Renault Clio 2005 - Engine fan not cutting in? Overheating.?

Question

Hi guys

I have a 2005 Renault Clio Expression (automatic) 1.4
Yesterday I was stuck in a slow moving traffic jam (stop/start) for about 30 mins. During this time I had a warning light appear on my dash saying to STOP, and then I noticed 'smoke' pouring out the sides of my bonnet!

I stopped and called the AA, who told me my ECU engine fan is not cutting in as it should causing the engine to overheat. The 'smoke' was actually steam from some of the water leaking out the cap and making contact with the red hot components.
The car is fine to drive but I just know this will occur again as soon as I am stuck in traffic again.

I am trying to DIY repair it (dad and brother are mechanics) but without Renault diagonistic gear its hard. Really can't afford to take it to Renault, so ANY advice on where to look to solve this is greatly appreciated. The fuses are all OK and everything like that....where to next investigate?

So grateful for any help!!

Answer 1

One of two things when it is overheating and you pick up speed to push air thought the radiator does it cool down or does it still get hot?

If it still gets hot and doesn't cool down with the air pushing through your thermostat is bad and will need to be checked and replaced. If it DOES cool down more than likely they sensor that tells your fan when to kick on its bad and will need to be replaced. This is usually right next to your thermostat.

I hope that helped.



check the fan before you get a new one like this guy below me said just disconnect it and connect some power and ground to it and see if it runs you will hear it

Answer 2

Welcome to the perils of French automobiles! As a few have said, sounds like the timing belt (CamBelt) has snapped, in which case i'd kiss it goodbye. BUT.. i have heard of many problems with Renaults of this year concerning the fuel cut off switch and ECU. Dont know where the switch is located but if memory serves me right the ECU is either located on the firewall, to the right of the bulkhead or down the right hand side near battery (Dont quote me!) If you locate it, disconnect the plug out the bottom, make sure its clean then reconnect. Also make sure the cam belt hasnt snapped!.

Answer 3

Next to your battery theres a relay box, theres 2 relays in there that are bigger than the rest, the one on the right is the relay for your fan, before you touch that, unplug the electric fan and put a direct feed to it to make sure it works, the fan is made by valeo and are prone for burning out, if it works then you need to look and test the relay

Answer 4

unplug the fan, put a meter across the terminals for continuity. if its an open circuit ie no reading the motors gone. If its ok check the switch on the radiator than turns the fan on when hot, you should get a reading when the engine is very hot so don't burn yourself. new fans probably cheapest on e-bay.