Hello, so a few weeks ago the red temp light came on, so I was running realy low on Coolant, I topped her off and about 3 weeks later I get the same warning light come back on, this time i noticed that my radiator fan was not on, and i had been driving for almost 1hr on bumper to bumper, By now the rad fan should of turned on, also i remember that when i would shut the car off the fan would stay on for a few minutes after my daily commute, but now it does not do that, I checked the 3 fuses that point to the fan, but they seem ok, Any other suggestions or steps i should take to get this pin pointed? Thanks in advance.

 

Does the fan turn on when you turn on the AC?

where are you loosing coolant?

 

...

 

@MiniToBe I yet have to check to see if the fan kicks in with the AC, I didn't notice any coolant leaks at all. If the fan kicks in with the AC what does that translate to? Thank you.

 

so, the fan from what read is a two-stage fan...AC kicks stage 2. there is a resistor on the fan that might be bad (search for that here). also, you might have a faulty coolant temp sensor.
do you get hot air inside the car when you turn the heater on?

 

I don't get any hot air when I turn the heater on, which is strange, a few days ago it was pretty cold on my way to work, I turned on the heater and it was just cold air...

 

ok..usually not having cold air in the cabin is a sign of bad water pump. the water isnt circulating in the system properly.
there is a bleed screw on the thermostat housing, be gentle while turning it enough to see if coolant comes out with bubbles.

how many miles on the car, year, S or non S, manual or auto?

 

Just to clairfy, the AC kicks cold air with no problem, the heater does not shoot hot air at all, 08 Clubman s-98k Miles, Auto.

 

right. the AC is independent of the heater core. with that mileage you're probably due for a water pump and thermostat. do you know if they were replaced and when? also where you located?

 

Hmm, I'm located in South Pasadena, CA. So this would cause the fan not to kick in as well? The previous owner replaced the Stat and Pump at 40k miles.

 

if that DME is getting a signal "hey im cold", it wont turn the fan. there might be a fail safe mode that overrides that command, but the cooling system isnt functioning right.

can you feel the pipes, warming up anywhere?

as a maintenance measure, have it replaced. prolonging the issue might have a negative side effect on the transmission where the ATF isnt being cooled.

 

also, can you verify pressure in the system after you drive it or few minutes of starting it?

 

Appreciate the input. Time to get some parts ordered. Do you recommend factory OEM or aftermarket parts?

 

personally i go for the cheapest or mid range.

http://www.rmeuropean.com/Make/Mini/...rch=water_pump

https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2010-...ch/Water_Pump/

 

I forgot to mention this VERIFY that your water pump wheel is actually spinning when the engine is running...

I bought an 09 clubman S and to my surprise, the water pump wheel wasnt spinning because the friction wheel wasnt properly seated...

Take a look and confirm. it should be visible from the bottom if you turn the wheel to the right or from the top around the engine mount...

 

Update #1- Took the car to a local mechanic, turned on the ac and the fan kicks in, the car has been replenished with coolant fluid 2 times now within 1 week. We didn't see any stains where the car was parked no signs of any type of fluid, the shop checked the plugs and indicated that one of the plugs is yellow indicating that there is water in the engine.

Note that when i checked the oil cap and oil stick there is no signs of sluggish water mixture. also no smoke coming out from the exhaust, at this point I am ready for a second opinion, Any suggestions? Thank you in advance.

 

did you verify:
1- hot air inside the car when you turn the heater on?
2- the water pump wheel turning?

did you replace any parts since your last post?

 

No hot air, when the heater is on, Could it be since there was no coolant? no parts yet ordered or replaced since I got the news from the shop saying it is the head gasket.

 

It is cheaper to just replace the water pump at the point. It will have to be replaced anyway. Then, if the head is bad, then you take the next step.

 

Loosing coolant could also be from the transmission cooler inlets. take a look at that area too.

 

The strange thing is that there is no signs of spillage on the concrete floor, after a full refill, and having the car run for about 30 minutes.

 

it steams up and evaporates. do you smell that steam anywhere?

 

No smell what so ever... I have a feeling that shop might be trying to get one over me or am I just being paranoid?

 

maybe...but my advice is (and I'll leave it at that) is that you replace the water pump.

either DIY or find an indy shop to do it. get quotes before you decide.

personally, it is a moderate job and straight forward. no special tools other than a torque wrench and a manual.

let us know your update.

 

Thanks for the Advice, I will update you all hopefully before the weekend, If not Have a good Holliday with the family & Friends.