Cooling Fan Not Working Properly

[mdstoy2]

I have a 1999 Boxter. My drivers side auxiliary cooling fan stopped working. Did the relay check and all was good. Replaced the resistor and the fan started working when I switched on the A/C. Not immediately but after a minute or so. I turned the car off and let it sit for a while. Started it up and again and switched on the A/C. Driver side still not working but when I gave it a little "help" with my finger it started working. It's working but doesn't turn at the same speed as the passenger side. is the fan motor just worn out and I need to replace? Thanks for any help.

[tonythetarga]

Not uncommon problem. Sounds like it isn't moving freely any more and you need it to work. Replaced mine on my 98 Boxster. The R & R is a bit of a pain but it is also a good opportunity to remove the bumper cover and clean the crud between the a/c condenser and the radiators on each side. I must have removed 2 pounds of road debris and sand from between those two on each side. Incredible how crap gets in there! The fan comes out through the wheel well, so wheel comes off and inner fender has to come out.

[mdstoy2]

Thanks for the response tonythetarga. Funny thing is that when there is no power to the fan it spins freely, not like it's stuck. Thought about running power direct from the battery to the fan to see if the same things happens just to rule out a power issue. Will probably go forward in buying a new fan w/resistor and install it. Thanks again.

[Luccia at Pelican Parts]

If you plan to DIY the fan and resistor you can document it and share it with others who may need it in the future. You could even submit it to our consumer content submission HERE and get 10% off your next order with us.

If needed, fan HERE. Good luck with the repair! Hope this resolves your issue. Let us know how it goes.

[mdstoy2]

Yes I plan to DIY this and am halfway through. As matter of fact I ordered the new fan with resistor from Pelican yesterday. Today I removed the old fan following the step by step photos and instructions from another website. Took about 45 minutes to remove it. Basically jacked up the left front, removed wheel, removed inner fender liner, removed the 2 nuts holding the small round brace, removed the 2 bolts and 1 nut holding the bracket along with the 2 clips, removed the shroud, removed the clips holding the fan housing to the radiator, unplugged the resistor wire, and removed the fan housing. Once I get the new fan I will remove the torx screws holding the old fan to the housing and then install new one and reverse the entire process. I did take the old fan and run power directly to it. The fan didn't turn but once I pushed the blade slightly it started spinning. Just a worn out fan motor. I'll let you know how it end up. Thanks.

[mdstoy2]

Got the new fan today. Before installing I did a quick check by plugging in the fan, started the car, turned on the A/C and the fan came on. I then reassembled everything. Took about 45 minutes. I then started the car and drove a few miles and then let it idle for about 10 minutes until the car got to a hot enough temperature for the fans to come on, which they did. Problem resolved. Now I'm just waiting on the passenger side fan to go out.