Hey guys -

I was going to add this to my FC thermoswitch thread, but the thread is closed since it's in the archives. I get asked this question via PM ALL the time - where is the thermoswitch?

You need to remove the alternator to access it. See the attached picture - I'm pointing at it. Unplug the connector, unscrew the stock thermoswitch, screw in the FC thermoswitch, plug it in, good to go.

For those of you just joining us, the FC thermoswitch kicks in at a much lower temperature (97 deg. C instead of 107 deg. C if I recall). This kicks your fans in sooner, and helps keep the car nice and cool. Good fan control is ESSENTIAL to keeping your FD cool and happy.

Dale

 

This needs to be a 'sticky' note, as yes...it DOES get asked all the time.

Good job, Dale. Thanks for posting that up!

 

Hey Dale, I read you archived write up on chaging the switches. It calls to remove the alternator. I pulled this image from the FSM outlining the alternator proceedure. It seems tedious and I am sure some of this stuff is unnecessary. Do you know if there is a simpler how-to remove the alternator on the boards then this diagram:

 

hi Dale,
i just replaced that switch last month and the only problem i had was the thick cables sitting right behind the switch other that it just unscrews and unplugs.

 

You shouldn't have to remove the throttle cable as depicted in that diagram, but the rest is pretty intuitive. As was mentioned recently in another thread, the FIRST thing to do is disconnect the battery.
The hardest part I recall was that 'ears' of the alternator were pretty tight where the pivot bolt goes. Be careful prying it up and off. A little filing and a dead-blow hammer was helpful getting it back on.

 

There's an adjustable sleeve in the 'ears' that compresses as you tighten the bolt. Push the sleeve back and it should slip on and off with no need of a hammer or file.

 

Let me also add (because it is wrong in the original archieved thread even though it has been corrected elsewhere since) that you DO need this mod even with an Apexi PFC (if you have not done a completely separate fan mod). The fan controls on the PFC do nothing to kick fans to highest speed, this is controlled by the thermoswitch in conjuction with A/C, load, etc. I'm just posting this here because there are many threads out here that say you do not need this mod if you have the PFC.
--Jeff