Radiator Fan Questions

Righto, before it gets dark how can I check beyond all doubt that the radiator fan is cutting in and out as it should? I've had it out for a spin to get the engine temp up but nothing, checked the fuse and any loose wiring but nothing obvious. Thanks in advance

To check fan spins look under the front and find the rad fan switch it's fairly large and should be reasonably obvious take the plug off the back and connect the terminals in which ever way is easiest for you then turn the ignition on you don't have to start the engine the fan should run if not then check all the plugs/connections and make sure you keep clear of it if you have the ignition on it's hard to type without your fingers if it does work then it is either your not getting it hot enough or the fan switch has failed it can be tested but you ned to take it out and check it with a multi meter in a pan of boiling water.

Thanks. So I'm by passing the fan switch to see if it spins when I turn on ignition? If it does I know it's the switch if not then its the fan? Is that about right??

Fan switch of doom!

Ask yourself why anyone would fit a fan switch.

Sorry, I may have confused things. When I say fan switch I didn't mean a by-pass switch fitted in the cab I was referring to the rad fan switch rich the mechanic was referring to....?

HighlyJetted wrote:Fan switch of doom!

Ask yourself why anyone would fit a fan switch.

I fitted one so I could keep the air moving when sat in traffic and I hav also had one rad switch fail so it makes me nervous when the needle is climbing.

Willst0ne wrote:Sorry, I may have confused things. When I say fan switch I didn't mean a by-pass switch fitted in the cab I was referring to the rad fan switch rich the mechanic was referring to....?

I read this back and though I'd got my knickers in a twist.
Yeah, if you unplug the wires at the switch in the coolant system

If the ignition is on, and you join the two connectors in the plug, it should run the fan.

You'll hear it, they ain't subtle

And this switch is located behind the radiator fan? I'm assuming its one of those white plastic male/female connectors?

Is it a 1.3 or a 993cc?

1.3......

1.3 the fan switch is in the metal coolant pipe under the passenger seat, near the passenger footwell.

So am I still ale to by-pass this switch being inside the coolant pipe? Just having a bit of trouble finding it.....I've found some wiring diagrams on the web. But just struggling to locate this switch to by pass?

Nah, it bolts into the coolant pipe so the probe end is in the coolant flowing back from the radiator.

The wiring connector side sticks out, where it gets plugged into.

Crawl under the van in front of the passenger front wheel and you'll find it.

If you can't find it i'll get a photo for you.

They moved it then mine is drivers side in the bottom tank of the rad.

Bingo, found it. Take the two wires out of the switch and rejoin them will by-pass it? And I'll be a few steps closer to a diagnosis?

Well if you take a little bit of wire with the ends stripped off or a pair of long nose pliers and touch the two contacts together in the plug that you have removed from the fan switch, then the fan should switch on if all is OK with the fan and wiring.

Thats it depending on the conector you may be able to wedge a screw driver in or the ends of a paper clip do mind though a paper clip does get a bit warm if you let it run for any time the fan has a fairly hefty draw on the current.

Great. Thanks both.. I'll set about it tomorrow....

rich the mechanic wrote:Thats it depending on the conector you may be able to wedge a screw driver in or the ends of a paper clip do mind though a paper clip does get a bit warm if you let it run for any time the fan has a fairly hefty draw on the current.

Yes and doing that its live too so could short out on bare bodywork Use a small length of covered wire stripped both ends.

rich the mechanic wrote:

HighlyJetted wrote:Fan switch of doom!

Ask yourself why anyone would fit a fan switch.

I fitted one so I could keep the air moving when sat in traffic and I hav also had one rad switch fail so it makes me nervous when the needle is climbing.

Yes Rich I have done the same as you for the same or similar reason. My blood pressure and heart rate start rising as soon as that needle starts to rise past the halfway point.

UPDATE. After quite a bit of fettling it seems the fan was working fine I just wasn't getting it up to temp for the switch to kick in. When it does it spins for about 10secs then switches off - does this sound about right? I've checked over the coolant it seems full, clear/pinkish and no spraying under the seat. Thanks for all your help

Yes Will in my experience it doesnt run for long but if you are in stationary mode it will cut in and out quite often--- thus doing its job properly.

Its when or if the fan keeps running that I start to panic !!!!

As soon as I see traffic jam looming I also switch on the blowers set to hot & off the engine, then open the sun roof/window.. All helps

You guys are paranoid!

And yeah, about 10 secs kicking in for the fan is right.