Stock Problems/Issues Discussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.

Fans seized up.

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Old Nov 4, 2009 | 01:28 PM
  #1  
R53 Speed's Avatar
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Fans seized up.

Took my R50 to be serviced yesterday. Found out that my PS fan has seized up. They said it looks as if though it's been out for a while now so good thing we caught it. I have the part on order.

Also, found out the radiator fan (speed1) is not working. He said they tested it by stimulating the relay so they know it's not a bad relay or sending unit. Says I have to order a new fan.

However, my car stays cool. the temp guage stays right in the middle where it is supposed to be, even when idling.

They're telling me that fan 2 is like the "oh crap fan". It only comes on when the car is hot and you're sitting in traffic in 100 degree tempts and it prevents overheating. Fan 2 is essentially the back up and fan 1 is the primary.

Are they right? I am going to go ahead and replace the fan just to be safe. I want to know everything is working as it is supposed to. Also, incase fan 2 goes out, atleast I'll still have fan1 working to help keep cool. Not too concerned since winter is comming on.

Any advice/ideas or wisdom about what's going on or the knowledge on the auxillary/radiator fans?
 
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Old Nov 4, 2009 | 01:48 PM
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you have the often discussed failure of the fan controller relay which forces the fan to high speed (speed 2 ... not fan #2). When that backup system fails, which it will since your part is on a slippery slope to failure, the fan will run ALL THE TIME until the battery dies. (there is logic somewhere in the fan faulting out to a run always condition but I don't agree with it. At least you won't overheat I suppose....)

Many have searched and continue to search today for a low cost way to simply replace this relay but alas no such solution has been found and yes you then get to replace the entire fan assembly. Several hundred dollars from the dealer. I had to do it twice on the 02 b4 we sold it....once every 3 years....

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-solution.html
 
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Old Nov 4, 2009 | 04:50 PM
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-=gRaY rAvEn=-
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Read this MINIME02.

http://massmotoringclub.com/index.php?topic=2490.0
 
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Old Nov 4, 2009 | 05:08 PM
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I believe that the faulty part is a resistor, not a relay.
 
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Old Nov 4, 2009 | 08:05 PM
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I see the P/S fans locked up all the time. You should replace it, and there is also an update kit that will put the P/S fan and radiator fans for the 02-04 cars on a seperate fuse. Cause on the early cars when the P/S fan quits it will blow the fuse causing the radiator fan to stop and overheat the car.
As for the radiator fan, go ahead and replace it. Without one stage working the engine will get out of the correct coolant operating range. The gauge on the dash is just an idiot gauge. It will stay on half until 240 deg., then it will move which is too late.
 
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Old Nov 5, 2009 | 05:34 AM
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Originally Posted by WayMotorWorks
I see the P/S fans locked up all the time. You should replace it, and there is also an update kit that will put the P/S fan and radiator fans for the 02-04 cars on a seperate fuse. Cause on the early cars when the P/S fan quits it will blow the fuse causing the radiator fan to stop and overheat the car.
As for the radiator fan, go ahead and replace it. Without one stage working the engine will get out of the correct coolant operating range. The gauge on the dash is just an idiot gauge. It will stay on half until 240 deg., then it will move which is too late.
Way,
The kit for the 02-04 cars, is that something I can do myself or do I need an experienced wrench for that?
Also, what is the cost for the kit?
Thanks
 
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Old Nov 5, 2009 | 06:30 AM
  #7  
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I would also recomend looking into the OEM power steering fan duct kit....at about 80$ it might be considered an investment of sorts to ensure you new 130-180$ ps fan lasts a long time. When I did mine, it was easy. The radiator fan on an S is a pain. I got mine from rock auto for less than 100$, and it was from TYC, a very good, well know company. No problems, less than one third the price of OEM, and I'm hopeing a better ressistor!
The fan update is also for the early 05' cars too. MINI did mine after I Han mine for 6 months or so.
 
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Old Nov 5, 2009 | 03:09 PM
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Well, I went ahead and replaced the cooling fan and the PS fan. Both fans came directly from MINI of cinci, OH. The total bill was $506.09

They said the PS fan is the newer model one with the built on fan guard. Supposedly it is a sturdier, better quality fan than the original.

I would also recomend looking into the OEM power steering fan duct kit....
Can the fan duct kit be installed on the OEM fan?

I see the P/S fans locked up all the time. You should replace it, and there is also an update kit that will put the P/S fan and radiator fans for the 02-04 cars on a seperate fuse. Cause on the early cars when the P/S fan quits it will blow the fuse causing the radiator fan to stop and overheat the car.
As for the radiator fan, go ahead and replace it. Without one stage working the engine will get out of the correct coolant operating range. The gauge on the dash is just an idiot gauge. It will stay on half until 240 deg., then it will move which is too late.
WAY
Do you all sell the seperate fuse kit? Sounds like it might be a good investment. How much is it and where can I find it?

As far as the coolant guage, I just bought the ScanguageII from you all and it has the digital coolant temp on it so that's good. No more relying on the idiot guage
 
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Old Nov 5, 2009 | 05:15 PM
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Good price for dealer work!
I just checked, the duct kit is only for the S's...sorry.
I would check with MINI on the price for the power steering fan mod....I seem to remember that they said that it took a few hours to do....I saw the instruction on Motoring file I think a few years back....might not be easy...but it seemed somewhat doable for a reasonable DIY'er.
 
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