Astra mk3 update

[stripped fred]

I'm doing a few jobs on my 1.7D mk3 at the moment. Will do a full write up later. I've changed the thermostat and it now gets up to temperature. However, the fan doesn't seem to kick in. I've consulted the HBOL and it's told me to bridge the contacts on tbe plug which goes into the fan housing. The fan still doesn't come on. I've tested the resistance of the fan and it's 4.5 ohms so that seems OK to me. I've checked the voltage across the plug and it's 1.4v. Shouldn't it be battery voltage?

[Rusty_Rocket]

Bridging the contacts going to the fan won't do anything, bridging the two going to the radiator switch/ sensor should get the fan spinning.

I'd say the fault will be with the rad sensor though.. there's not a lot to go wrong! Have you checked the fuse?

[stripped fred]

The fuse is OK. I can see why bridging the plug won't work now, no power to the fan! I can't find the switch/sensor but I'm not giving up yet.

[stripped fred]

Bingo! The fan works when you bridge the contacts. Slow speed for 2 of the contacts and fast for the other 2. Will get a new switch ordered. Thanks for your help rusty rocket.

[Rusty_Rocket]

Used to be a common failure I believe! 

[Split_Pin]

I nearly cooked my Corsa after replacing the fan switch in the side of the radiator, turns out the plastic tube surrounding the pins was too long and the plug didn't reach the terminals!

[Station]

Four of my Vauxhalls had faulty switches at one point. The switches are crap.

[Timewaster]

Vauxhall switches are so bad, the only part number I can remember from working on a Vaux dealer parts counter in 1990 is the rad fan switch fitted to Novas Astras and Mk2 Cavalier.

 

 

90108636 if anybody cares (they don't.)

[lisbon_road]

I have often thought that it would be good to wire in a relay box to drop the current across the switch.  But the switches are very cheap ......... 

[Split_Pin]

I would suggest getting a gen VX item as pattern ones leak after a few days.

[stripped fred]

I've bought one off eBay already. Branded apparently. I'll see if it leaks and report back. Should I use some threadlock or instant gasket on it? Also, when I replaced the thermostat earlier today there was an 'o' ring but there was no gasket for the housing and i wasn't sure if it needed one or not? It didn't seem to leak though.

[Rusty_Rocket]

I think just an 'o' ring on the thermostat on the 17D.

[stripped fred]

Had a rewarding day carrying out some maintenance on this. First problem was the battery didn't have enough juice to turn it over but not surprising after being unused for 3 months. Jump started it off my 406 and got it on the drive where it ran out of diesel. Put another gallon in it and and then found the bonnet release wouldn't work. Finally got the bonnet open using some pliers on the cable and used a cable tie at the bonnet end to effectively shorten the cable which worked. I was pretty chuffed with my bodge. Another jump start and I was away. Changed the thermostat and ran it up to temperature and the fan didn't cut in so that brings me up to diagnosis of the faulty fan switch with the help of the hbol and you lot. I also rubbed down and greased the brake pipes and power steering pipes. Changed the oil and filters too and tightened the fan belt which was squeeling now and again. It was a satisfying day. This car is so easy to work on with everything accessible. It's a shame I no longer really need it anymore. I'm going to run it for a bit and see but will probably offer it on here. Being a shiter though I want to fix a couple of things first mainly get some waxoyl under its back end!

[New POD]

Four of my Vauxhalls had faulty switches at one point. The switches are crap.

 

My Mx5 now has a Kia switch - Cured the lack of fan. The one in there came from Mx5 Parts and was rubbish. A genuine one was silly priced, but research got me a none genuine kia spec one for £4.