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        General >> Problems >> Engine fan runs when ignition switched off
        
(Message started by: sh0146 on Feb 4^th, 2009, 10:57am)

Title: Engine fan runs when ignition switched off
Post by sh0146 on Feb 4^th, 2009, 10:57am

I have a 1996 Scorpio Ultima 2.9 auto. When I switch off the ignition, the cooling fans start up, the brake light shows up on the dashboard, so does the oil pressure warning light, ignition warning light and the external temperature indicator light. If I turn the ignition on without starting the engine, the fans stop running. If I apply the brake pedal with the ignition switched off, the fans stop and all the dashboard lights go out but then all the instrument warning light come on for a few seconds as when you start the car normally, then the fan starts up again and the instrument panel lights mentioned above come back on.... I suspect maybe water or damp in one of the fuse boxes causing a short circuit or is it something else, any ideas guys?

Title: Re: Engine fan runs when ignition switched off
Post by Jonnycab on Feb 4^th, 2009, 11:39am

If it's only just started doing it, then yes, best to check the fuse boxes for dampness first. With all this snow & ice about, then it's a possibility that moisture may have got in.

Do you have a battery cover ? :)

Title: Re: Engine fan runs when ignition switched off
Post by sh0146 on Feb 4^th, 2009, 11:52am

Hi Jonnycab, Yep battery cover in place and looking into the fuse boxes they look dry (scratches head)

Title: Re: Engine fan runs when ignition switched off
Post by gozz on Feb 4^th, 2009, 10:40pm

It wouldn't be the infamous misalignment of the multiplug on the front of the main fusebox would it ?
GOZZ.

Title: Re: Engine fan runs when ignition switched off
Post by sh0146 on Feb 4^th, 2009, 10:47pm

Hi Gozz, nothings been touched so I very much doubt it, the problem just occurred out of the the blue

Title: Re: Engine fan runs when ignition switched off
Post by scorpio_man on Feb 5^th, 2009, 7:59am

hi there

i'd check the wiring that runs across the lower x beam. this would be taking the brunt of the snow/rain in this weather.

also check the plugs to the main fan relay in the engine bay (big green one) and the plugs to the fans themselves.

hth

Title: Re: Engine fan runs when ignition switched off
Post by Snoopy on Feb 5^th, 2009, 9:10am

Check the ashtray as well

Title: Re: Engine fan runs when ignition switched off
Post by sh0146 on Feb 5^th, 2009, 12:15pm

Hi scorpio_man, can you point me in the direction please of the 'big green relay' in the engine bay to which you refer. I've had a look around and really cant spot it ???

Title: Re: Engine fan runs when ignition switched off
Post by scorpio_man on Feb 5^th, 2009, 12:52pm

hi there

left hand side below the water (header) tank.

it's clipped to the inner wing.

hth

Title: Re: Engine fan runs when ignition switched off
Post by Snoopy on Feb 5^th, 2009, 2:50pm

Further to what Scorpio Man states its just behind the drivers side head light ... I think its lying horizontal..... A bit like me after a few ! }{

Title: Re: Engine fan runs when ignition switched off
Post by Simmo on Feb 5^th, 2009, 2:55pm

on 02/05/09 at 14:50:34, Snoopy wrote:

I think its lying horizontal..... A bit like me after a few ! }{

Better not let Gozz find you like that!. Never know where you might end up !!. ;D

Title: Re: Engine fan runs when ignition switched off
Post by sh0146 on Feb 5^th, 2009, 4:45pm

Thanks for the thumbs up guys, I found the 'green' relay, it was black, well it was green but it was black, think you know what I mean. Anyway, disconnected it, reconnected the battery and the ignition light, oil light etc., still come on with the ignition switched off.

Checked both fuse boxes again, both bone dry internally. The auxiliary fuse box is clean and dry all around it. There was a small amount of moist crud down one side of the main fuse box but no standing water.

Can't see how to do this by a process of elimination so I think it's gonna be one for the auto electrician.... unless someone has any other ideas ???

