2003 S60 Overheating. Cooling fan wasn't coming on. Problem?

calebsnodgrass · Post by **calebsnodgrass** » 21 Jun 2015, 19:47

I purchased a 2003 Volvo S60 in the last few days, and a few hours ago I was driving about 25 miles to my parents' house when it began overheating about halfway there. I made the same drive to and from yesterday as well with no problems. Someone pulled over as I was on the side of the road, and asked if the cooling fan was coming on. I turned the key but not all the way for the engine to turn on and the fan did not come on. He said that was probably the issue. I read this can be an issue with Volvos, but I'm not sure if that is a known issue with mine specifically. I had the oil changed today and was told there was no leaks of any kind. Has this happened to anyone before?

Thank you

Post by **Vovo_merz** » 22 Jun 2015, 09:13

You need to check your fan if its not coming on while the vehicle is hot or the AC running then you either have no power going to the fan or the fan module is bad so first things first is check for power. there are 3 wires black, red and purple, black is ground red is a positive and should read around 12 volts and purple is the one that turns on the fan and when the vehicle is hot or ac turned on it should read few volts not sure exact but its only to kick start the fan module and turn the fan on, if you have power then you need a new fan or fan module.
good luck

Post by **chrism** » 22 Jun 2015, 11:01

I had the same problem on my 03 V70 about three years ago - about 165,000 miles on it at that time. The cooling fan wouldn't turn on regardless of engine temp or whether A/C was on or off. The problem was in the fan controller which Volvo sells as a complete assembly with the fan. Check for a blown fuse just to be sure that's not the problem.

Post by **oragex** » 22 Jun 2015, 12:44

They sell used fan units over Ebay, worth a try. Check first if the fan starts turning slow when the A/C is ON

Make sure not to drive the car when the temp gauge starts climbing. How many miles on it?

earthworm · Post by **earthworm** » 05 Oct 2019, 12:54

The very best of advice and helpful for me. I'd (ideally) troubleshot and if the fan itself is good, I'd replace the controller - a new one may be the same price as an e bay old assembly .

earthworm · Post by **earthworm** » 05 Oct 2019, 12:58

Ohms at the sensor .. 250 ? .. cold
must recheck !

Post by **chrism** » 10 Oct 2019, 11:57

The same temp sensor is utilized for both the instrument cluster gauge and the cooling fan control. So if the gauge is reading correctly then it's very likely the sensor is OK.