Overcooling question

[Owdgit]

In the last 2000 miles driving my 2010 E89 3.0 N52 auto I've noticed that on a few number of occasions the radiator fan is staying on the whole time I'm driving.
The oil temp gauge shows a low temp too.
The remedy is the typical IT solution to switch off and switch back on again, the temp then gets to normal and stays like that.
I can't think of any method to reproduce the 'issue', it just seems random.
Has anyone come across this 'issue' before and know what the solution is or what the prognosis would be?
Google hasn't been my friend so far in seeing if anyone else has had this happen.
Bimmerlink says 2EFF Electrical Fan Self Diagnosis- Error will not cause a warning light.
Thanks.

 

[B21]

Often it’s a coolant or oil sensor that’s failed that causes those symptoms…

What does the fault code reader say?

 

[Owdgit]

On another forum it is suggesting to change the fan as this has solved the similar sounding issue for that person.
Eek, nearly £400!! for one.
Can't see any mention of just a fan switch, I would have thought there would be one?
The fan itself is running fine just at full speed constantly when it does happen.

 

[SV8Predator]

On another forum it is suggesting to change the fan

Don't listen to forum "suggestions"! As mentioned above by B21: What does the fault code reader say?

Quick and simple and you'll locate your problem. I'm suggesting an air-con system switch that's faulty, but don't listen to me! Get the codes read!

 

[B21]

On another forum it is suggesting to change the fan as this has solved the similar sounding issue for that person.
Eek, nearly £400!! for one.
Can't see any mention of just a fan switch, I would have thought there would be one?
The fan itself is running fine just at full speed constantly when it does happen.

It’s not a fan switch…it’s a coolant / oil sensors that sends telemetry data to the DME…the DME then commands various s**t to happen based on what temperatures it’s being told…

On the N20, yes not N52 it’s quite a common symptom and associated cause..

 

[Owdgit]

Thanks for the replies.

Bimmerlink says 2EFF Electrical Fan Self Diagnosis- Error will not cause a warning light.

Any suggestions as to what this actually is and what the cure would be?

 

[B21]

Thanks for the replies.

Bimmerlink says 2EFF Electrical Fan Self Diagnosis- Error will not cause a warning light.

Any suggestions as to what this actually is and what the cure would be?

In that case it’s probably the fan controller module which is built into the fan… :thumbsdown:

Kerching..

 

[Chippie]

It may be worthwhile checking the electrical connection to fan, it also helps to hit it with a big hammer, might not fix it but you’ll feel better after (sorry)

 

[smorris_12]

To me the error sounds very similar to the familiar "Water Pump Comms Error" - ie breaks in communication are being noted. With the water pump this is the circuitry starting to fail. In similar vein, logically, to ensure that the engine doesn't overheat the fail safe operation for a fan is to keep itself running just in case. So I would be looking at the fan itself (or, at least, the comms connection.)

 

[Owdgit]

Anyone used Autodoc for parts?
They seem to be the most reasonable.
SKF water pump, Febi rad fan and temp switch and Mahle thermostat, still an eye watering £685 and thats without anti freeze :headbang:
Not sure how far to go to sort this, seems there's no way to diagnose exactly what is causing it

 

[smorris_12]

Are you getting error codes for the water pump as well?

I've used Autodoc a couple of times, very good range of brands.Their prices are sharp on their 41% off days but don't represent a huge saving if you spend a little time shopping about.

 

[Owdgit]

Thanks Scott, Not in a rush, I might see if there are any special offer days, seems the app gives slightly cheaper prices too.

 

[B21]

Thanks Scott, Not in a rush, I might see if there are any special offer days, seems the app gives slightly cheaper prices too.

Yes on the app I’ve seen upto 41% discount…

As long as you know what you are buying great supplier of generally quality product

No customs faff too

 

[Owdgit]

Thanks Peter, do you think there is any value in trying any different diagnostic software to drill down into the actual cause of the fault?
Not that I have any different software, just bimmerlink.

 

[B21]

Thanks Peter, do you think there is any value in trying any different diagnostic software to drill down into the actual cause of the fault?
Not that I have any different software, just bimmerlink.

ISTA is the go to tool as it’s BMW own diagnostic…it’s found faults for me that my favourite light weight tool Protool couldn’t find…but it’s not to user friendly…if you or someone you know can get it set up on a laptop that’s the definitive solution…whether in this case it finds anything more I couldn’t say..

So ISTA is good n cheap but needs a laptop ..Protool costs around £80 and needs an android phone ..

For me I like Protool cause I can carry it in the car…when my engine barfed last year on the NC500 I could see exactly what the fault was..I could reset it and then monitor the issue in real time as I was driving ..that was a failing water pump..got 700 miles home without issue using that technique..

 

[Owdgit]

That's why I got bimmerlink so I can use it away from home etc.

 

[Owdgit]

It looks like it could indeed be the cooling fan.
I decided to check the water pump was working ok and it's pumping nice and freely with a consistent stream.
Had a general nose around the fan and spotted that there was no cover over the electronics on the back of the fan, looking a bit further, the cover was lying at the bottom of the engine next to the flywheel pulley! Goodness knows how that's happened, think I'll replace the fan first of all.
See image below, weird.
Hopefully that will be the fix? Just need to work out how to remove the fan housing now

 

[smorris_12]

Ah. When I mentioned the water pump earlier I meant that it's the same setup as the fan rather than being the cause of the problem. The water pump will throw its own codes when it starts dying.

 

[B21]

43% Autodoc day

 

[smorris_12]

Dammit. I was within 4 days of the full 30-day bonus yesterday and forgot to click through. Second time I've got that close.