Title: Re: Engine fan runs when ignition switched off
Post by scorpio_man on Feb 5^th, 2009, 4:52pm

hi there

did you look at the ashtray like snoopy said?

it's all metal behind it, so is easy to get a short in there.

easier to check with the radio out (remember the code).

hth

Title: Re: Engine fan runs when ignition switched off
Post by sh0146 on Feb 5^th, 2009, 4:56pm

Though he was joking about the ashtray :-[ I can check it but is it likely if nothing has been interfered with? The fault just occurred out of the blue

Title: Re: Engine fan runs when ignition switched off
Post by Simmo on Feb 5^th, 2009, 5:38pm

A short in this area can cause a variety of problems which may seem unassociated which is no doubt why Snoopy suggested it. ;)

Title: Re: Engine fan runs when ignition switched off
Post by gozz on Feb 5^th, 2009, 10:59pm

Oi Simmo,are you offering me poor old Snoopys body then :o
sh0146.
If the fans still run without the green relay there must be a false feed,most probably via a damaged loom,as scorpio man says,you need to take a careful look at the cabling starting at the fans and working back.These old beasts are at the age now where loom breakdown is very common,and it is surprising what lurks beneath the outer wrapping,but before any in depth work,lokk for external damage,chafing or trapping etc.
GOZZ

Title: Re: Engine fan runs when ignition switched off
Post by sh0146 on Feb 6^th, 2009, 10:09am

Hi Gozz, nope without the relay the fans do not run but the dashboard lights still come on with the ignition switched off, (ignition light, oil pressure light, external temp light, low brake fluid light)

Gonna brave the cold soon and take another look :-/

Title: Re: Engine fan runs when ignition switched off
Post by gozz on Feb 6^th, 2009, 8:22pm

sh0146.
What happens if you remove the plug from the ignition switch ?
GOZZ.

Title: Re: Engine fan runs when ignition switched off
Post by sh0146 on Feb 6^th, 2009, 8:53pm

Hi Gozz, been bit lazy today, gonna tackle it over the weekend.

Think I'll start by pulling the fuses and relays and replace them one at a time and see when the dashboard lights, fans etc come on, that might give me a clearer indication of which circuit is causing the problem.

Title: Re: Engine fan runs when ignition switched off
Post by sh0146 on Feb 11^th, 2009, 4:57pm

Hi guys, just thought I'd update this for anyone who's interested. I left the car for a few days with the battery disconnected. Tried it Monday, problem still there, stripped out loads of fuses and relays, got no where so yesterday took it to an auto electrician (an ex-scorpio man humself). He agreed it was water or damp and messed about for over an hours doing pretty much what I'd been doing and got no where, suggested it will dry out in time and didn't think it has done any damage. He suggested spraying the inside of the fuse box and the mutilplug connector with WD40.

Anyway I drove home, wasn't sure if to risk the WD40 idea so I didn't and to save disconnecting the battery, I relased the mutiplug to the main fuse box just enough so the instrument panel lights went out and left it again. Today needed to use the car so pushed the multiplug right home and hey presto, seems like the problem has gone away. However, it appears that the cooling fans are not cutting in at all. I checked the fuses and they are ok. I believe the fans should cut in as soon as the aircon is turned on and they don't. I guess I'll have to substitute the relay with a known good one and see if that resloves the issue.

Thanks for all your suggestions guys, happy motoring.

p.s. steering rack is leaking getting it changed Monday, been quoted about £235 fitted, doesn't seem a bad price!

Title: Re: Engine fan runs when ignition switched off
Post by gozz on Feb 11^th, 2009, 5:27pm

sh0146.
The aircon doesn't operate below about 4 degrees,the fans appear not to start up everytime in cool weather anyway.
GOZZ.

Title: Re: Engine fan runs when ignition switched off
Post by sh0146 on Feb 11^th, 2009, 5:37pm

Thanks for that Gozz, I might be looking for a fault that doesn't exist. The car's not been overheating but not seen the fans cutting in either. I'll check it again when I know it's above 4 degrees