That sensor will cause the fan to run if it switches on so I wonder if you may not have a short in the wires/harness that is extensive enough to cause your other problems.

__________________
-Marty

1986 300E 220,000 miles+ transmission impossible
(Now waiting under a bridge in order to become one)

Reading your M103 duty cycle:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/831799-post13.html
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/831807-post14.html