Where is the coolant fan switch located?
The cooling fan switch should be located near the thermostat housing on the left side of the engine, behind the distributor assembly.
How do I know if my cooling fan switch is bad?
The best way to tell if your cooling switch is faulty is to listen to your engine while you drive. You know how your engine is supposed to sound, and if you notice that you don’t hear the fan as often as you normally do during your afternoon commute, you might have a failing switch.
Why is my BMW 318i overheating?
While there are a variety of reasons your BMW 318i is overheating, the most common 3 are a coolant leak (water pump, radiator, hose etc.), the radiator fan, or a failed thermostat.
Should radiator fan turn on when AC is on?
Both radiator fans should always run when the AC compressor is engaged. To check the temperature at which the fan comes on, turn the A/C off and keep the engine running until it reaches normal operating temperature. Most fans should come on when the coolant reaches about 200 to 230 degrees.
What temperature should a fan switch be on?
Your radiator fan should kick in at about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. If you notice your vehicle is overheating or at the very least running hotter than it normally does, listen for the fan to see if you can hear it.
What tells the cooling fan to come on?
The engine temperature should trigger the fan to turn on. It will also turn the fan off once the engine has cooled to under 200 degrees. You may have heard of a part called the radiator fan switch or temperature fan switch. This is linked to a thermostat and works much like your home’s HVAC system.
What causes e46 to overheat?
BMW engine overheating issues are a common complaint among many BMW owners. Some of the main causes of overheating in BMWs include coolant leaks, a clogged coolant system, water pump failure, and using the wrong type of coolant.
How do I know if my BMW thermostat is bad?
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Thermostat
- Temperature gauge reading very high and engine overheating.
- Temperature changing erratically.
- Coolant leaks around the thermostat housing or under the vehicle.
What temperature should the radiator fan turn on?
about 200 degrees Fahrenheit
Your radiator fan should kick in at about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. If you notice your vehicle is overheating or at the very least running hotter than it normally does, listen for the fan to see if you can hear it.
What if the radiator fan turns on only when the AC is on but overheats when is off?
The most likely culprits are a thermostatic switch, fan resistor, temperature switch, low-speed or high-speed relay, or a wiring issue. When the vehicle has the AC on, the engine needs extra help cooling so the ECU commands the fan to be on any time the AC is on.
