Cooling fans not coming on to cool the engine....please help...

2003 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE

110,000 MILES

KELISHAVWROCKS

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Ok so I'm wondering if anyone can help me with this....I have a 2003 Beetle, the cooling fans were not coming on, so I replaced the temp sensor, the thermostat, the relay module and the cooling fan switch and the fans still wont come on. Before The fans decided not to work I was having problems with the AC working. It would come on sometimes with the fans but then it wouldn't come on with the fans and my heater was working fine. Now the AC works great and fans come on everytime I turn the AC on but the heater isn't blowing hot air anymore. That plus when I turn the AC off the fans turn off and wont come on to cool the engine. If anyone can help with any kind of info that would be wonderful being as I am at a stand still. Thanks

Oct 10, 2013 at 11:21 AM

EXOVCDS

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
1,883 POSTS

Your water pump is broken, not pushing / circulating coolant.... that's why there is no heat inside the car and why the sensor in the
radiator is not getting hot.

Remove the timing belt to get at the water pump (replace the belt and the tensioner as well).

Checking for flow:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJN3biTfdGE

Bad flow:

No flow:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thcwatH_BpI

Search my channel so you can see how to replace the timing belt and water pump.

Thomas

Oct 10, 2013 at 5:09 PM

KELISHAVWROCKS

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you for your reply...We checked flow and it is circulating fine, the water pump is working good as well. Think it could be an electrical issue?

Oct 10, 2013 at 5:53 PM

EXOVCDS

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
1,883 POSTS

Make sure that the lower radiator hose gets hot... don't assume the pump is OK, All your symptoms point to a bad pump.

Check the radiator core for even heat across the core surface (use a heat gun or use your fingers by reaching through the
fan fins ***be careful***.

I can not diagnose over the internet, I can only tell you what I know from experience... have a shop look at it for an accurate diagnosis.

Thomas

Oct 10, 2013 at 6:02 PM

EXOVCDS

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
1,883 POSTS

Is the lower hose getting hot?

If you remove the radiator fan switch harness plug and bridge the pins, do the fans come on?

Thomas

Oct 11, 2013 at 6:19 PM

Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.