Does anyone know if these are a common fault in Pandas (1000cc fire engine)? I have a suspect one on mine where I can't get the fan to cut in, and have just seen another Panda with the switch bypassed (a total bodge though).
The fan works with 12V supplied direct, and the switch makes a circuit when heated up to between 90-100 degrees in a pan of water. The circuits have continuity where I would expect and 12V is available at the fan connection.
Is it simply a new switch or does anyone know of any other 'gremlins' that can cause the electric fan not to kick in at all?
Thanks for the help I received from this site in bleeding air from the cooling system a few weeks back.
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Failure of these switches is not unknown, if in doubt change the switch because it is easier and far cheaper than a blown head gasket.
Rgds, Pete.
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Change it by all means - it wont hurt, and shouldnt cost a fortune but..
you have tested the switch in hot water - it works
you have tested the fan with 12 volts - it works
you have made sure there is 12 volts available at the fan switch
you have checked the wiring
and then you say you have had to bleed the system.... makes me wonder is the radiator getting hot enough to trip the switch? do you still have an airlock?
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If all the bits function as you say, and the switch is getting hot enough, then you have a high resistance earth.
(The fan is supplied +12, via fuse 3 (which also feeds the horn), earth is supplied by the switch on the radiator.)
That earth is from inner N.S. wing - lots of spade connectors on a corroded block just behind the headlight.
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Further to above:
you can bridge the connectors in the plug from the radiator switch - mind your fingers - the fan will leap into life if the switch is your problem. (You don't need the ignition on.)
Use a fairly substantial wire as the fan draws 6 amps running.
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Thanks for the replies and help on my dughter's Panda.
The problem got beyond my capabilities and I had to take the car to a cooling specialist. After a period of puzzlement (which gave me some confidence although at a price!) they diagnosed a dud water pump. After removal, the impeller had been slipping on the shaft and there was insufficient flow of water to get to the rad switch before the water jacket itself started to boil.
It seems this effects other cars like some Vectras for example, where the impeller blades are plastic for cost / weight savings.
I think this pump was nearly 12.5 years old though so can't really complain.
Hope this info may be of use to other 'readers'.
It's day of judgement time tomorrow as it goes for its MOT, and my daughter is 17 in a weeks time....wish us both well!!!!
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Thanks for the feed back on this one. Plastic impeller on the water pump ? I have two pumps on the shelf in the back bedroom, one has a cast impeller the other is folded sheet metal. Never seen a plastic one on a Panda or Uno. Will have to avoid this type..
Wish you both well.
Rgds.
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