Blower Fan Running with Engine Shut Off

[caubekho]

Something caused the battery of my X5 to drained twice within a week. At first, I thought that I forgot to turn off the interior lights but that wasn't the problem. Later, I found out that the blower motor was running even when the engine shut off. My question is what would cause the blower motor to run when the engine is off? Could it be the Final Stage Resistor not working properly? Any idea?

[AutoXer]

I think the fan is just cooling off the engine. Mine does that for about 5 minutes sometimes and then shuts off.

[BMWX5man]

Mine also, runs after engine was shut off. Had same thing on 2004 WV Jetta and MBZ ML320 as well. Just for few min.

[Nick@Jlevi SW]

Yep, completely normal. my E46 does it as well!

[JCL]

Agree with the other posters that the engine cooling fan will run after you shut off the engine.

But is that what you were asking? The blower fan, and the final stage resistor, both relate to the HVAC system, not the engine cooling system. I am not sure what would cause the HVAC blower to keep running other than a problem with a relay, if that is what you meant.

[caubekho]

I meant the HVAC system. I know it is normal for the cooling fan to run after the engine has been shut off. I wasn't sure it was the final stage resistor because I still had control of the blower speed. Anyway, I took it to the "stealer" and they said it was the final stage resistor and it costs $400 to replace it. I called the parts department to check the price on the part, it was $79 plus tax. I'm going to pick it up this afternoon and replace it myself. Diagnosis fee was 108 + 79 for the part = $187. I still save 200 bucks for getting it done myself. Thanks X5 World for posting the article on how to replace the Final Stage Resistor.

[BlueX5guy]

Mine is doing the same thing, interior HVAC fan running sporadically after I shut car off. I have not had a chance to take it to the dealer. Hopefully it will be covered by my aftermarket extended warranty, if not maybe I will try treplacing the final stage resistor myself. Keep us posted on the status of your repair.

Thanks,
Dennis

[BlueX5guy]

Originally Posted by caubekho

I meant the HVAC system. I know it is normal for the cooling fan to run after the engine has been shut off. I wasn't sure it was the final stage resistor because I still had control of the blower speed. Anyway, I took it to the "stealer" and they said it was the final stage resistor and it costs $400 to replace it. I called the parts department to check the price on the part, it was $79 plus tax. I'm going to pick it up this afternoon and replace it myself. Diagnosis fee was 108 + 79 for the part = $187. I still save 200 bucks for getting it done myself. Thanks X5 World for posting the article on how to replace the Final Stage Resistor.

Did you change out the FSR? Did it solve your problem? The same problem drained my battery last night. What a pain...

I have an appt with the Stealer on Monday, just want to know what my options are in case it is not covered by extended warranty.

Thanks,
Dennis

[Robbie]

yes, you are correct the final stage unit is common it looks like a hedgehog and mounted in the heater box it would be the cause of a flat bettery as should not run under normal conditions with the key out

[2005X544]

Forgive me for being ignorant - but perhaps you are talking about the automatic fan system that can be programmed to turn on-off several times a day (even wit the engine off). It is used to "cool" a hot car before you get into it (like having the car baking in the hot sun) and if you know that you are leaving at say 5 p.m. then the fan can come on say at 4:30 to cool the car by moving the air. This is a standard feature in many X5's. Perhaps this feature is energized somehow?

If this is not what you meant - then never mind :-)