. I have to make a trip to the dealer about 60 miles from me.

I'll check prices for a new fan resistor switch while at the dealer too.
And I'll check some nearby junk yards.

Since backflushing the coolang system was no go today, I decided to change the A/T fluid and filter, and change the differentials and tranfer case oil. Got home and noticed that the A/T filter and gasket weren't for my A/T. So I stuck out for a new filter today too.

I still changed the A/T fluid anyway. The sidekick shifts quicker and smoother now. I did'nt drop the pan to clean it outsince I didn't have another gasket. The front differential only had a few drops of gear
oil in it!!!!

The transfer case and rear differential had oil up to the add hole and it looked clean but I changed it anyway. The sidekick has over 118,000 miles. I bought it used a few years ago and I bet this maintenence has never been done before.

Anyway it now goes down the road alot smoother now and it seems like it also coasts alittle better too, so all in all it was a good maintence day even though the maintence wasn't' the original plan today.

[jtgh]

great plan!
same here, i tried to buy the whole set of hoses.
go a box of Gates hose, non fit, and one was the size of a school bus, bottom rad,hose.
took the back .
ordered them form suzuki , week later they arrive.
SUZuki cant get the smallest hoses. but they sent me straight stock that worked perfect.
my main set: http://hodson.myftp.org/t-belt/newhose-1.jpg

good luck to you !!