Opel Corsa B 1993–2000 Service and Repair Manual: Radiator electric cooling fan - testing, removal and refitting

Testing

1. The cooling fan is supplied with current via the ignition switch, relay and a fuse. The circuit is completed by the cooling fan thermostatic switch, which is mounted in the side of the radiator.

2. If a fan does not appear to work, run the engine until normal operating temperature is reached, then allow it to idle. If the fan does not cut in within a few minutes, switch off the ignition and disconnect the wiring plug from the cooling fan switch. Bridge the two contacts in the wiring plug using a length of spare wire, and switch on the ignition. If the fan now operates, the switch is probably faulty and should be renewed.

3. If the fan still fails to operate, check that full battery voltage is available at the feed wire to the switch; if not, then there is a fault in the feed wire (possibly due to a fault in the fan motor, or a blown fuse). If there is no problem with the feed, check that there is continuity between the switch earth terminal and a good earth point on the body; if not, then the earth connection is faulty and must be re-made.

4. If the switch and the wiring are in good condition, the fault must lie in the motor itself.

The motor can be checked by disconnecting the motor wiring connector and connecting a 12 volt supply directly to the motor terminals.

If the motor is faulty, it must be renewed, as no spares are available.

Removal

5. Disconnect the battery negative terminal.

6. Disconnect the fan motor electrical leads at the multi-plug adjacent to the motor. Release the wiring harness cable-ties at the fan cowl bracket and move the harness to one side.

7. Undo and remove the two small bolts securing the fan cowl to the top of the radiator. Lift the fan and cowl assembly upwards to release the lower mounting lugs and remove the unit from the car.

8. To separate the fan motor from the cowl unscrew the three nuts. The fan blades may be withdrawn from the motor spindle after removal of the retaining clip.

9. Further dismantling of the assembly depends on the extent of the problem. If the motor is defective it would be better to have it overhauled by a specialist, as spare parts may be difficult to obtain. The alternative is to renew the motor which may prove cheaper and quicker in the long run.

Refitting

10. Reassembly, if the unit was dismantled, and refitting to the car are the reverse of the dismantling and removal sequences. On completion run the engine up to normal operating temperature and check the fan for correct functioning.