Radiator Cooling Fans running permanently

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Tim Jenkins - 23 Aug 2007 13:56 GMT

Hi,

(1.8i Focus Hatchback, 98). Last night I went out to the car which had been
sat there for about 4 hours from when we last got in - only to find both
radiator cooling fans running. They weren't running when we came home, so
for some reason they have decided to kick in and drain my battery. Now,
everytime I re-connect the battery, the fans instantly start up again !

Any clues ?

Cheers,
Tim.

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Craig - 23 Aug 2007 14:26 GMT

"Tim Jenkins" wrote...

> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> Cheers,
> Tim.

A short? A temp-controlled thermo switch frozen closed? If so, it sounds
like an easy, inexpensive fix.

Craig

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Alan - 23 Aug 2007 18:53 GMT

>"Tim Jenkins" wrote...
>
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
> A short? A temp-controlled thermo switch frozen closed? If so, it sounds
>like an easy, inexpensive fix.

One other possibility - if the relay controlling the fan(s) is stuck in
the closed position the two fans would run. One fan would be running
faster than the other.

On a UK Focus (2001) the relay is in the fuse box under the bonnet.
It's Relay 16 and is dark green.

If the relay is stuck try hitting it (firmly but gently) with the handle
of a screw driver to see you can shock it to unstick it. Otherwise
remove the relay to see if _both_ fans stop - then either see if you can
get the cover off to see if anything is wrong or maybe replace it.

Signature

Alan
news2006 {at} amac {dot} f2s {dot} com

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Tim Jenkins - 23 Aug 2007 19:28 GMT

Hi all,

In case it's of any use - I think I've found the problem. There is a small
lead attached directly to the battery feed which goes into a 30A fuse that
is tie-wrapped to the side of the battery comparment in its own fuse holder.
From here, it goes into a small cylindrical thing that is also tie-wrapped
to the battery compartment. This device has a brass threaded end that looks
like it should be screwed into something. The other wire from this devices
feeds the 6-pin connector that services both fans and the fan-resistor
assembly.

This cylindrical thing looks in a bad way when I took it apart - lots of
corrosion etc. Off to get a replacement tomorrow - just wish I knew what the
eck it was !

Cheers.

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