Just joined the forum. I purchased a 2003 Mini Cooper S 6 months ago and was just hit with the electric fan staying on in high. Plenty of info out there describing the problem and how to fix it. Thanks to all those who posted on this topic. I plan on replacing the fan housing some time in Oct. Looking at mine there are two electrical connections a larger plug that looks like all the photos of fan housings for sale and a much smaller one. The smaller plug is confusing me it has two wires a red and a green that disappear into the fan housing the other end comes out of the wire bundle going to the larger plug. Before I take it apart I would like to know what I’m dealing with.

Anyone have any ideas on what this smaller plug could be. Some of the threads talked about splicing an external resistor into the wires controlling the low speed mode to bypass it. If this is the case how would it affect my installing a new fan housing. From the looks of the large plug it appears a previous owner may have had this issue. Large plug has some damage and is held together with a zip tie.

Thanks
Slapshottr
2003 Mini CooperS
Electric fan plug

 

Moving you to the Stock Problems/Issues area.

 

Your '03, like mine, has the two plug fan version. I think the only way to do the resistor fix is to remove the entire fan assembly to get to the resistor, unlike later versions where a resistor can be done externally. I had the same issue and decided to just replace the entire fan assembly. Got a TYC for less than $75 and it's working just fine a year later.

 

BRGPA thanks for the quick reply. I was planning on changing the fan assembly out. When you ordered your fan I assume the folks at TYC know the 2003 is a 2 plug fan assembly and will send the correct part. I also wanted to know if you had any thoughts on replacing the actually plug that the fan assembly plugs into. If you look at the photo it is missing the locking clip and held together by a zip tie. With the new fan assembly I will still have to use a zip tie to hold the plugs together. Do you have any thoughts on where I can get just the plug. I do not want to get an entire wire harness just a plug I can splice onto the end of the existing wire harness.

 

Was looking for that plug, do have a picture of it unconnected. Lots of plugs are not in the MINI ETK diagram and I have to dig to find them.

Yep on the 2003 there was a pre 3/2003 and post 3/2003 production split:

https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2003-Cooper-R53-S-Coupe-L4_1.6L_W11B16A/Engine/Cooling/Fan/


Older plug:





Vs

Newer plug set up:

 

Great photo of the plug unplugged. That is what I have. Looking at it I assume I order one that states For vehicles with production to 3/2003. I am new to the Mini and did not know about the production split. I did check the sticker on the drivers side door jam and the manufacture date is 12/02. Good info to know for the future.

 

Yep, you can use our site for references, most everyone does. Yep, just check drop down menu and look for the red lines on the site for those production years splits.

Glad to help.

 

I ordered the TYC on Amazon- part # 621980 which is described as having two plugs. Check to make sure. I think I damaged the smaller plug when twisting it, so I've been using a zip tie to keep everything secure- still good after a year so I'm no longer obsessing about it coming apart!