Radiator Fan NOT Working Xsara Picasso 1.8sx 2003

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Re: Radiator Fan NOT Working Xsara Picasso 1.8sx 2003

Post by Fartblast »

xantia_v6 - Connecting a bulb to the block connector sounds a very good test, wish I had thought of that before I re-fitted the fan. I may give it try and will let you know the result.

admiral51 - I did not remove the plug as it appeared to be fixed and I did not want to force it in case I damaged it.
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Picasso Fan with Block Connector
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Re: Radiator Fan NOT Working Xsara Picasso 1.8sx 2003

Post by admiral51 »

That looks like a flap over the wires not a plug, so yes you did well not to pull it out .
I think it maybe blade type pins crimped on the wires so maybe worth opening up and checking if you get no joy elsewhere as a dodgy contact there may cause issues.
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Re: Radiator Fan NOT Working Xsara Picasso 1.8sx 2003

Post by Fartblast »

Its too cold and windy to work on the car today. I did start the engine and press the A/C which again made all the right sounds accept the fan did not move, so I pushed the fan blades which made it spin on its own. Turning off the A/C and the fan stopped. I will remove the fan and connect a bulb to the block connector and see what happens, but when its a bit warmer. I will also take a look at the condition of the fan brushes etc. Although its very low mileage and generally in very good condition, the car is probably only worth £500 even with a full MOT, so its not worth spending hundreds at a garage.
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Re: Radiator Fan NOT Working Xsara Picasso 1.8sx 2003

Post by white exec »

Some of these fans are, I discover, anything up to 500W! At 13v, that's 38amp :shock: .
I think yours might be 400W.

Yes, try the small lamp (which should always remain on, even if fan doesn't start when powered up).
It will reduce in brightness a tad when the fan kicks in.
If it goes out, is in any way intermittent, or massively dims, that signifies a bad contact on the supply side (either your temporary supply, or the relays etc.).
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Re: Radiator Fan NOT Working Xsara Picasso 1.8sx 2003

Post by Fartblast »

I just connected a 12v car bulb to the fan block connector and with the engine running I switched on the A/C. The bulb lit but as before the fan made not effort to turn unless I gave it a gentle push. I checked the voltage across the block connector with multi-tester and got a reading of 14v with the bulb illuminated. Interestingly when I switched off the A/C the fan increased speed quite a bit before slowing down and stopping, something it has not done before. There is no play or roughness in the bearings so I'm still not sure if the fan is weak or its something else, but I need to make a decision soon.
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Re: Radiator Fan NOT Working Xsara Picasso 1.8sx 2003

Post by admiral51 »

Just had another look at the "plug " on the back of the fan.
It may just be my weird logic but is there a plug on the fan itself that plugs into the wires "plug", would make sense as you can change the fans and not interfere with the wiring loom ?
Sticking brushes so not enough power to get up and go once started its ok or not enough power at the plug ?
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Re: Radiator Fan NOT Working Xsara Picasso 1.8sx 2003

Post by white exec »

Agree. It points to either a bad fan connector (assuming that is a connector), or bad motor brushes.
Next step is to remove and if necessary open up the fan motor.
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Re: Radiator Fan NOT Working Xsara Picasso 1.8sx 2003

Post by admiral51 »

Chris if you look closer at the pic of the fan first post on this page you can see the signs of plug opposite the wires/plug on the housing.
Memory/logic states that the fans are interchangeable, they must have a way to get power and by default cannot be hard wired, so there must be a plug/connector that maybe we are over looking ?
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Re: Radiator Fan NOT Working Xsara Picasso 1.8sx 2003

Post by xantia_v6 »

The symptoms indicate that the motor brushes are sticking in the bruch holders. It would be simple to fix IF you could get the motor apart without destroying it. That is a big if.
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Re: Radiator Fan NOT Working Xsara Picasso 1.8sx 2003

Post by white exec »

Mike, agree, there must be a connector somewhere that allows the fan itself to be removed.
Likely that flat widget on the fan itself.
That should be check out first, and then the fan dismantled if no joy.
Symptoms are a poor contact - either comnection or motor brushes.
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Re: Radiator Fan NOT Working Xsara Picasso 1.8sx 2003

Post by Fartblast »

Again many thanks. I will attempt to get the motor apart tomorrow and take photos.
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Re: Radiator Fan NOT Working Xsara Picasso 1.8sx 2003

Post by Fartblast »

The top cover of the fan connector with what looks like a release clip is actually all one piece and sealed, so I had to break the seal to get it off and this is what the underside looks like. Also, its going to take a lot of effort removing the metal cover on the fan motor, so I think I will buy a working second hand fan and hopefully that will solve the problem. I'll keep you updated.
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Re: Radiator Fan NOT Working Xsara Picasso 1.8sx 2003

Post by xantia_v6 »

I think that you may find that removing the fan blade gives access to the screws that hold the motor into the housing.
Note that if the blade is held to the shaft with a screw, it is probably LEFT HAND THREAD.
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Re: Radiator Fan NOT Working Xsara Picasso 1.8sx 2003

Post by Fartblast »

Good advice and I will also take a look under the front plastic cover which has a center screw.

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Re: Radiator Fan NOT Working Xsara Picasso 1.8sx 2003

Post by xantia_v6 »

That screw is the one which probably is left hand thread, so be careful when attempting to remove it.
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