Cooling fans won't shut off...

[jensenj4]

I have an 06 Passat 2.0T, and last night whenever I shut off the car, the cooling fan is constantly running. I had to unplug the battery so it wouldn't drain it, and about 5 hours later, I hooked it up and it stays off. I also noticed when turning on the air conditioning, the smaller fan doesnt kick on. Do you have any ideas? I'm lost and don't know where to start.

Could it be a thermal switch or the whole fan assembly

[BsickPassat]

the fan conrol module is toast

basically need a new fan assembly

[b6vw]

It could even be a bad coolant temp sensor. My fans did that when mine went. The car thinks that it is over heating when it's not. The germans have never been to good in the electrical department. All in all, try what Bsick said ^

[Boosted2003!]

the fan conrol module is toast

basically need a new fan assembly

This is a VW Tech Tip that I downloaded a while ago.

For radiator fan operation complaints, it is important to NOT replace the slave fan unnecessarily. If both fans are inoperative, perform an Output Diagnostic check in the ECM to activate the fan circuit. If neither fan activates, ONLY replace the master fan and retest. If both fans now activate, the repair is finished; DO NOT replace the slave fan. If the slave fan is still not activating, continue diagnosing the slave fan circuitry before replacing it.

However, I my spal(slave) fan was toast and thats all that was replaced when I worked at the dealership.

I am with you on the the control module being fried since fan is staying on.

If you temp gauge is acting funny or have check engine light for P2181 then its possible your coolant temp sensor is the cause of it.

[BsickPassat]

you cannot just replace the control module anymore. A few years ago, they redesigned it such that you have to replace the fans with it

[jensenj4]

you guys are great! I appreciate it. I'm bringing it to a local shop who works on VW's and have them run diagnostics on it and to check the thermal switch first. I'll let you know how it plays out!

[nater]

you cannot just replace the control module anymore. A few years ago, they redesigned it such that you have to replace the fans with it

He's right. I just went through this.
OP: be sitting down when the shop calls you. Replacing those two fans can get expensive.

[OGnh9095]

I had mine go last year. Dealer and local Indy shop quoted me around 800-900 for both fans installed. I purchased a set of gorilla ramps for about $50 and both fans from here. http://www.buyautoparts.com/selectpa...mbly/19-2.html
A few screws lets the fans loose. Drop them out from bottom and replace. Save about 500

[BsickPassat]

He's right. I just went through this.
OP: be sitting down when the shop calls you. Replacing those two fans can get expensive.

I only know that because I went through it myself.....

the control module alone used to cost about $50 and factor in about an hour's labor.

now... it's practically an order of magnitude more in cost...

[nater]

As stated just above...fans come out rather easily and can be done by most mechanically capable owners.

[Boosted2003!]

you cannot just replace the control module anymore. A few years ago, they redesigned it such that you have to replace the fans with it

Thats true about the main fan! Spal/Slave fan can be ordered separate.

[jensenj4]

After Diagnosed, it was the control module, which burnt out the motor in the smaller fan. Quoted $918. This is why im going back to Ford next weekend when I trade this POS in... I've dropped close to 5 grand on this car, when I bought it with 50k miles last year and it only has 75k miles..

[Boosted2003!]

This is why you go over a car more better and research more when buying a car. I can't say I would own anything Ford except a truck cause their cars are boring to drive. Look at all the safety recalls they have on their car. Never heard a recall telling owners not to drive their car cause it can explode. Nothing is perfect out there.

[jensenj4]

thats true, I've just never had this many problems on a car before in my life. Its constantly in the shop and Enterprise knows my number, and they just ask where its being worked on. I thought VW were supposed to be reliable...

[b6vw]

This is why you go over a car more better and research more when buying a car. I can't say I would own anything Ford except a truck cause their cars are boring to drive. Look at all the safety recalls they have on their car. Never heard a recall telling owners not to drive their car cause it can explode. Nothing is perfect out there.

Clearly, you have never driven a mustang before, especially the new 5.0 .

[TURBOJETTA420]

Don't think I have a problem with my fans but.........when I drive more than 20-25 miles and turn the car off my fans will kick on for about 2 minutes. I would think this is some what natural since I'm in AZ where temps are up in the 110s and temps off the street are roughly 150. Just curious if I should get this checked out. Car is a 2009. 2.0t
Thanks

[Tutti57]

As stated just above...fans come out rather easily and can be done by most mechanically capable owners.

Like he said, save yourself the $900 and do it yourself or find someone who can do it for you.

[Boosted2003!]

thats true, I've just never had this many problems on a car before in my life. Its constantly in the shop and Enterprise knows my number, and they just ask where its being worked on. I thought VW were supposed to be reliable...

Like I had my Spal fan go out on my car but the controller didn't go out.

Sad part is we have 06 cars so all the problems did happen. The 07's had a lot less problems from my experience at a dealership.

Clearly, you have never driven a mustang before, especially the new 5.0 .

I have drove a Kenny Bell supercharged 05 Mustang Gt making 550-600hp and it was fun. Im not not a huge fan of Mustangs even though the new one is badass and no doubt about it. I would buy a used C6 Z06 before buying a new 5.0.

Don't think I have a problem with my fans but.........when I drive more than 20-25 miles and turn the car off my fans will kick on for about 2 minutes. I would think this is some what natural since I'm in AZ where temps are up in the 110s and temps off the street are roughly 150. Just curious if I should get this checked out. Car is a 2009. 2.0t
Thanks

Its that and the after run pump for the coolant system to cool the turbo off is completely normal.

[b6vw]

I have drove a Kenny Bell supercharged 05 Mustang Gt making 550-600hp and it was fun. Im not not a huge fan of Mustangs even though the new one is badass and no doubt about it. I would buy a used C6 Z06 before buying a new 5.0.



Yeah, my buddy has a turbo'd one and it's just a monster. I've been a mustang lover since I Was born haha. Everyone has their own taste. The Vette's are just all around monsters.

[ATL_b6_Wagon]

Don't think I have a problem with my fans but.........when I drive more than 20-25 miles and turn the car off my fans will kick on for about 2 minutes. I would think this is some what natural since I'm in AZ where temps are up in the 110s and temps off the street are roughly 150. Just curious if I should get this checked out. Car is a 2009. 2.0t
Thanks

Small bump for this. The past couple of days mine has been doing the same thing. I also have a 2009 2.0t purchased three months ago CPO. It's mainly my wife's car, but I've been driving it the past two weeks. Because she works from home, that means it's been driven more in the past two weeks than since we bought it.

Funny thing is, the fan only stays on when I get home from work - not going to work. The only difference is that I'm parking next to a wall in the garage instead of next to the fence. Also, I'm in Atlanta, where it's been very muggy / rainy the past couple of days.

EDIT: I should also note that the AC was not on either time this happened.