The radiator fan on my '04 V-8 Touareg continues to run for about five minutes after the engine is turned off. It doesn't matter if the engine is run for 30 seconds or after a long period. The problem first reared its ugly head when the "check engine" light went on. I made an appointment with the local VW dealership to have the problem fixed, but before he date for the appointment arrived, the battery died. After a new batter was installed, the "check engine" light went out but the fan continues to run after the engine is turned off regardless of how long the engine has been running. After a trip to the VW shop, I was told that the temp sensor needs to be replaced. Unfortunately, or fortunately, the dealership didn't have the sensor, so I left deciding that I could buy the part on-line and replace it myself.
I looked around the radiator and found what I think is the temp sensor located on an extension on the lower passenger side of the radiator. I disconnected the wires thinking that if the "switch" in the sensor is closed, disconnecting the wires would basically "open" the switch. However, with the wires disconnected and starting the engine and running for about 30 seconds, the fan continued to run for about 5 minutes even though the coolant was not above air temperature.
Have I found the temp sensor? If I have, and the fan continues to run after the wires are disconnected from it, what gives?