2008 base cooper: I've noticed the cooling fan runs almost constantly when the temps are above 75-80 F even when not stuck in traffic. Is this normal??? I ask because all previous cars I've driven, the fan rarely came on except when idling in traffic for lengthy periods of time. Thanks for any info! Greg

 

Same question applies here, same exact car. And it runs quite a while after being parked, too. That must put a little drain on the battery.

 

Hmmm. Mine always shuts off when I pull the key. According MINI, it is fairly normal and if the two-stage fan is faulty, it will "throw" an error code, so I've been told it's normal. So, I'd recommend having yours checked on your next service visit just to be sure.

 

Oh no, not here. The radiator fan will run after the fob is out. Sometimes it will shut off, then restart again when the heat under the bonnet is high enough. Not sure why MINI/BMW feels it is necessary to cool the radiator even with the engine off ... maybe this is a throw back to the days of my 99 VW Rabbit, which also ran the radiator fan after the engine was off and key out.

 

the new N12 engines Cooper and the new N14 Copper S engines. Can run
depending on ambient temp up to 15 minutes after car is shut of.
the S runs close to that because of the Aux waterpump that cools the turbo
charger down. So for these new Gen engines it is normal. If the engines
exceed 108 degree C. then the fan turns on. I have ran into alot of these
concerns. do be alarm its ok step away from the Mini!



Guido

 

Glad to hear it is normal. Wonder why they've designed it that way for the non-turbo?

 

Many autos with electric radiator fans do that, usually have a warning label about the possibility.

My Chrysler Turbo LeBaron would run the fan any time the A/C was running, regardless of engine temperature.
A/C Condensor needs airflow for operation.

Should not be needed at highway speed, but don't know if it would turn off for that.

Have noticed that my MINI Cooper will run its fan past shutdown, if you have driven a long trip.
Never does after a 'typical' :20 minute trip, LeBaron acted the same.

Would expect that a hot engine may have some coolant convection circulation, even without a waterpump.

 

Also, remember that thermostats today are fail-safe, which means that if they ever fail they will fail in the open position, causing the engine to run cooler than normal. The fan is activated when the engine coolant temperature sensor tell the ECU to turn the fan on. So, wait for a cool day and check if you notice any difference, and also make sure that your coolant level is ok!

 

The neighbors have a Toyota 4-Runner with a fan that runs for quite awhile after shutoff. Their fan is so noisy that I can hear them coming when they are a block away! And after engine shutdown the noise is unbelievable.