Check My Thinking: 2004 s60 Engine Cooling Fan Topic is solved

[abscate]

They have to be out there used on eBay at a lot less. They are not a common failure item so I would go used

[JudgeRat]

Went to see the specialist earlier today. When I told him about the results of my voltage test he said that was the first test he was going to do. He then verified my thinking that since my readings from the ECM were appropriate but the fan was exhibiting the behavior shown in the video, the components in the control unit mounted on the fan were definitely overheating which was resulting in only intermittent circuit completion. The bottom line is that I need a replacement fan assembly since they only come as a unit. I have a new one on the way and will install it right away when it gets in.

P. S. Let me know if you think there is a need for me to do a replacement video.

[chrism]

Your diagnosis sounds logical. However one thing stops me from saying “fan controller for sure”. You’re only getting 0.03 vdc at the purple wire. That sounds quite low (3/100). I don’t know what the expected voltage should be. Is there any chance you misread and it’s actually 0.3?

One of two things will trigger the fan ON - either the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor or the engine temp sensor. The same engine temp sensor is used for triggering the fan AND the temp gauge on the dash. So if your temp gauge reads OK then it tells me the sensor is OK. You could try shorting the refrigerant pressure sensor and see if the fan then runs constant just to eliminate that sensor as a possible culprit.

[JudgeRat]

Alright, I'm going to call this one solved. I ordered a new Dorman brand replacement fan and it came in yesterday. I immediately tested it by unplugging the existing fan and plugging in the new one and it started running correctly right away. I then took about 15 minutes to swap them out and get back on the road. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to make a video while I was doing the actual replacement, but I have put a procedure explanation video together and posted it to youtube (video begins with showing the old fan's whimpy operation):

[youtube][/youtube]