Cooling Fans constantly running

[D5SPM]

Hi,

We have a 2001 Ford Focus 1.6, I have noticed even when you first start the car either when cold or hot the 2 cooling fans start to spin straight away. The air con is not on, I'm sure this is not right but can any one help with any suggestions as to the cause.

Thanks.

[GreenV8S]

Sticky relay? If the fans are controlled by an otter switch (rather than by the ECU) the switch could have failed.

[stevieturbo]

Is the Check Engine Light on ?

When cars drop into a fault or limp mode, often the fans will stay on.

[D5SPM]

Where will these relays/otter switches be located?

No the engine man light is not on.

cheers

[stevieturbo]

Is the CEL lamp present, and working ?? wouldnt be the first time previous owners or "mechanics" have removed the bulb.

Just in case.

[Pigeon]

D5SPM said:

We have a 2001 Ford Focus 1.6, I have noticed even when you first start the car either when cold or hot the 2 cooling fans start to spin straight away.

The way you word that makes it sound not like a fault that has recently developed, but one that's been there ever since you've had the car which has not been that long...?

If so then what has happened is the stupid crappy thermostatic switch has failed open-circuit and the car has overheated in traffic and the previous owner has shoved a paper clip in the connector to get home and then left it like that. Number of times I've had to do this to get people home and it's always the next owner who gets to fix it, why can't they just use thermostatic switches which are not crap?

The switch is screwed into the radiator somewhere or possibly a coolant hose and has two fairly thick wires running into the connector for it, which may be jammed on really tightly by the paper clip stuffed in it or may be hanging disconnected loose somewhere with the paper clip in it and a piece of tape round it if you're lucky.