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MG MGF Technical - Radiator Fan on from cold start

I have just taken delivery of a pre-registered 2004 TF 135 which now has 700 miles on it. When starting the engine the radiator fan comes on immediately and stays on - loudly. This happens at a cold or hot start.

I noticed that if I turn the ignition key to the "on" position but don't start the engine immediately, the fan comes on for a second or two then stops. If I then continue turning the key and start the engine the fan comes on again.

On my previous F this problem ocurred at one point and was solved by simply cleaning the connector of the engine temperature sensor with contact cleaner.

I have tried this trick today without success so I am thinking I may have a duff sensor. Before I buy a replacement, has anyone got any suggestions??

Andy
Andy Dear

The fan coming on like this could also indicated a broken connection in the sensor wiring loom - or even a broken wire: if you disconnect the loom plug from the sensor on an otherwise 'healthy' car you get the same thing - the fan comes straight on.

I'd check the condition of the loom plug, the connections and if you are able to, check the wiring loom. You may need test book to aid with this diagnosis if you don't have access to a multimeter.

Might also be worth having a look at Dieter's website - http://www.mgfcar.de/ - IIRC an earth problem can cause all sorts of mayhem.
Rob Bell

Thanks for that Rob. I think you must be correct.

Having looked at Dieters site and his link to Tom White's pages I have just measured the resistance across the sensor and it agrees with Dieters data i.e 1k ohms on a coolish engine falling to around 270 ohms as it heats up.

Now I will try and test the loom for continuity from the sensor through to the ECU connector.

I must be careful though, as I am slightly colourblind!

Andy
Andy Dear

Well, still no solution.

I have continuity from both sensor connector wires back to the ECU connector. However I don't know the correct pinout for the TF as it is different from the ones shown by Dieter and Tom White.

For a start, there are four rows of wires instead of 3 and my sensor connections do not both go to the same row as they do in Dieter and Tom's tables.

Has anyone got a pinout diagram for the TF ECU connector?

Andy
Andy Dear

run a diagnostic tool, as it might be the ECU gone in "safe mode".
is it a VVC?
Carlo

Hi Carlo,

No its not a VVC. Not sure what you mean about a diagnostic tool - I don't have access to TestBook myself but am beginning to think I shall have to pay for a test at my local ex-MG franchise to find out what errors are logged.

Andy
Andy Dear

Andy

I know we are all having warranty problems but ...
you say you have just taken delivery? Does the supplying dealer still exist in business as a car dealer? Sale of Goods Act - fit for purpose!! Doesn't matter about MGR, the supplier is liable (certainly for first year).
JohnP

John,

Bit of an awkward situation really. Although the registration document showed the car was pre-registered by an MGR franchised dealer, I didn't deal with them direct. I paid my money to a "selling agent" and only saw the name of the franchised dealer when I got the document.

I got a huge discount and really have accepted that I am responsible for any problems that arise.

Andy
Andy Dear

Andy - have replied to the other thread...
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed between 25/04/2005 and 26/04/2005

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