2002 A3 Overheating - Radiator fans dont work - Advice?

[Aar0n]

Hi, I'm new to the forum and have recently purchased my first car. A 2002 A3 1.6 SE. Before I bought it, it had nearly £400 of work done it, and several parts were replaced because the fans wouldn't kick in and the car would get to about 110 degrees of the 120 on the gauge. The warning system wouldn't start but I don't want to drive it like this.

The work that was done had the fan relay and sensors replaced, so they ought to work. Once the car was warm, my friend checked the car and apparently the radiator return pipe is still cold, which he believes isn't turning the sensor on to turn the fans on. Apparently when the car had the work done the mechanic said it needs a new waterpump.

Could anyone give me any suggestions as to what it could be, or most likely be anyway? I don't want to get the cambelt and waterpump done for £300 if it's not that.

Also, I heard the waterpump's impellers can break up, if this happens, is it possible to flush the parts out or is it some massively expensive job to fix?

Any advice or opinions are much appreciated,
Thanks, Aaron.

[paoloh]

I would check that the fan switch is working. It is part of the rad I'm afraid and is not cheap.

[Aar0n]

Thanks for the reply. I think that it's been replaced, as this is the list of work:

Fan temp sensor on radiator
Thermostat housing with thermostat and all sensors
Fan relay control unit

Is there anything else to do before the waterpump?

[paoloh]

I would say the waterpump is next.

Make sure you get a modified one with metal impellers.