GO FISHING, use SLABSAUCE Fishing Attractant
Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: running with no aux fan ?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Posts
    370

    Default running with no aux fan ?

    so... long story short my aux fan isn't working at all. i know what i need to fix but i might not be able to get it going before going on a 2000km road trip this weekend (shoulda been doing that instead screwing with the hood huh?). my a/c is busted (ie i don't use it), radiator looks brand new and the temp gauge only rarely moves slightly off noon - never by more than the width of the needle. other than that the car is running great and i'm psyched to make this happen, this is the only thing holding me back from being very confident in this car. i've been stuck idling in traffic on a hot day and had no worries (believe me i was watching the gauge)... how bad do i need it?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Chicago, Il. U.S.A.
    Posts
    4,243

    Default

    No worry. It's there mostly for the a/c anyway. As long as you are moving you could still run the a/c without it.
    It does come on at high coolant temps w/o the a/c on but it you get into that territory the rest of the system isn't right.
    "The gas pedal wouldn't go to the floor if it weren't meant to be there"

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    New Forest, ,UK,
    Posts
    794

    Default

    By the aux fan I assume you mean the electric one in front of the rad? If so relax,took mine off five years ago to get a larger intercooler in. be warned tho`, the gauge will not give you a good indication of over-heating until its too late due to its mounting position.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Posts
    370

    Default

    thanks a lot guys i was going to tear into my front end all over again tonight but i really don't want to - i'm feeling pretty good about the car now, (the A->B part at least) doesn't mean i won't keep my fingers crossed... better go vacuum the carpets, NY / New England here I come!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Posts
    4,894

    Default

    Aux fan is primarily for AC only... Secondary purpose is when engine are overheating.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Japan
    Posts
    9,250

    Default

    Aux fan failures either:
    resistor
    the 2 relays for high and low speed
    magnets get lose in the fan motor (can be reglued).

    Repair (German language) and pics
    http://www.7-forum.com/forum/5/zusat...ekt-74182.html

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Posts
    370

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by shogun View Post
    Aux fan failures either:
    resistor
    the 2 relays for high and low speed
    magnets get lose in the fan motor (can be reglued).

    Repair (German language) and pics
    http://www.7-forum.com/forum/5/zusat...ekt-74182.html
    thanks everyone! in this case it looks like it's the switch/sensor at the radiator. when i jumper it as per bentley 170-4 the fan runs but it's hitting something and struggling a lot otherwise i would rig it to run on lo speed all the time.

    weird thing - i look up the switch on real oem it gives me part#61311378073 but i can't find the part anywhere when i look for it for my car. pelican parts says the part corresponding to that number is for E36 325i/iC/is (through 8/95), 318i/is/iC, 318ti M42, M3 B30 (through 8/95)... i'm not sure what to order, i guess it's not urgent since my a/c doesn't work.

    aux fan switch/sensor test as per bentley 170-4... jump the power leads to the (in my case brown always) ground and the fan ought to run when ignition is on.


    i should explain that's a homemade plug is why the colours are wrong and it looks funny... the real thing has all 3 terminals in a plug that actually fits. i made this one out of a washer pump plug and a good bit of a fried sword plug.... works!

    Attached Images Attached Images   

Similar Threads

  1. I am running again!
    By Milkboot in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 11-04-2006, 12:24 AM
  2. Please oh please, help me get my car running!
    By Antrieb in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 62
    Last Post: 11-02-2006, 12:31 PM
  3. Anyone here running on LPG or NGV?
    By nsbone_1988_520i in forum 7 Series BMW
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 04-22-2006, 08:01 AM
  4. running hot
    By mrbmw1 in forum 3 Series BMW
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 08-11-2004, 09:57 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •