Auxiliary Fans kaput '95 E300D

[Friz]

Just finished installing a new compressor and the AC works fine. Not the coldest but now I see the aux fans are not coming on. Actually don't know how long they have been in this condition. Did a lot of research and learned they are turned on by an engine coolant high temp and the AC. Does the AC circuitry turn on the fans anytime the compressor is on?
Anyhow, tried a lot of things bypassing this and that. Finally disconnected the 2 pole connector that feeds directly to the fans. Hit it with 12v and nothing. Is this a 100% test that the fans are bad? I kind of think it is but would like to hear it from one of the experts before I pull the fans. I read the R&R procedure in the service manual and I didn't like what I saw. A lot of dis assembly to get at the fans. The blades turn freely but I suspect there is a clutch mechanism or something that is bad.

Friz

[Zulfiqar]

the 2 pole connector which is clipped into a spring steel housing? the fans dont spin when you juice it up with two wires?

both fans are shot, need replacements - the R &R is not too bad, the bumper cover is very easy to take off.

[Chris W.]

Shameless plug for my old thread here:

Let's change the Aux Fans on a W124!

Rgds,
Chris W.
'95 E300D, 426K

[Friz]

No spring steel housing on mine but I am sure we are talking about the same wires. Mine are sheathed in black plastic tubing. The wires disappear into the the bottom of the fan assembly and the shroud. Yes, I hooked the plug up to 12v and ground and the fans ignored it - no spinning. The R&R procedure in the service manual has you removing the radiator, pumping out the R134, disconnecting the condenser, etc. I did not understand your reference to the bumper cover but after reading Chris' "shameless plug" it makes sense. Nice write up Chris. I am going to give your method a shot. Thanks gentlemen.

Fair winds and following seas, Friz

[Zulfiqar]

you will need to remove the front bumper assembly from the car - its very easy on a W124. 6 fasteners only and its incredibly lightweight too.

You would need to get a new set of fans first. The wiring plug for the fans should be clipped in a springy steel bracket on the front edge of the faux chassis leg on the drivers side. If its missing then your car has had some repairs in the past and the clip was forgotten during the installation.

Get a set of spal fans and install those, They wont look factory but they are quite powerful choices in that brand.

[Friz]

Yeah, I have had it off before to paint and it needs painting again. I don't know about Spal fans. Apparently have a excellent reputation but every site I visit does not sell them by vehicle application, instead by measurement. I am not sure if my fans are 11 or 12 or 13 inch? Kind of look like they measure at 12 but not sure. Then there is profile, slim, medium or whatever. Then there is high performance or not. I will probably order from a site with vehicle application.

[Friz]

Chris - outstanding procedure. The old fans are out! Took less than an hour. Please pass along any "shameless plugs" you may have in the future. This one was primo.

Zulfiqar - Removed the bumper as you suggested. That made removing the fans quite a bit easier.

Friz

[ohiomike]

I have a brand new set of dual fans for the 1995 E300D still new in the box as it turned out I didn't need them. I am in central Ohio. I will sell them still sealed in the shipping box for $95 including shipping.