do you all think a kit to do this, with all the parts in one bag, would be usefull? If so, I could order stuff for about 20 of them, and do a manual, and put it on the FES site.... I don't think it would make me much money but might be usefull for everyone out there.

Let me know...

Matt

 

Not a bad idea.....would be a good option for "the next-time" if my aftermarket fan fails in the same manner as the OEM.
Heck....There might be an Independent shop I know of who might buy a couple.....some folks might like the option of a possible "permanent" repair.
You might be onto something!!

 

So what's the failure mode here? How does one know that their low speed isn't working?

 

Matt,

Thats a great idea.
When are you going to have this ready???

Sean

 

Matt,

I'd be interested too. Thanks!

 

I've got to do some homework to see what I can put a package together for. If it turns too expensive, I'll just put a parts list up and people can order for them selves. Really, it's got to make a little bit of money to cover the time that goes into it.

I'll post up when I figure it all out.

Matt

 

My guess is that there are a LOT of early R53s that have no low speed fans. The same ones with seal leaks, strut tower rubber supports gone and shot lower control arm bushings. To check turn on your A/C. The low speed fan should come on. When it goes to high speed you can hear it from the drivers seat.

Doc,

Any movement on this? It is warming up here in the north east and with the windows opening the high speed fan cycling is making me crazy. If you are not ready, off to Mouser I will be.

Clearly we can bring the low speed back with the information and great work that Chris did. Make that GREAT work.

That said for those of us with the removable relay (02-04) has anyone done that by just reaching down without having to take out the fan. Mine sticks occasionally and I don't mind taping it to get it to release. I have the relay ready once I have to go into service mode for something else.

Thanks again everyone. This is a great solution that I am SURE a lot of us need if we know it or not.

Rich

 

Mr. Wolfson - the problem is the resistor, not the relay. However, I have a question for Mr. Lamb - when the resistor fails does it develop a permanent short, or an open?

 

that's why the fan doesn't run.

Matt

 

But the fan does run, but only one speed, high, which means there is no resistance in the circuit. Right?

 

There are actually two problems. The resister burn out (open circuit) prevents the fan from going into low speed mode. The system sends power to the fan line with the resister in low speed, directly to the fan in high speed. This external resister will go in the low speed line and the output would go to the high speed line. All before the plug to the fan which is why this fix is perfect for the low speed fan problem. (Thank you Chris)

Then there is the high speed fan stay on problem. I have that too. That is the relay. If you look at the threads you'll see that the recommendation is to unplug the connector to prevent the battery from draining. What I found was that if I took a screwdriver and tapped the relay then it released and the fan goes off. On the 2002 and 2003 the relay was replaceable on the fan assembly. Latter models has the relay integral. The relay part number is #61360141229 and is good up to 3/03 builds. After that if the relay goes bad I think you have to change the entire fan assembly but I am not sure as Artoo is a 9/2002 build.

So, it is two problems. And if the good Doc didn't already buy a bunch of resisters I will get one and do the low speed fix first and get to replacing the relay when I can get at it more easily later.

Rich

 

? Check my posts.......

 

it goes open circuit and so no low speed fan.
symptoms for me were a hot running car leading to heater matrix splitting open and dumping boiling coolant into the footwells....!

 

Just checked rockauto.com There are 2 fan assemblys. One is $70 and the other is $77. What is the part number for the newer fan? I might have to replace mine if it isn't a blown fuse.

I have an 04 MCS

 

You have the later fan. Up to 3/2003 builds have the older one with the replaceable relay.

///Rich

 

Careful!

a lower resistance means it will flow more current and so may give off more power + heat.
Check the maths.......

 

Rich,
I also have an 04 which needs the a new fan. So you are saying get the $77 fan for the 04?
Rockauto shows both fans will work for an 04.
Thanks

 

I don't know which fan Rock Auto sells or if the older fan will fit the post 3/03 builds.

What I can tell you is that your MCS takes Mini part number 17117541092. I wouldn't trust that the older fans will fit newer models. At least one difference is the replaceable relay on the older fan.

Rich

 

I finally removed my fan assembly. I confirmed that the resistor has failed open. If I am to proceed with the remote resistor installation, I will use 14 gauge stranded wire. However, because it was such a pain in the *** to get out, I may just go with a whole new assembly; I would be mighty disappointed if after all this work some other aspect of the fan assembly (e.g., the fan motor itself) failed in the near future.

 

For those that have gone the RockAuto route, any regrets? They list three prices (at least for model year 2004, like mine): $70 from TYC, $77 from 'various manufacturers,' and $121 from Four Seasons but that is listed as a single speed motor - not sure why. Thoughts?

 

I got the tyc from rock auto for my 05...they only had 2 choices...the early fan, and the newer fan...they listed all as various manfacures.
Going on 2+ years...all is fine...was an exact copy of the oem from what I can tell....had it in about 2 buissiness days, standard shipping.
I would stay away from the single speed one...sounds like they just skipped putting in the lowspeed resisotor...you could just cut out the resistor on yours, I think, jumper the spot with a piece of wire, and it would likely be the same thing...would run on hi when low was called....and hi when hi was called. Loud...and I'm the fan's life would be adversly affected.

 

Chris, I tried to follow your posts but a little over my head.

+1 on the DIY

 

My fan is going to die sometime this summer, my mechanic verified. If I order a new fan, do I have to remove front bumper cover, lower radiator hose, etc?
Can someone point me to a DIY?
Thanks all.

 

Sounds like that mechanic is full of crap....electrical components work, or they don't....they work till they fail....and wear is usually not apparent...especially when they fail due to a defect. External apperance of an item, especially an electrical item, provides little or no clue to the internal condition of a fan motor/resistor!
There are several....even in this thread...a quick search will get you a few...some basic...some more in depth with photo's depending on your comfort level with working on a car.
Yes...you do need to remove the bumper cover AND BUMPER....and the AC condenser (but not disconnected or drained).

 

Its the upper radiator hose, not the lower, that needs to be removed.