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Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: maxp on 13 January 2009, 09:10

Title: Radiator fan not switching off
Post by: maxp on 13 January 2009, 09:10

There was some minor traffic today and when i switched the car off the radiator fan kicked in. Considering how cool it is outside im finding it very odd that its been on now for over half an hour roaring away.

This is not the first time this has happened, a week ago it ran until the battery was flat.

Any ideas?

Title: Re: Radiator fan not switching off
Post by: Conker on 13 January 2009, 12:42

The electrical plug is on the radiator - just unplug it and see if the fan goes off. If it does you can rule out an electrical fault e.g. a short or earth problem,  and then buy a new screw-in fan switch. Easy and cheap!

Even in summer my 16v's fan only stays on a minute or so.

Title: Re: Radiator fan not switching off
Post by: maxp on 13 January 2009, 14:38

Did you mean unplug it and plug it back in a see if it stays off?

Title: Re: Radiator fan not switching off
Post by: drapergti on 13 January 2009, 17:55

I believe unplug it and see if it then switches off. If it does then the switch is at fault.

Title: Re: Radiator fan not switching off
Post by: Conker on 13 January 2009, 19:49

Quote from: drapergti on 13 January 2009, 17:55

I believe unplug it and see if it then switches off. If it does then the switch is at fault.

Yup.

Pulling the electrical connection off proves whether its the switch or not.

Title: Re: Radiator fan not switching off
Post by: maxp on 13 January 2009, 21:13

So got into the car after work and battery was completely flat. Jumped it and drove home - have done two seperate journeys since then and its not started. Weird.

Not sure what you mean by unplug it and see if it still runs? I cant see how it *would* run without power...i havent looked yet but i assume there is a temperature sensor its connected to and you mean unplug the electrics to that?

Title: Re: Radiator fan not switching off
Post by: sidecarphil on 13 January 2009, 21:30

if you unplug it and it still runs then the fan is getting a feed from another electrical source

if it stop's turning when you unplug it then the switch is up the swanny  :wink:

Title: Re: Radiator fan not switching off
Post by: rubjonny on 14 January 2009, 09:33

^^ aye exactly, on some models there is a fan after-run switch onm the inlet somewhere, which brings the fan on if the engine bay temps get too high.  if the wire falls off and earths to the engine block the fan will switch on and stay on.

Title: Re: Radiator fan not switching off
Post by: Conker on 14 January 2009, 12:55

Quote from: maxp on 13 January 2009, 21:13

Not sure what you mean by unplug it and see if it still runs? I cant see how it *would* run without power...i havent looked yet but i assume there is a temperature sensor its connected to and you mean unplug the electrics to that?

We don't mean unplug the fan itself, just the plug that controls the fan. Its situated on the rad, and tells the fan when to turn on/off. If its b#ggered, your fan will play up.

Title: Re: Radiator fan not switching off
Post by: sidecarphil on 14 January 2009, 18:59

Quote from: rubjonny on 14 January 2009, 09:33

on some models there is a fan after-run switch onm the inlet somewhere, which brings the fan on if the engine bay temps get too high.  if

the Mrs' 1.3 does that

did wonder about it

i will remember this bit of info for when it goes wrong  :grin: