1.9D pickup problems

[Edd209]

Hi all, so glad I found this forum. Just got a 1.9D pickup and it's fair to say it needs a lot of work!

For starters the fan is not kicking in at all and the temp gauge only goes as far as 70°, it's only when it gets really hot it goes over 70°.

Secondly it feels like the front wheels and the steering wheel are all talking different languages. When it's static it doesn't feel like there's any play but when it's moving it feels like the wheels are moving independently.The n/s/f feels grabby, like it's a flat tyre but it hasn't.

Any help would be much appreciated.

[RicardoM]

Change the thermostat.

Do a toe angles alignment.

[bodlinguk]

Get it up and do the mot test on front wishbone possible both front rubbers have play

[Edd209]

Cheers for the replies, guys.

Yeah, suspension wear was my next option. I took it to get the alignment done today and the camber on the n/s/f was only off by 0.5%, everything else is sweet.

The new thermostat came today so I'll put it in tomorrow and see how it goes.

[Edd209]

Change the thermostat.

Do a toe angles alignment.

I put the new thermostat in but still having no luck with the fan, its using a lot of water too.

Any ideas?

Edited 29 November, 2015 by Edd209

[RicardoM]

Well, it's obvious. If the coolant temperature doesn't raise above 90 C, the radiator fan will not kick in. On the other hand, you have mentioned a new problem, coolant leak. So find the leak, then the cooling system will be tight and eventually the temperature of the coolant will get to higher values.

[RainbowFire]

Before running around replacing parts.....connect the fan direct to battery.....make sure the fan actually works.

[RicardoM]

I put the new thermostat in but still having no luck with the fan, its using a lot of water too.

What thermostat did you buy? Any link, photo? What year is your pickup?