Engine Fan wont stop.... Any clues??
Discussion
Hi All,
Pretty miserable start of the weekend...
Last weekend I bought a Tuscan S (2001 model) and got delivery of it yesterday.
This morning I took it out for a spin, and decided to stop for a nice breakfast. When I left the car, the engine fan was running, but this is I guess normal for a few minutes in most cars.. However, 2 hours later when I returned, the fan was still running (only one of the 2 fans, the one on the driver side). Started the car, turned the engine off and waited, but still the fan was working.. Fiddled with the air con, just in case, but still the fan would not stop. On the display, I noticed a diagnostics code c.
Took the car home, checked the manual and the papers, and it says that this means "Water Level Sensor not Activating Zero Switch or switch Broken".
To make the fan stop, I took the fuse out, but when I put it back in, it starts running again..
By now the battery is drained and the car wil not start(which I guess its not the end of the world, but still...).
Any ideas of how can I make the bloody fan stop?
Anyone knows if this is something that can be easily sorted? Or does it need to be done by a garage??
Cheers!
Costas
Pretty miserable start of the weekend...
Last weekend I bought a Tuscan S (2001 model) and got delivery of it yesterday.
This morning I took it out for a spin, and decided to stop for a nice breakfast. When I left the car, the engine fan was running, but this is I guess normal for a few minutes in most cars.. However, 2 hours later when I returned, the fan was still running (only one of the 2 fans, the one on the driver side). Started the car, turned the engine off and waited, but still the fan was working.. Fiddled with the air con, just in case, but still the fan would not stop. On the display, I noticed a diagnostics code c.
Took the car home, checked the manual and the papers, and it says that this means "Water Level Sensor not Activating Zero Switch or switch Broken".
To make the fan stop, I took the fuse out, but when I put it back in, it starts running again..
By now the battery is drained and the car wil not start(which I guess its not the end of the world, but still...).
Any ideas of how can I make the bloody fan stop?
Anyone knows if this is something that can be easily sorted? Or does it need to be done by a garage??
Cheers!
Costas
The fans would be switched by a relay controlled by the ECU, so either the ECU is getting a false coolant temperature reading or the relay has stuck. Since the fan is staying on with the engine off, I think a stuck relay is the more likely cause. You could test this easily enough by removing the relay and measure the resistance between the normally-open contacts.
A voltmeter across the coil terminals on the relay socket would tell you whether the ECU was switching the relay on. With the appropriate cable and software it is also possible to hook the ECU up to your laptop so you can see what the ECU thinks the coolant temperature is.
A voltmeter across the coil terminals on the relay socket would tell you whether the ECU was switching the relay on. With the appropriate cable and software it is also possible to hook the ECU up to your laptop so you can see what the ECU thinks the coolant temperature is.
Totally agree, we've all been there with various niggles, and there's usually somebody out there with a solution. Talking of which, if the relay is unplugged, some allow you to flip the top off to gain access to the coil and contacts. It may be that the contacts are just pitted and need a clean, as long as they return to the normally open position after gently prising apart, it should be o.k.
It's worth a try, as it's not always easy to source a replacement.
There you go, I've redeemed myself now
It's worth a try, as it's not always easy to source a replacement.
There you go, I've redeemed myself now
THANKS!!!
Yes, owning a TVR is a joy, isn't it?!?!
Interesting turn of events..
After the last attempt to start the car yesterday, and after the battery not being powerful enough to turn the starter motor, I went for a drink to drown my sorrow.. A couple of hours later, surprise surprise, tried again, and it started!!
Also, after taking the fuse of the engine fans out and then putting it back in a few times, the fan stopped working! Of course, when I was putting it back in, I could see a spark on contact, but this is normal I guess. I only hope I haven't damaged anything electric. The fuse looks fine though, and the diagnostic code C does not come up any longer.. Didn't drive for too long to check if the fan will indeed work, but I'll keep an eye for it..
But thank you very much for the tips, I will have a good look anyway, just in case..!
Cheers,
Costas
Yes, owning a TVR is a joy, isn't it?!?!
Interesting turn of events..
After the last attempt to start the car yesterday, and after the battery not being powerful enough to turn the starter motor, I went for a drink to drown my sorrow.. A couple of hours later, surprise surprise, tried again, and it started!!
Also, after taking the fuse of the engine fans out and then putting it back in a few times, the fan stopped working! Of course, when I was putting it back in, I could see a spark on contact, but this is normal I guess. I only hope I haven't damaged anything electric. The fuse looks fine though, and the diagnostic code C does not come up any longer.. Didn't drive for too long to check if the fan will indeed work, but I'll keep an eye for it..
But thank you very much for the tips, I will have a good look anyway, just in case..!
Cheers,
Costas
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