My auxiliary fan has never worked since i got my car last summer.

I recently replaced the 212 degreee sensor that screws into the engine block, but this did nothing, so i'm assuming that the fan is shot.

Is there anything else i'm missing that i should check before i replace the fan--relay, etc.?

I'd like the fan to work as it should (kick on when coolant gets too hot) and not have to make a seperate switch to turn the fan on (as some members have suggested in other related posts i've read).

any suggestions/info welcome and appreciated...

You should put 12 volts to the fan motor to verify fan motor functions. On my 81 the aux fan very seldom works unless the A/C compressor is on and its very hot outside. Its main function is to stabilize the A/C working pressure, not engine temperature. The fan clutch stabilizes the engine temp. The aux fan blows onto the A/C condenser which happens to be in front of the radiator.

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81 300CD (sold) 1972 280 SEL 4.5 (sold) 1966 250 S 4 spd (sold) 1974 450 SL (sold) 86 BMW 325ES (sold), 1973 280C (sold) 1988 300 SE.

Grab the fan by the hub and turn it manually. Since the fan does not usually come on in the winter time, it can get crap stuck in there and prevent it from turning. There should be a plug at the end of the wires leading away from the fan. Disconnect it and jumper it to your battery with a length of wire. If the the fan runs, it is not the fan. Check out the fan relay. These can go bad or they can blow the fuse if the fan get's stuck.

Another option is to start getting good at reading a wiring schematic and using a Volt meter. The power side of your fan relay should have 12 volts to it when the ignition is on. The control or switching side of the relay should show 12 volts when the fan is expected to be on. Items such as the high temp switch on the A/C system can be jumpered across to simulate a hot condition since the temp switch closes it's internal contacts when a certain temperature is exceeded.

TimK

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EPA 609 & 608 HVAC Certified
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83' 300D Turbo - 300K + Miles
00' 1.9L TDI Beetle
85' 6.5L Turbo, GV-OD, GMC Suburban,
67' 2.5L Diesel NA - Land Rover Series IIA

Here's what you do if it's so cold your diesel fuel gels. Smear some on some toast and stay inside until it warms up outside.

The relay for the fan is ontop of the fenderwell, under a black plastic cover. You will probably see two of them there. For a quick check, swap one with the other - if the fan comes on (after reaching engine temp hot enough to warrant doing so) then you need a new ice cube relay. Plentiful at the local junk yards as 123 and 126 used them. Grab an extra one or two just in case - they're cheap.

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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D