Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Radiator fan problem (Read 1388 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Radiator fan problem

Yahoo Message Number: 69689
Just joined the group, Hope you can help me. I recentally purchased a 2002 Alure. It is the 5th class a I have owned, first diesel. Love the coach, however I do have a problem. I own a farm, My driveway is gravel, 1/2 mile long. The radiator cooling fan runs all the time at high speed. The dust is so bad, it comes into the coach. The fan even runs when its below freezing outside. I am looking for a way to turn the fan off for a couple of minutes while on my driveway if this is nornal fan operation. If not, what my be the problem. Thanks for your help. Ed York

Re: Radiator fan problem

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 69692

These have a fan speed controler and the best person to talk to is Jake Smith @ 1-541-228-1146

Re: Radiator fan problem

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 69693
Ed,

Welcome to the group.

This is a problem many of us have had and there is very much information on this site about it.
You can use the Search: box beside the message# box to do some reading.
Use search terms such as Sauer-Danfoss, Desert Storm, Fan controller. You will get a lot of hits.
The hydraulic fan controller is attached to the radiator housing. The first thing I would do is make sure the 6 prong plug is plugged in. If so I would still unplug it and replug making sure you have a good connection. If that does not work you could have a bad controller or one of the sensors that provide input to the controller could be bad.
If you do have a good connection, there is a Fan Test procedure in the Files section of this site.

If you need any additional info just ask.

Richard Aquino

Re: Radiator fan problem

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 69695
Ed,

On some of the coaches the fan will go into high speed if the Air conditioner is on or the vent is on. Make sure they were off.

Richard Aquino
2001 Intrigue

Re: Radiator fan problem

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 69696
Hi Ed,

Welcome to the group.

As others have indicated there is a wealth of info here on fan controller problems but it can be a bit difficult to find and sort out.

There is no straight forward way to shut the fan completely off.
The fan controller defaults to full fan speed if it looses it's 12 volt DC supply. As mentioned the fan controller is behind the fan shroud. It usually has 2 plugs, a 6 pin and a 2 pin. The 2 pin is the 12 volt supply. Check to see it there is 12 volts across the 2 pins. If not there is a fuse usually in the fuse compartment in the bay under the driver's side window. It is labeled Fan Controller. Check the fuse.
If the DC supply is good and both plugs are connected then you have something else wrong. Now the search for more specific trouble shooting begins.
It is all here somewhere if you can find it either in the files section or in individual posts. If you have trouble get back to us.

Don Seager

2004 Allure 31046

Re: Radiator fan problem

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 69697
Thanks for all your suggestions, I will test the power source first and move on from there. I did find the controller and it was plugged in. Both connectors looked to be in good condition. It is a pleasure to get so much help so fast. thankyou all very much. Ed York

Re: Radiator fan problem

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 69698
Quote
Quote from: yorkauto56"

Ed,

Here is a little more info. There are two sensors which feed temperature info to the controller. One senses the coolant temp and the other the air intake temp. These are not expensive, easy to find and about $30 each, whereas the controller is very expensive. They can be diagnosed by measuring resistance at varying temperatures (you will find such info here on the forum) but by my way of thinking this is very awkward and difficult to do. Cheaper to just replace them if all else fails. In any event it is one of those things that you just have to start at the beginning and verify all components one step at a time, the controller being last. It also helps if you have a digital tach that can actually measure your fan RPM under various conditions.
Lyle Wetherholt
04 Intrigue 11740
> Thanks for all your suggestions, I will test the power source first and move on from there. I did find the controller and it was plugged in. Both connectors looked to be in good condition. It is a pleasure to get so much help so fast. thankyou all very much. Ed York >

Quote from: Don Seager"

>

> Hi Ed,
>

> Welcome to the group.
>

> As others have indicated there is a wealth of info here on fan controller problems but it can be a bit difficult to find and sort out.
>

> There is no straight forward way to shut the fan completely off.
>

> The fan controller defaults to full fan speed if it looses it's 12 volt DC supply. As mentioned the fan controller is behind the fan shroud. It usually has 2 plugs, a 6 pin and a 2 pin. The 2 pin is the 12 volt supply. Check to see it there is 12 volts across the 2 pins. If not there is a fuse usually in the fuse compartment in the bay under the driver's side window. It is labeled Fan Controller. Check the fuse.
>

