E53 X5 Auxiliary Fan test?

Bimmernut · #1 08-07-2021, 07:48 PM

Hello all!

My AC blows cold at highway speeds but slowly warms up if sitting still for too long. The compressor is functioning, and I have checked pressure on the low-side and it's reading as full. What I have noticed is that the aux fan is not coming on AT ALL. Is there a way to test the AUX fan while it is in the vehicle? I only have a basic scan tool and multi-meter - I do NOT have a tool that can trigger component operation.

Thank you!!

2006 X5 3.0 Auto

ahlem · #2 08-07-2021, 08:11 PM

What happens when you run the car with the AC off? On other models, when you turn the AC on, the auxiiary fan kicks on.

workingonit · #3 08-07-2021, 08:21 PM

Here's a suggestion from an older thread I found: post # 56 from the thread "How to test if Auxiliary fan is bad?"https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...ml#post1101833
but never tried (my aux fan wasn't plugged in after I had taken out the shroud after my electric fan conversion). I looked for the A/C connection, and found where I had pulled the aux fan plug loose, instead. There was no problem.

Effduration · #4 08-07-2021, 08:13 PM

A couple other things - although the fact it does not come on with AC is one sign the fan is bad.

1 Unplug the coolant temp sensor with car running. It should cause the fan to run.

2. Unlock the cluster sub-menu (read up on it) and enable test 7 to show coolant temps. Once temps hit 100C at idle the fan should come on. Don't let it go over 100C

I just replaced my aux fan in my '05 3.0..it was dead which I confirmed with INPA.

I went with the TYC brand (Taiwan) off amazon. Decent reviews.

Bimmernut · #5 08-07-2021, 08:14 PM

The auxiliary fan does not kick on regardless of the status of the AC or the temperature of the vehicle - it's just dead all the time. What I'm trying to discern is whether or not the fan is actually bad of perhaps if a sensor is bad and it's not calling for the fan to kick on. I don't know if that would be a temp sensor or something else, but for now just trying to determine if the fan itself is functioning.

Bimmernut · #6 08-07-2021, 08:20 PM

Awesome - Thank you both!! I'm going to run through the diag tomorrow. I found the fan online - $180 delivered with new fan shroud clips.

Effduration · #7 08-08-2021, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmernut

Awesome - Thank you both!! I'm going to run through the diag tomorrow. I found the fan online - $180 delivered with new fan shroud clips.

The other option is to buy the fan....make sure it is fully returnable...then lay it on top of your radiator shroud, plug it in, and turn the AC on...

If the fan does not spin, you have some other problem.

I thought of this, but I think I had trouble finding a fully returnable fan..even on Amazon.

Based on online reports, I happen to think the aux fan crap out on an E53's more frequently than on E39 or E46..which seem to last the life of the car....maybe yet another example of inferior parts supplied to US-made cars like E53. I can't complain too much though, 15yrs for a fan is not bad.

X5chemist · #8 08-07-2021, 09:38 PM

When replacing the fan, get a brushless fan. I have a brushless aftermarket fan on my X5. It takes over 10 seconds for it to stop spinning once power is off. You can hear it spin up too.

Bimmernut · #9 08-08-2021, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5chemist

When replacing the fan, get a brushless fan. I have a brushless aftermarket fan on my X5. It takes over 10 seconds for it to stop spinning once power is off. You can hear it spin up too.

Thanks! Any recommendation on where to find one?

PalmSpringsE534.6 · #10 08-08-2021, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmernut

Thanks! Any recommendation on where to find one?

Topaz makes a brushless aux fan. I think they are still available on Amazon.