Need help understanding Radiator Fan

[Lucas63]

Can someone explain what the "normal" operation of the radiator fan is?
I know it is a 2 speed fan, it's computer controlled and the speed of the fan depends on the conditions.
What I don't understand is why the fan is hardly on at all and when it is on it's loud, assume high speed, and shuts off in less than 20 seconds
Engine has never overheated so I assume it is working correctly?

Also when does the power steering fan come on? Engine idled in driveway for 10 minutes and never saw it come on.

What is normal?

2003 Mini Cooper

[Paul@1320]

Power steering cooling fan is only fitted to the S due to the extra heat the header puts.

The fan will only work when the temp goes above a pre set temp.

[Lucas63]

Quote: Originally Posted by 1320autos (original)

Power steering cooling fan is only fitted to the S due to the extra heat the header puts.

The fan will only work when the temp goes above a pre set temp.

Power steering fan for the S only?????
I have a power steering fan and it's not a S.

I understand the pre-set temp computer controlled fan. But my fan never seems to come on at low speed. I thought I saw a posting somewhere that said the low speed fan and the power steering fan are on the same circuit? Maybe I'm wrong but it seems that I don't have low speed operation.
Does anyone know how to test?

[Paul@1320]

I've never seen a Cooper over here in the UK with a power steering cooling fan. I've just run a Cooper S on a 2 poster for 15mins and the PAS fan or cooling fan hasn't come on.

I'll let heat soak a bit and try it later

[Capsaisin]

Well I was under the impression that not only do ALL MINIs have a power-steering cooling fan, but that it pretty much was on all the time.
If the fan doesn't run, then the fuse has probably blown. The fan can easily sieze up, owing to it's position under the car.
I believe early cars had the pump cooling fan and the radiator fan on the same circuit. I think there was a mod' to seperate the circuits as when the fuse blew, both fans failed.

[Paul@1320]

I've just checked all 18 Minis we have here and all the S have them but not the Cooper/One ranging from a 01 to a 06.

I've just remembered that I was comparing engine wiring looms the other day and one of the extra wires on the S engine loom was for the PAS fan.

[Lucas63]

Quote: Originally Posted by 1666 (original)

Well I was under the impression that not only do ALL MINIs have a power-steering cooling fan, but that it pretty much was on all the time.
If the fan doesn't run, then the fuse has probably blown. The fan can easily sieze up, owing to it's position under the car.
I believe early cars had the pump cooling fan and the radiator fan on the same circuit. I think there was a mod' to seperate the circuits as when the fuse blew, both fans failed.

I'll check the fuses again, maybe I missed one.

Funny, now that the warranty is over I have to do my own repairs. Got spoiled with the service the dealership gave.

[Capsaisin]

Quote: Originally Posted by 1320autos (original)

I've just checked all 18 Minis we have here and all the S have them but not the Cooper/One ranging from a 01 to a 06.

I've just remembered that I was comparing engine wiring looms the other day and one of the extra wires on the S engine loom was for the PAS fan.

May be market specific then, I was under the impression all US cars had it fitted. I just can't believe it's not standard in the UK.
It is specified as "optional" for all models on RealOEM which seems strange as we all agree it's standard on the MCS.

Nothing like looking under the car then and seeing what's really there.

[Capsaisin]

Quote: Originally Posted by Lucas63 (original)

I'll check the fuses again, maybe I missed one.

Funny, now that the warranty is over I have to do my own repairs. Got spoiled with the service the dealership gave.

You might like to take a read of this thread:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/faults-fi...oling-fan.html

[Lucas63]

Quote: Originally Posted by 1666 (original)

You might like to take a read of this thread:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/faults-fi...oling-fan.html

That must be the thread I saw about power steering and radiator fan on the same circuit. The last page of that thread mentions that these were seperated into 2 circuits in late 2002.

Only one way to get a quick answer. Call or see the dealer. I'll post the answer.

[Lucas63]

Spoke to the dealer.

Radiator fan will only come on when it's really hot. Not unusual to idle for 10 minutes in a driveway and only have the fan run for 20 seconds. All depends on conditions.
Same for power steering fan. Only on when needed, not constant.

The reason this all came up was the run time for the radiator fan when the automatic climate control is on and the snowflake (a/c) is lit. The fan would cycle constantly. On for 5 seconds and off for 25 seconds, always high speed. Even on a cold day. I have kept the a/c off while I find the answer. Guess my problem is a/c related although it does work. Just thought it was strange that I have never seen or heard the radiator fan on low speed.

So I'm off to the dealer on wednesday to see with is up with the a/c system.

Just can't shake the dealer fix..........

[AKIndiMini]

Hmm, I didn't realize that there was a 'low' setting for the radiator fan. I bought my '04 used, and the radiator fan would operate just like yours. With all the noise it makes, I'm assuming it only cycles at high speed.

If you get any answers, please let us know! Thanks!

Quote: Originally Posted by Lucas63 (original)

Spoke to the dealer.

Radiator fan will only come on when it's really hot. Not unusual to idle for 10 minutes in a driveway and only have the fan run for 20 seconds. All depends on conditions.
Same for power steering fan. Only on when needed, not constant.

The reason this all came up was the run time for the radiator fan when the automatic climate control is on and the snowflake (a/c) is lit. The fan would cycle constantly. On for 5 seconds and off for 25 seconds, always high speed. Even on a cold day. I have kept the a/c off while I find the answer. Guess my problem is a/c related although it does work. Just thought it was strange that I have never seen or heard the radiator fan on low speed.

So I'm off to the dealer on wednesday to see with is up with the a/c system.

Just can't shake the dealer fix..........

[Lucas63]

Well, I wasn't wrong. The radiator fan needed to be replaced.

Cost over $500.

The motor would not run on low speed. I was told there was a internal fault inside the motor and that the whole assembly needed to be replaced. Oh well........ can't really complain. It's the first expensive repair that I paid them to do. I usually do my own repairs now that the warranty is over. Since the dealer is a 11/2 hour drive one way, I didn't want to risk complete fan failure on the way home. That would suck

My temp gauge on the dash never looked different, and I have never overheated. Probably would have been a issue when the weather got warmer. Glad it's done.

[Paul@1320]

Better to be safe than sorry, was the PAS fan ok?

[Lucas63]

Quote: Originally Posted by 1320autos (original)

Better to be safe than sorry, was the PAS fan ok?

PAS fan was good.

Thanks for asking