MangeDlaMarde

Hello,

Cold weather here, northern Quebec. Average -12°C (10°F).

Engine fan turns on (and stays on). Coolant temperature shows a steady 91°C (196°F).

Heater blows not so warm air.

No CEL, however when I read the codes there is something (sorry didn't note which code it is). When I erase the code, fan turns off instantly, and sometimes the problem is solved for the rest of the day. Next morning, fan is still off until engine reaches some temperature. Have to erase the code again...

I don't even think I need that fan right now to be honest. I tried to pull fuse #22, without success. Is there a way I can temporarily disable the fan until I figure out what's the issue?

Thanks!

roadkillrob

MangeDlaMarde

Well exactly. When I got the code, fan is ON at all time, until I erase it.

Before I had that problem, I never heard that fan running (I only drive the car in winter time). It is very cold and windy here. I'm sad to read that the car could still overheat.

Jasonoff

Thermostat.

MangeDlaMarde

Well that's what I thought too, but why everything is OK when I erase the code?

Jasonoff

Intermittent failure maybe. Check the connector.

MangeDlaMarde

All connectors tight. It is not intermittent, every morning first time it gets hot fan gets on and stays on until I erase the code.

Jasonoff

Sounds like the thermostat has failed (stuck open). It throws a code when you first start the car which turns the fan on high. Clearing the code returns the fan to normal operation.

SGM330

It's the thermostat. Mine did that too but I had a code for it. Stopped doing it once I replaced it

MangeDlaMarde

Sad! I just ordered the 26$ coolant temperature sensor from the dealer, I was hoping it would be enough...

MangeDlaMarde

Again this morning: OBD2 scanner shows 0 code, however when I erase everything the fan stopped. Been running for 60 kms afterwards, everything runs as it should.

Before I erased the code, temperature was at a (solid) 91°C. As soon as I erased it (5 seconds later), it dropped to 70°C...

Thanks for your help guys.

Yuille36

It's a Thermostat, is given your ECU conflicting signals. I had the same type of issue but with my Oil Temperature Sensor, thereby causing my oil cooler fan to run.
We replaced the sensor, reset to parameters in the ECU using Star Diagnostics, and problem solved.

MangeDlaMarde

So are you suggesting that it could be the coolant temperature sensor?

Yuille36

Yes, but the only true way to know what it might be, is to have diagnosed.

MangeDlaMarde

Well I'm trying to figure out WHERE IS that coolant temperature sensor... I can't find it! Searched everywhere!

Vladds

It may not be the thermostat.
Get a Xentry scan of the car.
I like to mess around in Xentry and try all the tests and things.
I tried a reset once and it turned the fan on permanently. It may have been the inidovual test /reset for the cam adjusters, not the teach in process.
Then I did a general reset and this was solved.

MangeDlaMarde

It seems like the problem happens more and more often when it is very cold outside.

I broke a nipple on the thermostat so I've got to order a new one anyway.

But I still couldn't figure where that coolant temperature sensor is.

Very limited information about these cars here. Maybe I should post a DIY.

Mort

Here you go. From ALLDATAdiy

MangeDlaMarde

Wow thanks a lot sir!

However it seems to be pointing to the passenger side of the engine, at the front. So I thought the sensor pointed out was the OIL temperature sensor?

Mort

The oil temperature sensor is on the left side of the engine behind the AC compressor.

MangeDlaMarde

Very strange. Dealership gave me a diagram and right (passenger in North America) side was pointing to Oil Temperature Sensor, and almost dead center, and lower, was pointing to the Coolant Temperature Sensor.

I am confused now.

Mort

Here is a picture from AllDatadiy. See the arrow in the middle of the steering linkage boot pointing to the location.

MangeDlaMarde

Thanks a lot for your pictures Mort, maybe the dealership reversed both sensors...

Anyway, I did not change the sensor, but I changed the thermostat this afternoon. So far so good... I will post if the problem comes back!

Thanks everyone!