I have checked the water and it was empty so have refilled

Ah, so that's all right then!

Anyway, where does the water get hot? The radiator? Does the car's heater blow hot air? If hot water isn't getting to the radiator then the fan won't come on. There's likely to be some air bubbles trapped somewhere from when you refilled. You need COOLANT in the system, not just water. you need at least 25% antifreeze in there to stop corrosion. I take it you only noticed there was no water because the temperature gauge went off the scale?

Edited by unthrottled on 30/05/2011 at 13:13