Tazer JL Mini Feature Request - Cooling Fan Programming to Help Prevent Overheating

[UncleJimmy]

The feature request is for updating the Cooldown feature. Currently users can force cooling fan ON to 100%. This is working for me as far as keeping the Jeep cool under load (uphill grades, towing, low-speed crawling, heavy stop-and-go traffic) but could be more elegant. As an example, this past weekend I drove up a steep grade with about 600-800 lbs payload that takes about 8 mins and ascends about 2000 or 3000 ft elevation. With the cooldown function on the Tazer, I was able to pre-cool the oil temp for about five minutes prior to the climb to get the Jeep's oil temps around 192 F and left it on during the climb and only saw temps rise to 206F. Prior to using the cool down function, it would spike much higher. I have also been using it in heavy stop-and-go with similar good results.

The additional function request would be to make the fan operate more like the RPM fan controller which uses the following logic:

When the engine is running the PWM fan will run at a low Idle speed (15%).
When the module reads the engine temp it will command the fan to the desired %.

Fahrenheit
199 degrees = 30%
205 degrees = 50%
212 degrees = 75%
218+ degrees = 100%

In addition, these additional features would be beneficial:

• These thresholds are still a little high for me personally, especially since I live in AZ, so I would like the ability for the user to customize the thresholds for specific loads, ambient temps, user preferences, winter use etc.
• Retain 100% fan on/off for max cooling on demand while vehicle is in motion.
• Have the option for the fan run at a user defined speed (% max fan operation) after the vehicle is turned off for a user defined length of time (3-5 minutes as an example).
• Have the ability to kill fan (prevent fan from coming on) for water/mud crossings

The RPM fan controller module looks like a good product but it's cost $345 with one additional input and requires splicing into the factory wiring. The Tazer is something many already have, so would be no additional cost and can be removed for dealer visits etc.

If we can show enough interest to Z Automotive, perhaps they can get an update out quickly in time for summer months. The last firmware update was 1-19-2023.

Potentially, this can help mitigate overheating problems as well as extend the life of engine components, especially the plastics, improve engine reliability and longevity through increasing actual oil viscosity the engine sees by keeping the oil temps lower and reducing the number of heating and cooling cycles. As a comparison, my Tundra fan (mechanical) runs all the time and users report oil temps consistent in the 182-192 F range.

Z Automotive:

[email protected]

or

https://www.zautomotive.com/contact-us/

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[Paulyester]

Support this 100%

 

[Jeffy56]

I use the Tazer max cool function too! The factory programming is supposed to do most of what you are asking for. Except for "Fording Off", it's too complicated. Your Tundra mechanical probably has a thermal fan clutch.

 

[UncleJimmy]

I use the Tazer max cool function too! The factory programming is supposed to do most of what you are asking for. Except for "Fording Off", it's too complicated. Your Tundra mechanical probably has a thermal fan clutch.

Yes the cool down function is a great option. It just would be nice to not have the noise of 100% on when a lower value would suffice and not have to do it manually.

The factory fan logic is, IMHO, cumbersome and ineffective, as an example I was doing some light off-roading in 50 F ambient temps, and within a short time the oil temps were already in the 225 F range which is way too hot and not consistent with other 4x4s I have owned. Because the Jeep fan control uses A/C pressure and other values, I have to turn the A/C on full in order to try to get the Jeep's computers to TURN THE FAN ON ALREADY, freezing my passengers in the process.

I just mention the Tundra as a point of comparison, and it runs all the time at start and idle, off road because I can hear and see it on. If there is sufficient air flow at highway speed, perhaps it does disengage the fan, but the point is that it is consistent, avoids constant cycling up and down of engine temps, and if I am not mistaken, in other 3.6 pentastar applications, the factory engine temp management works much better.

The RPM fan controller logic I posted above seems to work well for other users such as @Willys41 so hopefully some of that can be implemented in the Tazer.

 

[EbyCreek]

I also support this 100%

 

[Rogersocal]

i put in a product update request

 

[stumblinhorse]

I support this but don’t think it is possible with how the tazer turns on the fan. It tells the ECM that the trans temp is super high and that will turn on the fan. Not sure there is a graduated scale that can be applied…

I hope they can do it…

 

[Ratbert]

Unfortunately ZAuto is no longer a sponsor.

 

[UncleJimmy]

I support this but don’t think it is possible with how the tazer turns on the fan. It tells the ECM that the trans temp is super high and that will turn on the fan. Not sure there is a graduated scale that can be applied…

I hope they can do it…

Yes I don't know exactly what is possible as far the programming on their end, but I notice after I turn off the Cooldown function on the Tazer, the fan still runs for about 30 secs at a lower speed as the trans temp drops (as opposed to immediate fan shut down if I turn engine off with the fan on). So I suspect (hope) they can manipulate the trans temp to a lower setting let's say 25-50% fan speed at a pre-set or user specified oil temp, as well as command the fan to run at 15% oil temps above 185-190 F using a lower trans temp.

Also, I don't see why they couldn't implement the automatic cool down feature after engine shut off, as it is currently available, it's just not automatic and it's set to turn off when the battery reaches 11. something volts. It seems like they could simply raise that threshold to a slightly higher battery voltage and offer an option for that to be automatic.

It doesn't have to be perfect, but any additional features they can add would be beneficial.

 

[UncleJimmy]

i put in a product update request

Thanks for submitting that. Hopefully, if they get more requests they will get it done.

 

[Jeffy56]

One other factor to consider is gearing. Except Rubicon, I believe, all others are 3.45 axle ratios stock (I could be wrong). Great for smaller tires and a perfectly flat world. Bad for everything else. The everything else causes the full power train to generate more heat. If the Jeep has larger tires, pulls hills, slow crawling speeds, or uses A/C a lot, better gearing would help. I have the 3.6, auto and 32.6" OD tires and live at 5000'. Going to 4.10s helped tremendously. I have no cooling problems here, wheeling, or down in the valley when it's hotter n hell. although I avoid that last as much as possible. The max cool for me is useful after pulling the hill home and getting a cooldown before parking for the night.

 

[Willys41]

Yes the cool down function is a great option. It just would be nice to not have the noise of 100% on when a lower value would suffice and not have to do it manually.

The factory fan logic is, IMHO, cumbersome and ineffective, as an example I was doing some light off-roading in 50 F ambient temps, and within a short time the oil temps were already in the 225 F range which is way too hot and not consistent with other 4x4s I have owned. Because the Jeep fan control uses A/C pressure and other values, I have to turn the A/C on full in order to try to get the Jeep's computers to TURN THE FAN ON ALREADY, freezing my passengers in the process.

I just mention the Tundra as a point of comparison, and it runs all the time at start and idle, off road because I can hear and see it on. If there is sufficient air flow at highway speed, perhaps it does disengage the fan, but the point is that it is consistent, avoids constant cycling up and down of engine temps, and if I am not mistaken, in other 3.6 pentastar applications, the factory engine temp management works much better.

The RPM fan controller logic I posted above seems to work well for other users such as @Willys41 so hopefully some of that can be implemented in the Tazer.

I agree put I am not sure that Tazer co. would be willing to alter the jeeps cooling system.
There may be a liability issue here.
When I installed the RPM fan controller I could not find anything else on the market for the jeep wrangler.
What I did find that PWM FAN CONTROLLERS is nothing new. They are used on other cars and trucks even motorcycles.
I know $350 is a lot of money put as far a the mods on my jeep its one of the least expensive mods I have made.
I am soooooooo happy with the RPM Extreme JL fan controller I can't stop talking about it

 

[UncleJimmy]

I agree put I am not sure that Tazer co. would be willing to alter the jeeps cooling system.
There may be a liability issue here.
When I installed the RPM fan controller I could not find anything else on the market for the jeep wrangler.
What I did find that PWM FAN CONTROLLERS is nothing new. They are used on other cars and trucks even motorcycles.
I know $350 is a lot of money put as far a the mods on my jeep its one of the least expensive mods I have made.
I am soooooooo happy with the RPM Extreme JL fan controller I can't stop talking about it

I agree the RPM looks fantastic. If I can get more functionality from Tazer if we ask for it, I'll take that too. Your mods and data have convinced me of the need for extra cooling using the fan.

 

[Rogersocal]

I agree put I am not sure that Tazer co. would be willing to alter the jeeps cooling system.
There may be a liability issue here.
When I installed the RPM fan controller I could not find anything else on the market for the jeep wrangler.
What I did find that PWM FAN CONTROLLERS is nothing new. They are used on other cars and trucks even motorcycles.
I know $350 is a lot of money put as far a the mods on my jeep its one of the least expensive mods I have made.
I am soooooooo happy with the RPM Extreme JL fan controller I can't stop talking about it

Been working with Jon, It may or may not work on the 2.0. The Can-C between the 3.6 and the 2.0 appear to be very much the same at least in regards to engine speed, AC Pressure and coolant temp. Theoretically it SHOULd work on the 2.0. but he did basically say buy at your own risk. not returnable, no discount for my "Risk".

So i'm torn if i want to buy it and be stuck with it in case it doesn't work.

 

[Willys41]

Been working with Jon, It may or may not work on the 2.0. The Can-C between the 3.6 and the 2.0 appear to be very much the same at least in regards to engine speed, AC Pressure and coolant temp. Theoretically it SHOULd work on the 2.0. but he did basically say buy at your own risk. not returnable, no discount for my "Risk".

So i'm torn if i want to buy it and be stuck with it in case it doesn't work.

I am keep my fingers crossed that he will get it figured out for you
When I first come across the fan controller Jon was only making them for the JK
I ask if he can make one for the JL
Luckily he owns a JL 3.6 and proceed to build one and test it on his JL before sending one to me
I was in the right spot at the right time. I thinks I was the first to receive one for the JL 3.6
I really think he will get it worked out and we all will be happy

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