Electric Auxiliary Fan Question

[jljljl]

Hey guys,
just a quick question about the aux fan;

I have read many sites online that this fan is supposed to be running at all times as long as the engine is on? Is this true?
I have also read that it only turns on when needed, ie when the engine becomes too hot it would automatically turn on. Or if the a/c was being used?

I tried a couple things to check; I turned the a/c on, put it in N with EBrake on, and checked. The fan was not moving
I also had someone press on the gas (revving engine) while in neutral to see if it would move, still did not.

My question is when is that fan supposed to be moving?
[please bare with me as this is my first time posting a new thread, if there's any tips on making a better thread, let me know!]

2002 bmw x5 e53 3.0i with sports package

the fan i'm speaking of is the one right behind the grilles, looks like this ;


cheers guys

[upallnight]

You can disconnect the connector to the fan and check to see if you have power at one of the large metal flat pin. If you have power then you know that the fuse is o.k. If you don't have power then you know that the fuse is blown. The only reason why that fuse (50 amps that's right 50 amps) fuse will blow is because there was a short in the fan circuit. The only electrical components on that circuit is the fan. If the fuse is blown you need a new fan.

Another way to test if the fan is o.k is if you have software program to communicate with the truck. The right program can check for faults and can command the DME to turn the fan on.

Search my posts for fan problem and solution.

[jljljl]

Originally Posted by upallnight

You can disconnect the connector to the fan and check to see if you have power at one of the large metal flat pin. If you have power then you know that the fuse is o.k. If you don't have power then you know that the fuse is blown. The only reason why that fuse (50 amps that's right 50 amps) fuse will blow is because there was a short in the fan circuit. The only electrical components on that circuit is the fan. If the fuse is blown you need a new fan.

Another way to test if the fan is o.k is if you have software program to communicate with the truck. The right program can check for faults and can command the DME to turn the fan on.

Search my posts for fan problem and solution.

Thansk for the tips!
I will certainly go check it out after work.

also, this software program you mentioned; is it possible to get one myself? I'm in a comp sci program so technology comes easy to me. so learning new tech stuff interests me, but this does involve car stuff which is all still pretty new to me.

and thank you, i will for sure check your posts

[e30cabrio]

I tried for months to get INPA/GT1 going. I am also in IT & thought no problem easy peasy.

NO!

I ended up with 4 cables & only after the ebay seller remoted in repeatedly had everything going. Spend the 35 bucks, get his deal and if needed have him remote in.

Coding related thread:
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...etup-help.html

Romanian solution;
BMW USB OBD Diagnostic Cable Inpa Ediabas Dis SSS GT1 Easy Self Installer | eBay

[jljljl]

haha, oh alright.
well thanks for letting me know how tough it would be, I figured being in comp sci and having an IT job would help with this project.
I'll also take your advice into consideration and follow through if/when needed.

thanks guys!

[racingbmwm3]

Aux fan should come on when the A/C is turned on and cycle on every time the compressor is engaged, then turn off when the compressor disengages.

Without the AC turned on, the aux fan should only come on when the coolant temp gets high enough to call for 'extra' cooling needed. Which would typically be while driving in traffic in the summer, at least around the northwest - more often in hotter climates.

[upallnight]

Carsoft 6.5 is fairly easy to install or you can get BMW Scanner 1.4 which is also fairly easy to install. I used both. I know that BMW Scanner 1.4 can command the fan to turn on. Carsoft 6.5 requires a computer with a real serial port. Some people were able to get a usb to serial port to work, but most people that I know couldn't get it to work. Bimmerforums.com has a forum on BMW software program, how to install and how to get them working.