Folks, I need to consult more experienced heads about my rad fans.

 

I've got a 1.4 51-plate elegence that I bought second-hand.

I recently noticed and replaced the rad fan fuse on top of the battery.  I've also checked the 25A (I think) blade fuse, it's fine.

Further tests today, I took the connector off the temperature switch in the rad and jumpered it.  One way, small fan kick in low, other way, big fan in on high.

 

I Start the engine, run it up to temp.  Then, put the air con on, blowers up to 3.

No movement from either fan at this point.  carefully nudge the small fan, it starts spinning and there's periodic high-speed pulses from the big one. Aircon gets colder than a thingey's whatsits.

 

Am I right in thinking that the small one's dying (stalling fan munches the 40A fuse, right?) and the big one's eaten its low-speed resistor?

 

GSF look like they've got a straight-up replacement for the whole fan assembly, should I just switch the whole thing out, resistor-mod it at a later date and do the switch to be safe next time there's a coolant change happening?

Anything I'm missing?

Edited 2 April, 201610 yr by djnw

If you can tell me what engine-code your 1.4 is, I can try to find the most appropriate current flow diagram, and see if I can work out what is supposed to be happening.

There are several versions of the fan(s)/thermoswitch/fan controller circuitry, some of which are quite simple, others not so much.

 

I suspect your conclusions are correct, but may be able to offer a little more diagnostic help if I can pin down exactly the right wiring diagram.

 

PS: welcome to the forum.

Edited 2 April, 201610 yr by Wino

my fans don't work altogether

You are very brave going near your fans with your fingers.

 

When my smaller fan failed on my Golf the larger fan would run at high speed, fitted a new small fan and with the AC on they should both spin at slow speed.

I'd be interested in knowing the outcome of this - if you do get it resolved.   Mine has never worked but I never thought of it as an issue (never had over heating issues) until I read recently that it impacts the air con compressor's ability to get rid of heat and that's what causes poor performance and hissing (something I've been plagued with for a few years).  

You are very brave going near your fans with your fingers.

When my smaller fan failed on my Golf the larger fan would run at high speed, fitted a new small fan and with the AC on they should both spin at slow speed.

To be fair, I just gave the outside edge of it a gentle flick with a fingertip. Once it was moving at all, the motor kicked in.

I'd be interested in knowing the outcome of this - if you do get it resolved.Mine has never worked but I never thought of it as an issue (never had over heating issues) until I read recently that it impacts the air con compressor's ability to get rid of heat and that's what causes poor performance and hissing (something I've been plagued with for a few years).

I've got a general service + fettling session pencilled in for next weekend, hopefully, I'll have a success to report.