M-Class (W163) Produced 1998-2005: ML 230, ML 320, ML 350, ML 400 CDI, ML 430, ML 500, ML 270 CDI

Need Help testing cooling fan motor & module

Old May 30, 2022 | 11:46 AM
  #1  
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1998 CLK 320
Question Need Help testing cooling fan motor & module

Hello all,

I replaced my radiator and as I was bleeding the system, I noticed that the fan wasn't turning on. I saw that the fusible link (at the battery) was blown. I bypassed the fuse (for testing purposes) and the fan works, but I couldn't confirm max speed. Before I replace that fuse, I was hoping to test the fan motor and the control module.

Can anyone help me diagnose the health of the fan motor and the control module?

Any and all help is appreciated.

Thanks!!

Last edited by convicted; May 31, 2022 at 03:45 AM.
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Old May 31, 2022 | 03:50 AM
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This sentence does not make sense. Before I replace that fuse, I was hoping to test the fan motor and the control module.

If you knew that fuse controlled the fan, how did you think it would come on?????????????

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Old May 31, 2022 | 07:28 PM
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1998 CLK 320
Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee
This sentence does not make sense. Before I replace that fuse, I was hoping to test the fan motor and the control module.

If you knew that fuse controlled the fan, how did you think it would come on?????????????
Yeah, sorry for the incoherence. Allow me to clarify:

I was able to confirm that the fan works, by (temporarily) bypassing the fusible link, but I only noticed the "low speed" setting - even when I turned the A/C on. What I'm hoping to do is confirm that the control unit (on the shroud) is working properly (IE: capable of increasing fan speed when it's supposed to).

Better?
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Old Jun 1, 2022 | 05:41 AM
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Convicted, the auxiliary cooling fans are actuated under certain circumstances.
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
Cooling Fan Function.pdf (35.4 KB, 237 views)
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Old Jun 1, 2022 | 10:14 AM
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Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee
Convicted, the auxiliary cooling fans are actuated under certain circumstances.
Thanks for the diagram. Do you know of a way to manually test those functions, or is it safe to assume that the fuse was the only problem?

Thanks again!
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Old Jun 1, 2022 | 12:13 PM
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2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
If the fuse is not blown again, then simply monitor the suction fan actuation. If the fan kicks in at minimum speed, there is no doubt the fan will kick in at maximum speed when it is required.

Simply look at temperature on the Inst. Cluster.
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Old Jun 1, 2022 | 12:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee
If the fuse is not blown again, then simply monitor the suction fan actuation. If the fan kicks in at minimum speed, there is no doubt the fan will kick in at maximum speed when it is required.

Simply look at temperature on the Inst. Cluster.

Thanks!
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