2003 325i e46 BWM here. The auxiliary/electric fan in front of the radiator has stopped working, causing the car to over heat when the car is at a standstill or red-light.
Posted by4 years ago
Archived
The fan doesn't spin on startup (part of a startup self-system check) which leads me to believe it is either a power relay issue, or a burnt out fan motor.
E46 Electric Fan Not Working
Im good at fixing cars, but now so much electrical issues. Does anyone know a good way to test either of these two issues?
Or has anyone had any other similar issues? Trying to research all options before I drop $250-$400 on a new fan.
Thank in advance r/BMW
4 comments
Most modern vehicles use electric cooling fans to help pull air through the radiator so that it can keep the engine cool. Most cooling fans use electric motors that have a moderate to high current draw, and as a result are commonly controlled using relays. The cooling fan relay is the relay that controls the engine’s cooling fans. When the correct parameters are met, a temperature switch or the computer will activate the relay, which will allow power to the fans. The relay will usually be activated once it is detected that the vehicle’s temperature approaches excessively high temperatures. Usually a faulty cooling fan relay will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver that service may be required.
1. Engine running hot
One of the first symptoms commonly associated with a bad or failing cooling fan relay is an engine that runs hot or overheats. If you notice that your engine is running at higher temperatures than normal, that may be a sign that the relay is not functioning properly. If the relay shorts or fails, it will not be able to supply the power for the fans to operate and keep the engine running at normal temperatures. Abnormally high temperatures can also be caused by a variety of other problems so it is recommended to have the vehicle properly diagnosed to be sure of the problem.
2. Cooling fans do not function
Non-functional cooling fans are another common symptom of a potential problem with the cooling fan relay. If the relay fails, it will be unable to supply power to the fans, and as a result they will not operate. This can lead to overheating, especially when the vehicle is at a stop, where there is no forward motion by the vehicle to pass air over the radiator.
3. Cooling fans stay on at all times
If the cooling fans are staying on at all times, this is another (less common) symptom of a possible problem with the cooling fan relay. If the relay shorts internally, it may cause power to be permanently switched on, which will cause the fans to run at all times. Depending on the wiring setup of the vehicle, this may cause them to stay on even when the vehicle is off, which will drain the battery.
The cooling fan relay essentially functions as the switch for the engine’s cooling fans, and is therefore an important electrical component of the vehicle’s cooling system. For this reason, if you suspect that your cooling fan, or relay, may possibly be having issues, have the vehicle diagnosed by a professional technician, such as one from YourMechanic. They will be able to look over your vehicle and replace your cooling fan relay if necessary.
Next StepSchedule Oil Change
Engine oil is the lifeblood of the engine. The oil resides in the oil pan, which is under the car attached to the bottom of the engine. All internal (moving) parts of the engine need to be lubricated by the engine oil. Inadequate lubrication will cause the parts to wear out faster and eventually lea.. LEARN MORE
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Bmw E46 Fan Not Working
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Posted by3 years ago
Archived
Please excuse my poorly worded title. 2009 135i. Replaced the water pump and thermostat at 70k. Currently have 94k.
Tonight got yellow overheat warning light. Then it turned red and I stopped immediately. Let the car cool off. Started up and a few minutes it did the same. Yellow overheat warning. I pulled over again. My initial thought was that it was the same symptoms as when then water pump originally crapped out. Only this time, I noticed the radiator fan was not spinning. Last time, when it was the water pump, the radiator fan was running overtime.
Bmw E46 Auxiliary Fan Not Working
So the question is.. Does it sound like the cause of overheating is probably a broken radiator fan/fuse?
Just looking for some mental reassurance til I can bring it into my mechanic Monday.
Thanks in advance.
8 comments
Posted by3 years ago
Archived
Please excuse my poorly worded title. 2009 135i. Replaced the water pump and thermostat at 70k. Currently have 94k.
Tonight got yellow overheat warning light. Then it turned red and I stopped immediately. Let the car cool off. Started up and a few minutes it did the same. Yellow overheat warning. I pulled over again. My initial thought was that it was the same symptoms as when then water pump originally crapped out. Only this time, I noticed the radiator fan was not spinning. Last time, when it was the water pump, the radiator fan was running overtime.
So the question is.. Does it sound like the cause of overheating is probably a broken radiator fan/fuse?
Just looking for some mental reassurance til I can bring it into my mechanic Monday.
Thanks in advance.
8 comments
Posted by3 years ago
Archived
Please excuse my poorly worded title. 2009 135i. Replaced the water pump and thermostat at 70k. Currently have 94k.
Tonight got yellow overheat warning light. Then it turned red and I stopped immediately. Let the car cool off. Started up and a few minutes it did the same. Yellow overheat warning. I pulled over again. My initial thought was that it was the same symptoms as when then water pump originally crapped out. Only this time, I noticed the radiator fan was not spinning. Last time, when it was the water pump, the radiator fan was running overtime.
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So the question is.. Does it sound like the cause of overheating is probably a broken radiator fan/fuse?
Just looking for some mental reassurance til I can bring it into my mechanic Monday.
Thanks in advance.
8 comments
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