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Cooling fan

Tiny
HMEYER
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 BMW 330CI
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
My car needs the front fan motor sensor replaced. It overheated bad and had to be towed. I was afraid possibly a head gasket. But it passed the compression test and there are no signs of milky oil etc. The fan itself works when hooked up to another power source. So I am thinking its just the sensor, but cannot find where to obtain that, only the entire fan assembly kit which is $500.00. Apparently this model was recalled for the same thing but my vin number does not come up. Is there anyway to bypass to an alternate sensor to power the fan? Any thoughts are appreciated.
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Saturday, May 14th, 2016 AT 3:46 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
It is not a sensor. It is a Control Module and it is sold as part of the fan. No, you cannot bypass it. The module controls the timing and speed. They do sell aftermarket units that could be accessed the WorldPac, but you would need someone that has an account with them. Some of the independent parts dealers will acquire it for you at a slightly higher price.
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Saturday, May 14th, 2016 AT 4:06 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Also, just because you have compression and no coolant in the oil does not mean you are in the clear for a head gasket, although this engine is pretty hearty in that respect.
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Saturday, May 14th, 2016 AT 4:07 PM
Tiny
HMEYER
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  • 2 POSTS
Is there anyway to determine for sure that its not a head gasket?
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Saturday, May 14th, 2016 AT 4:14 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Not really. It is usually something you find out over time. Most of the tests for it are inconclusive. The most accurate way to test for it is using and exhaust analyzer and sniffing for hydrocarbons at the radiator cap with the engine running. The obvious symptoms are white smoke out the tailpipe, coolant consumption over time with no visible external leaks and excessive pressure buildup in the cooling system, but these symptoms usually only show up in real bad cases.
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Saturday, May 14th, 2016 AT 4:19 PM

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