I'd like to share my experience of dealing with a faulty radiator fan.
First post - please be understanding.
This is NOT the type with a motor and a drive belt between motor and fan. It is A2205000293 (the 850W version). Control box to the stepper motor in the middle of the fan.
I saw somewhere that A2205000193 (the 650W version) could be retrofitted, but didn't go that way.
Wasn't sure if the brain would take a straight swap.
Originally the fan went very noisy (running fast) and then went quiet!
Got the "COOLANT - VISIT WORKSHOP" message and used the heater on full blast to keep the engine temperature down (very effective and very warm inside the car).
The vibes on here and elsewhere said 'just replace it!'
Solved it by replacing it with a used one from a breaker.
Cost £99 - seen them for a LOT more.
My mech said it was a bit fiddly, but not too bad a changeout.
and it works!
So - thought I would have a play with the old unit.
As far as I can see, the only thing you can sensibly do is replace the bearings in the fan motor unit. The control box and motor are joined at birth. Fixing the control unit is a no-no.
Took some pics. Not sure if they will attach . . .
One is of the unit as a whole.
Second is the detail of one side of the motor and control box.
And then with them turned over. The rotor has been removed
Took the motor apart.
The motor has a plastic plug in the centre. I broke it. You may get it out using a rubber sucker tool. It is very flimsy. It faces the front of the car and is subject to wind and rain.
A circlip releases the shaft which can then be tapped through.
The bearings are 2000Z, actually enclosed both sides, less than a tenner the pair.
Easily drifted out, and there is a spring washer under the first one. Didn't take out the other.
Not a big deal to replace it all.
The control box is impossible to get apart without breaking the flimsy plastic cover. The electronics in the bottom are encased in a soft epoxy. Built to stay built.
Possible cause of the problem is the electrolytic capacitors ageing and failing. When they stop smoothing, the electronics can go wild. Common problem in all electronics, especially power supply units. I did try twisting off one of the capacitors, but removing them all and replacing them and building a weatherproof enclosure just seems too much bother and might still not be the actual problem.
Message is - Don't fix - replace.
Regards
First post - please be understanding.
This is NOT the type with a motor and a drive belt between motor and fan. It is A2205000293 (the 850W version). Control box to the stepper motor in the middle of the fan.
I saw somewhere that A2205000193 (the 650W version) could be retrofitted, but didn't go that way.
Wasn't sure if the brain would take a straight swap.
Originally the fan went very noisy (running fast) and then went quiet!
Got the "COOLANT - VISIT WORKSHOP" message and used the heater on full blast to keep the engine temperature down (very effective and very warm inside the car).
The vibes on here and elsewhere said 'just replace it!'
Solved it by replacing it with a used one from a breaker.
Cost £99 - seen them for a LOT more.
My mech said it was a bit fiddly, but not too bad a changeout.
and it works!
So - thought I would have a play with the old unit.
As far as I can see, the only thing you can sensibly do is replace the bearings in the fan motor unit. The control box and motor are joined at birth. Fixing the control unit is a no-no.
Took some pics. Not sure if they will attach . . .
One is of the unit as a whole.
Second is the detail of one side of the motor and control box.
And then with them turned over. The rotor has been removed
Took the motor apart.
The motor has a plastic plug in the centre. I broke it. You may get it out using a rubber sucker tool. It is very flimsy. It faces the front of the car and is subject to wind and rain.
A circlip releases the shaft which can then be tapped through.
The bearings are 2000Z, actually enclosed both sides, less than a tenner the pair.
Easily drifted out, and there is a spring washer under the first one. Didn't take out the other.
Not a big deal to replace it all.
The control box is impossible to get apart without breaking the flimsy plastic cover. The electronics in the bottom are encased in a soft epoxy. Built to stay built.
Possible cause of the problem is the electrolytic capacitors ageing and failing. When they stop smoothing, the electronics can go wild. Common problem in all electronics, especially power supply units. I did try twisting off one of the capacitors, but removing them all and replacing them and building a weatherproof enclosure just seems too much bother and might still not be the actual problem.
Message is - Don't fix - replace.
Regards
