2003 Volvo XC70 radiator fan not working

Post by **matthew1** » 20 Aug 2012, 15:33

2003 Volvo xc70 radiator fan not working. I purchased the car in march 2012 with 131,574 miles. I have not used the car except to keep the battery going. The problem started after the battery went dead, and I recharged it for a long time. I drove it around 3 blocks and it overheated. The display inside the car didn't show that the car was hot. The car has not been serviced since I purchased the car due to financial reasons.

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Post by **jimmy57** » 20 Aug 2012, 16:43

Check the large gauge wiring connector(s) at fan assembly and the single violet small gauge wire that is the command for fan from the ECM. These are the first things to check. If all are plugged in then use a voltmeter between ground and the violet wire and let it idle. The voltage will go down if the ECM is asking for fan. Turn on A/C as that will get fan long before the engine gets hot.
To measure the violet wire signal use a straightened paper clip and push it in next to the wire through the rubber seal. It will need to go in about a 1/2 inch to reach the terminal for your reading.
If the voltage goes down after the a/c is on with no fan then be sure you really have 12V at the red wire of the two large gauge wires. If all is in place and no fan then that indicates a faulty fan module.

DanDan4oo6 · Post by **DanDan4oo6** » 21 Aug 2012, 17:23

Thanks for your reply, I'll try what you suggested this coming week-end. I noticed that if the car is running with the hood opened, the fan doesn't move at all ? Is there a diagram that shows under the hood? I am not familiar with the Volvo. I purchased this car from NY and had it transported to CA. I have driven it less than 2 miles, and only overheated after I charged it for a long time with a neighbor,s portable charger. I really appreciate some help on how to deal with this problem.

volvo-user · Post by **volvo-user** » 21 Aug 2012, 21:46

Since you mention that you are having battery issues. Make sure your battery has a voltage of 12.8 volts or more. If not, there may be insufficient voltage to power the fan. I had a similar problem. Perhaps you want to get your alternator / battery tested for free at ie autozone . Does the ac work ? if so, open hood, start car, turn on ac. electric fan should start soon. I wraped a piece of electric tape leaving 1 " exposed on any wire in the air path so that i could see it flap in the wind since i could not ever hear it go on. If ac does not work, ie low refrigerant, fan will not come on just because you turn on the ac switch. My fan was not working and was replaced under a volvo recall.

DanDan4oo6 · Post by **DanDan4oo6** » 22 Aug 2012, 15:48

Thanks, ill go to autozone. I will be trying different things this coming week-end. Do you think that it's a fuse? What is the fuse number for a 2003 xc70 Radiator Fan and where is the fuse box located?