Fans on intermittently

[anonymous-user]

Out today for ride in the sun, 18*C , after an hour got in a little traffic and gauge goes over 90 and cant hear fans running, put heater on max and temp held at 95 so pulled over and stopped, definetley no fans !! Popped bonnet to allow to cool and put ignition on, fans not running, waited 20 mins and as I put ignition on fans started running, fired up and headed home but temp again at 90+ and back home could not hear fans again when stopped with temp over 90.
She has not done this before, generally the gauge will show 90 and fans kick in and runs 70-80 on constant run.
Whats happening ? loose connection somewhere........what else.....help please.

[kevin63]

I had this problem on my Cerbera, I found out that that garage had put vasseline in the plugs to the fans, this should have been do after they were plug in to stop damp getting in. Once I had cleaned the plug connection I never had a problem. Hope your troubles are as cheap and easy to fix.

[Harrytsg]

As above, check the 2 fan plugs at the radiator,this is probably most common, it could also be fuses, relays or the otter switch

[captaintact]

Would definitely change the otter switch. It's cheap and a quick repair. You could try letting the car idle until 90deg and the fans kick in. If they don't, short out the otter switch to see if the fans are working ok. This will confirm the condition of the otter switch.

[roysum]

As many have said on here already, carry a paper clip to short out the otter switch for emergencies.

r :-)

[Timja]

I had similar symptoms. Cleaned the connectors on fans and otter switch, thought everything was OK for a couple of weeks, then ended up with car overheating again as Otter switch stopped working. Thought i had caught it and pulled over in time but a couple of months later discovered heads warped a little allowing some water to get into oil.

Can't proove for sure this was from the overheating due to otter switch stopping working, but it is the primary suspect!

Several thousands later I have a rebuilt engine (i did need a new Cam and had various oil leaks too though!)

Check the connectors, keep a close eye on the temperature guage and carry something to bypass the otter switch for emergencies if you are not sure. Or just change the otter switch for peace of mind! Could be expensive if you overheat!

[EGB]

Connections on otter should not be a loose fit. If so, try pinching up the push on connections with a pair of pliars to make it a tight fit. If fans work with bridging the push ons useing a paper clip, but do not work on the otter, even if tight, then suspect the otter and replace.

[roysum]

EGB said:

Connections on otter should not be a loose fit. If so, try pinching up the push on connections with a pair of pliars to make it a tight fit. If fans work with bridging the push ons useing a paper clip, but do not work on the otter, even if tight, then suspect the otter and replace.

Are you sure


Sorry, but that's a bit obvious ! ...................waiting for it !

Roy

[quattrophenia]

Harrytsg said:

As above, check the 2 fan plugs at the radiator,this is probably most common, it could also be fuses, relays or the otter switch

Mine would creep up to 90 and the fans would kick in and out with out any real drop in temp. I changed the otter switch and problem solved. Not run it in hot weather yet bu over the last 6 months I have not had it go above 85oC and the fans are in at 75-80 on the button.
The Otter switch seems to gradually break down, becoming more unreliable as it fades.

[anonymous-user]

Thanks for the info guys,, new otter switch ordered..