(MCS) Problem: Engine Fan Stays On

[schneller]

Hi Putsy,

I see that you are in Brisbane (like myself).

I have just recently bought a 2006 JCW MCS (50K on the clock).

Do you know anywhere good here to get the mini independently looked at? Want someone to give me some real advice before I run out of warranty (have 3months left).

One question I do have is Radiator fan related.

Basically I can't hear a fan when the car is idling and the AC is off. but when i turn the AC on (and doesn't matter if the car is hot or cold) the Radiator Fan switches on for about 5seconds, then turns off, every 40seconds or so.

Is this normal?

Thanks.

..schneller..

[littlesupercar]

From: littlesupercar - NewJersey, USA
Hope these photos help:

[Patrick_H_Kelly]

Gents I have nearly the same problem my fan doesn't come on and my 2005 Cooper S is over heating, is this a common fault and does anyone have any ideas of what to check, I'm hoping it a lose wirer or something : (

[Blainifer]

Quote: Originally Posted by Prowse (original)

Er, just out of interest, what did you nudge?

I have an '02 MCS with this problem, currently.

The first three pictures attached are progressively closer views of where to find the box you tap on.
It is indeed well hidden but once I found it, it was the quick fix.

In case that ISN'T the problem, the last 2 pictures are the power source for the fan. You can unclip it, rather than disconnecting your battery, so it won't drain your battery.

I was mildly frustrated that no one had taken the time to put these up.
And if someone HAS put something like these pictures up, I was frustrated that I couldn't FIND them

Hope this is helpful.

[roadster1_98]

This fan problem appears to be happening with my 2009 Cooper D with just over 3K on the clock. It did it to-day after short journey. I checked all the levels and there ok. Is this a known problem?

thanks

[fedupbarbie]

I had the same problem - quite common on the blogs from looking.

Every time I turned the car off the fan cut in - over time got louder and lasted for longer.

If it goes on too long it drains the battery so you are right to unplug it ( Mini mechanic showed me how ).

I had to get a new fan fitted - wasn't very happy as I only have 16K on the clock but it's all fine and dandy now.

Expensive to fit as they have to take the whole front of the car off to get at it apparently - not sure if covered on warranty but I had a leaking roof in 3 times on warranty and in the end got a new roof and wasn't charged so I would like to think so. Got a deal on this so don't know what the dealer would charge sorry

[jdc]

Another satisfied customer. Quick thump to the radiator and presto!

[dizitalart]

Hi Guys,
I'm from Sydney Australia. Had the same problem for about 3 month or more. Finally my Second Service time came up and was told that the FAN HOUSING needs to be replaced which costed me AUD$700+. I was not happy.

[jsf252]

Quote: Originally Posted by dizitalart (original)

Hi Guys,
I'm from Sydney Australia. Had the same problem for about 3 month or more. Finally my Second Service time came up and was told that the FAN HOUSING needs to be replaced which costed me AUD$700+. I was not happy.

Hello, I've actually had this issue on my 2003 MCS, and have been trying to find a solution.

First off there are two issues:
1.) The high-speed relay sticking
2.) The low-speed resistor failing

As you've read, on the early cars (2002 through early 2003) the high-speed relay is on the fan housing near the resistor that fails. A quick tap with a screw driver will usually "unstick" the relay and allow the fan to shut off. For cars built after 2003 this relay should be in the fuse block and not on the fan (at least for U.S. cars). Unfortunately the Mini D and One are not sold here in the states so I cant speak for those models (Cooper, CooperS, and Clubman is all we get). That being said I cant imagine there being a large difference in the fan wiring between the models.

For you guys with a relay on the fan housing, your only choice is to replace the entire fan housing if you get tired of tapping on the relay. To my knowledge this relay is not sold separately (at least I cant find one). If you have a late-model Mini you should be able to replace the cube-shape relay in the fuse block to remedy your problems.

For the guys with no low-speed fan this is due to the resistor failing. Again this resistor is not sold separately (to my knowledge) and used to require complete replacement. There has been some collaboration on the NAM website to fix this. A few members have purchased resistors and used them to bypass the faulty original. If you have a late-model car this should be a simple fix to wire up. The early cars will take a little more patience since the relay is on the fan housing. I purchased one of these resistors and will be installing it on my 11/2002 build Mini very soon.

Hope this helps, there's plenty of info on the NAM site on this fix.
Josh

[minilogo4me]

that tapping box work very well.....thanks everybody

[lachiva]

Hello, I recently changed my battery and for some reason my engine fan turned on while care was cold and does not turn on until i disconnect the battery anyone have any advise?