2003 X5 (Aux?) Fan Keeps Running

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

DJ - 29 Dec 2005 03:04 GMT

Could anyone suggest a reason why the auxiliary fan in my 2003 X5 keeps
running even after the engine and ignition are shut off? I presume it's the
auxiliary fan but don't know for sure. The fan noise is emanating from the
area where the cabin filter is installed under the hood near the firewall.
Is it supposed to run all the time?

Tonight the fan sounds as if it's running at a constant speed. On other
occasions (last night, for instance) it sounded as if the speed varied. This
observation is based on the pitch of the fan sound. It appears to keep
running for hours after the engine and ignition are shut off. The car has
been off about 3-4 hours tonight and the fan is still running.

There doesn't appear to be any way to get it to shut off. Last night I
started the engine, turned off all interior fans, then shut the engine off.
The fan noise continued for several minutes (variable pitch noted) then
stopped. I tried the same thing this evening with no luck.

A Peake Research scan tool reported no codes.

The vehicle is out of warranty, so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

~ Dave

Reply to this Message

R. Mark Clayton - 29 Dec 2005 10:14 GMT

> Could anyone suggest a reason why the auxiliary fan in my 2003 X5 keeps
> running even after the engine and ignition are shut off? I presume it's
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
>
> ~ Dave

This could be normal operation. The electric fan comes on when the cooling
load is high. As you appear to live in Florida then this could be real.
The fan will run for a minute or two after switch off (wired round ignition)
if you have been taking a lot of power from the engine or idling a lot (e.g.
towing, hill work, just come off freeway or sat in traffic for ages).

If it is staying on all the time or long after switch off then probably the
thermal switch for it needs cleaning or replacing.

Reply to this Message

Eisboch - 29 Dec 2005 12:14 GMT

>> Could anyone suggest a reason why the auxiliary fan in my 2003 X5 keeps
>> running even after the engine and ignition are shut off? I presume it's
>> the auxiliary fan but don't know for sure. The fan noise is emanating
>> from the area where the cabin filter is installed under the hood near the
>> firewall. Is it supposed to run all the time?

Is your X5 equipped with the programmable forced venting system? It is used
to turn on the fan and vent hot air out of the car before you plan to get in
it to drive. If so, perhaps you have inadvertently programmed it to turn
on.

Eisboch

Reply to this Message

Eisboch - 29 Dec 2005 22:40 GMT

>>> Could anyone suggest a reason why the auxiliary fan in my 2003 X5 keeps
>>> running even after the engine and ignition are shut off? I presume it's
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> Eisboch

I don't think it's your radiator fan running. You indicated the noise is
coming from near the firewall. That's why I think it may be your forced
venting system, if you have one.

Eisboch

Reply to this Message

Fred W - 29 Dec 2005 19:30 GMT

>>Could anyone suggest a reason why the auxiliary fan in my 2003 X5 keeps
>>running even after the engine and ignition are shut off? I presume it's
[quoted text clipped - 29 lines]
> If it is staying on all the time or long after switch off then probably the
> thermal switch for it needs cleaning or replacing.

3-4 hours running is definitely not normal.

Signature

-Fred W

Reply to this Message

R. Mark Clayton - 29 Dec 2005 19:32 GMT

> 3-4 hours running is definitely not normal.

Indeed 3-4 minutes would be normal.

Reply to this Message