> If the DC supply is good and both plugs are connected then you have something else wrong. Now the search for more specific trouble shooting begins.
>

> It is all here somewhere if you can find it either in the files section or in individual posts. If you have trouble get back to us.
>

> Don Seager

> 2004 Allure 31046
>
>
>

> Just joined the group, Hope you can help me. I recentally purchased a 2002 Alure. It is the 5th class a I have owned, first diesel. Love the coach, however I do have a problem. I own a farm, My driveway is gravel, 1/2 mile long. The radiator cooling fan runs all the time at high speed. The dust is so bad, it comes into the coach. The fan even runs when its below freezing outside. I am looking for a way to turn the fan off for a couple of minutes while on my driveway if this is nornal fan operation. If not, what my be the problem. Thanks for your help. Ed York > >

Re: Radiator fan problem

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 69703
Replace the coolant and air temp sensors first. If that doesn't fix it, then replace the fan controller. The sensors are less than $50 and the controller is around $500 I believe. These units are notorious for these three problems.

Rob

2002 Intrigue #11480

Re: Radiator fan problem

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 69704
Ed,

A couple more things to consider.

Not all configurations of the fan controller used external sensors. Some are controlled by a feed form the ECCM computer . This is probably the minority but that installation will not have 6 leads feeding the controller. The other thing is that I remember a post from a member well versed in the controller that mentioned that the input from the dash air conditioner is not whether it is on or off but rather from a trinary (sp) switch that indicates high head pressure on the compressor. If so then just turning the dash air on will not send the controller to full fan. My coach has external sensors and it works that way.
I had a lot of problems a couple of years ago and went through some of the exercises indicated but in the end I had a faulty engine thermostat changed and all symptoms disappeared. I got lucky but the thermostat is worth checking rather changing out an expensive controller.

This is all probably more info that you wished for.

Don Seager

2004 Allure 31046

Re: Radiator fan problem

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 69714
Ed

When talking about controllers you must differentiate between CAT and Cummings engines.

Dan 2006 Allure 31348 C-9

Re: Radiator fan problem

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 69718
Thanks for all the suggestions. Does anyone know where I can find the part numers for the sensors and a reliable source to buy them? Ed York

Re: Radiator fan problem

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 69720
Ed, I don't know where you are located, but in California the best source for the sensors in Colton Truck and RV in Colton, near San Bernadino. I don't have their phone number handy, but they have a website where you can get it. They know the part numbers and were very helpful when I needed the sensors.
The coolant sensor is the most likely culprit and on my 2000 Allure it is located to the left of and behind the surge tank when looking in from the rear of the coach. It was a ten minute job to replace.
To access the air temp sensor you will need to remove the cover under the bed. With the cover off the sensor can be seen in the large aluminum tube that goes across the top of the engine.

Don Hibbs

2000 Allure 30565

Re: Radiator fan problem

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 69721
Ed, beore you spend the $$ on sensors, you can check them out. In the files section, there are charts that measure resistance versus temperature. All you need is an ohm meter and a pot of water in which you will put the sensor in and bring the water to a boil.
99% of the time it is the fan controller. Your '02 Allure has the same setup as my coach. You have two sensors, one water, one intake temp. You also have the tercery (sp) on the a/c. You should verify your a/c controls are set to off. Even having it on the vent setting wil cause the fan to run higher than normal. Check for 12VDC at the power plug on the controller.
I have spent quite a bit of time with the controller issue. I have even taken one apart and you will find pictures of the "guts" in the photos section. About 35 bucks worth of parts
You can find the controller on the internet, about 500 bucks. Self installation is possible but it will be a tough one but if you have the right tools, you can do it.
If you buy a controller, it should also come with the hydraulic valve. I had a Cummins Coach care facility try to tell me different. Don't go for it.

Don

'02 Intrigue #11427
'02 Intrigue #11427

Re: Radiator fan problem

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 69744
Ed

Do you have a CAT or Cummings engine? It makes a big difference.

Dan 2006 Allure 31348 C-9