Page 1 of 1

Cooling fans issue

PostPosted: Fri Dec 08, 2017 5:44 pm
by norbs
Can someone remind me when you connect the green connectors in the passenger foot well and turn the key to on, both cooling fans should cycle right?

My sub-fan doesn't, hence why I hit higher than normal temps the other day with AC on :angry2:

I've swapped relays around and made sure no fuses were blown but still no luck. I wonder if it could be a dud fan. I suppose after 14 years anything is possible :lol:

Re: Cooling fans issue

PostPosted: Fri Dec 08, 2017 6:38 pm
by norbs
Well did some research (good info here http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/66- ... b-fan.html) and went back out to the garage.

Turned car on with A/C on and noticed the sub-fan did not come on (also noticed my A/C belt slipping so tightened that up also :shock: ). Tapped the fan with a screw-driver and low and behold it turned on. Hmm, could this be a dodgy fan? Or was it my loose A/C belt at play here?? Did more tests (A/C on/off) and fan could not fault the fans anymore.

Oh, yes tried the green connector thing and both fans do cycle :wink:

Still inconclusive but I think I need to source a sub-fan just to be on the safe side.

Re: Cooling fans issue

PostPosted: Fri Dec 08, 2017 8:12 pm
by BillyCorgi
Brushes in the motor do wear out and also they can "stick".
A short sharp shock can loosen the brush to make contact once more.

If it happens again, could be the brshes have come to the end of their life.

Re: Cooling fans issue

PostPosted: Fri Dec 08, 2017 8:25 pm
by norbs
Thanks sir Corgi. I'll ring around on Monday to see if I can source a unit.

Re: Cooling fans issue

PostPosted: Sat Dec 09, 2017 11:38 am
by BillyCorgi
I do not know your fans, however Mr Junior #1 Son once had his motors fail on his MY2002 Outback.

Being that I used to once set up an Automotive DC Motor Manufacturing Line in Thailand, we pulled the rear cover off the motors, measure up the brush holders and sourced some repalcement brushes off of ebay.

The Barrell motors can be disassembled with some dexterity.
The flatter pancacke motors? Well, I have not tried.