testing coolant fan

[tony g]

hi guys, i dont think my low speed fan is working ( 1999 1.8 non turbo ) does anyone know an easy way to test it with a live from the battery to the under bonnet fues box ( relay ) ? i know my high speed fan is working as i disconected the temp senser wires and it kicked in. thanks.

[chipsceola]

No Need for that, ignition on, ATC on, push demist button for front screen and fan should turn. Not sure of method if you have standard air con with rotary switches, but if so do similar and see, that is until another post shows otherwise.
Chips

[Arctic]

Originally Posted by tony g

hi guys, i dont think my low speed fan is working ( 1999 1.8 non turbo ) does anyone know an easy way to test it with a live from the battery to the under bonnet fues box ( relay ) ? i know my high speed fan is working as i disconected the temp senser wires and it kicked in. thanks.

Hi Tony.
Start the car leave the heating off then press demist only the fan should kick in if not the low speed is not working, also check if you have a silver resistor which i doubt from the year of the car but someone may have changed it before your ownership and if so it will be the resistor which as broken down and will need changing funny enough i have been re-wiring a 1.8 two wire 2 speed fan to day and also checked out an original three wire two speed fan both working great. Arctic

[tony g]

thanks guys its just as i thought the problem is theirs no way i can fix it right now and i need the car for work !!!!! with the weather being warm and getting stuck in heavy trafic most days the engine is getting hot, up to and over 100 degree's !!! has anyone fitted a remote switch to the high speed fan so if i need it i can turn it on from my seat ? i no its a bit of a bodge but its a long 12 miles to work in the morning !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[chipsceola]

Take care! My 1.8T overheated and coolant leaked from small pipe on T piece under top hose, I have coolant level sensor, saw light come on and stopped inside 200yds. AA called out and replaced with new pipe, then failed to bleed properly after refill, 4 miles later HG cooked, quotes for £1000.00 received to repair and that's not including new fan.

Have now booked with mobile MJS mechanic from Worthing, cost down to £700.00 excluding fan or fitting it, will arrive this week and will self fit that ready for when mechanic calls to do head gasket repair. AA pay £475.00 of my bill which is why chose MJS as they are Vat reg'd and AA insist on that.

Lowest quote you are likely to get is £295.00 + travel expenses and any extra's from Dave & Kayleigh on other side, or £700 + with Vat from Nationwide.

Question, is it worth the risk???
Chips

[lovema75]

Have you verified which fan motor you have? Mine is a 1999 and it was the original 3-speed unit.

Look throught the grill and see if you can see a resistor bolted to the shroud at the 2 0-clock position. If so it may just be that, and its not expensive, Jules on here sells upgraded ones.

If not then it might be the brushes in the motor. Due to a lack of funds I opted to dismantle my motor and replace the brushes, and it worked! Total cost £10!

[Arctic]

Originally Posted by lovema75

Have you verified which fan motor you have? Mine is a 1999 and it was the original 3-speed unit.

Look throught the grill and see if you can see a resistor bolted to the shroud at the 2 0-clock position. If so it may just be that, and its not expensive, Jules on here sells upgraded ones.

If not then it might be the brushes in the motor. Due to a lack of funds I opted to dismantle my motor and replace the brushes, and it worked! Total cost £10!

It should be where this gold one is but silver, great that you manged to repair with brushes but it still is a hit a miss repair as the acutator can go as well i have three fans here which all run and could be repaired but how many times do we want to take the bumper off Arctic.

[tony g]

Originally Posted by lovema75

Have you verified which fan motor you have? Mine is a 1999 and it was the original 3-speed unit.

Look throught the grill and see if you can see a resistor bolted to the shroud at the 2 0-clock position. If so it may just be that, and its not expensive, Jules on here sells upgraded ones.

If not then it might be the brushes in the motor. Due to a lack of funds I opted to dismantle my motor and replace the brushes, and it worked! Total cost £10!

mines a two speed and with no resistor, i know i should pull the motor out and check the brushes but its having the time and the money. the embarrassing thing is im a car/bike/lawnmower mechanic for the last 33 years !!!!!!!!!!!

[chipsceola]

replacement Kenlow available from Jules shop, or Arctic has used 2 & 3 speed fans for sale, or you could ask in wanted section.
Chips

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by tony g

... the engine is getting hot, up to and over 100 degree's !!!

Tony,

That's not necessarily a problem. Your 1.8 is designed to reach 104 degrees before the slow speed fan starts.

Have you pressed the 'demist' button as recommended earlier?

Simon.