GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: helliosjon on 15 June 2004, 14:17
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Anyone know how much current a MK II fan draws?
I want to run a live to it from a switch on the dashboard so I can turn it on and off when the temp starts getting too hot, but I dont know what rating switch / relay / wire etc to use.
Anyone ever done this?
Is it easy?
Is it a good idea?
Incase you're wondering why, its 'cos the fan doesnt come on automatically until the temp gauge is well over to the right and the car is turning into a kettle.
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Probably better to solve the problem than rewire the whole lot !
Have you tested the fan works? Have you checked the thermostat wiring etc ?
It's quite a simple citcuit /system, so should be cheap and easy to find the fault and have it working as VW intended ....
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The fan does come in, but not until its really hot.
I've replaced the fan thermostat switch thing in the rad and checked all the connections but it made no difference.
Sitting at traffic lights the other day the needle went 3/4 over to the right and the red light started flashing.
i want the switch thing as a manual over-ride to give me peace of mind.
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25-30amp
would be a safe measure, a friend i know used 18amp and it melted the switch.
i wanna do this, any tips of what wires to wire switch?
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I was planning to fit a switch on the dash which turned on 40A relay which powered the positive side of the 2 wires on the back of the fan.
I'll put an inline fuse between the battery and the relay and use some decent size power cable.
Other than that, I'm still planning what to do.
Anyone got any ideas or suggestions?
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WAIT !!!
If the temperature light is flashing that's warning you about your coolant level's NOT your engine temperature !!!
I bet you've got a air lock and the system isn't cooling properly ...
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Fair point, how do you check for or clear air locks?
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it will prob be a dirty sensor, mine is always going off when it gets hot >:(
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Check the forum for existing threads first - been talked about before ... there's a few valves that can cause air locks around the heater matrix - can u get hot air from the blowers ?
If that's a yes, then just set the heaters to full and hot, run the engine with the cap off for a bit so the thermostat opens, then top the expansion tank up. There's more involved to flush the system properly, but this should be ok as a quickie to sort the problem.
Also, remember that the needle for temperature will sit pretty much at half for normal working conditions - so 2/3rds to 3/4 is about right for the fan to kick in ..
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James,
How far to the right does your needle go before it flashes?
Anyone,
Is the Red light on the Temp gauge a low level warning light or a high temperature warning light or both?
Am I being a real dumb-ass here or can some one explain why a low level warning light would go off when water gets hot and expands?
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davidhawkins78
thanks for the advice, the blowers work ok so I'll try what youve said.
Awesome gti store sell thermostats and fan switches that trigger at lower temps than the standard ones. Does anyone have these fitted? do they make much difference?
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could be the first speed setting on ur fan isnt kicking in! and the fan is only starting up when the 2nd threshold is met!
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presuming its a 2 speed fan that is!
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how do you tell?
its a 1989 16v.
(if that makes a difference.)
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my light comes on just as the fan kicks in
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should be! check to see how many wire are attached to the back of it. if there are two then its a normal fan but if its got three its the fan with two speed settings!
if you wait till you fan kicks in then unplug it and test the connections for power!!! I think on full power they both should have power but im not sure so dont quote me!
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2 on the fan switch and 2 on the fan
I guess its the basic on then.
I might just stick a couple of tea bags in the expansion tank and have a brew up instead!
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Ok I would see about getting a different radiator temp sensor which makes the fan kick in at a lower speed. One thing, does your temp sensor have 2 or 3 pins?
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its only got 2 leads on the fan switch.
if I got one with 3 connectors, what would i connect the 3rd one to?
I only got 2 wires.
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sorry rubjonny,
I misunderstood what you were saying.
(reading things quickly while at wory you see)
You mean get a 2 connector one that switches at a lower temp?
Like the ones awesome gti sell?
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Yea thats right, looks like you need it to cut in at a lower temp.
Does the car overheat when driving though? If so you have defo got something up with it as the airflow through the rad is more than enough when travelling more then 30 mph. The fan should only be needed if the car isn't moving!
Does the lower radiator hose get hot when the temp is just over half way? If not your thermostat is buggered.
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P.S. if you're feeling 'handy' it might be worth looking into getting your system upgraded to a 2 speed fan, I think you'll need a 3 pin tep sensor for the radiator and the wiring loom from the switch to the fan, and a 3 pin fan.
If you have a scrappers near you it should be easy. Even my 1.6 driver has a 2 speed fan ;)
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the cars fine while driving, but as soon as I stop at traffic lights etc it goes right up.
Thats why I initially thought about putting an over ride switch on the fan so I could just give it a quick buzz while I'm stationary.
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im gonna do this on sat or sun, will take pics and do a "how to"
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Sounds good, I would get a sender that cuts in at a lower temp then, should solve your problem.
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I've ordered the fan switch and thermostat that cut in sooner so I'll try that, but let us know how you get on james.
Take lots of photos.
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Had the new thermostat and fan switch fitted yesterday also flushed out the Rad etc.
The fan now kicks in when the temp needle is just over the half way mark.
So no more kettle impressions for me.
Just as I sort out the cars cooling, the hot weather ends!!