A/C Fan Not Working - Fan Control Module Wiring

[A4orce84]

Hey Everyone,

I was recently throwing a code for an intermittent fan control module fault, screenshot here:


I ended up picking up the new revision of the FCM from ebay here (vs. spending $350 at ECS):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/331880579041

The Issue:
The radiator fan (driver's side fan) is running and spinning correctly, however the passenger side (A/C fan) does not spin at all. Some of the colors of the wiring were a bit mismatched, so we tried to match things as best as we could via the orientation of the wiring.

The differences in terms of the wiring between the OEM FCM vs. Ebay FCM is as follows:

Wiring Differences:
-----------------------------------
OEM FCM:
Yellow/Green - rad
Orange/Purple - A/C

Ebay FCM:
Yellow/Black - rad
Red/Purple - A/C
-----------------------------------

At this point, the issues could potentially be the following:
1. FCM Wiring Incorrect for Passenger A/C Fan
2. Actual Passenger A/C Fan Not WorKing Properly (burnt up)

I am fairly certain the Passenger A/C fan was working correctly before the FCM replacement. This is because my A/C now is not getting as cold as it did a week prior (was ice cold last week, now it is just cool). In addition, to add to to the troubleshooting process, it appears that my intermittent FCM has not come back in over 24 hours now. So, it appears that the code at least has been resolved.

Question:
Does anyone have any experience with using this similar Chinese fan control module? And if so, can someone give some troubleshooting ideas on what might be the root-cause of this potential wiring issue?

Thanks,
Asif

[hightime80]

Yea I've got one of those badboys. That is my setup with the camera pointing forward. It works fine but it should be noted the first one they sent me was defective and didnt work so I had to return it and get a second one. Free of charge except postage. The damn chinese knocks off everything cheaply but apparently quality control isnt high on their list. It would appear you are wired up correctly. I would run direct power to the fan first. If it spins then your module is bad. Good luck.

[diagnosticator]

A good used OEM FCM would be my choice over a Chinese knock off part that is not 100 percent compatible with the OEM FCM, and would most likely be comparable cost if not less expensive. Remember, all cars being driven run on used parts.

Valeo is the OEM, and there are three versions of the FCM, 300W 400W and 600W capacity. I don't see any fan power rating on the non OEM FCMs.

[A4orce84]

Hey Everyone,

Can someone offer a good method on how to test the actual A/C fan unit? What is the easiest way to apply the 12v needed, to test the fan directly?

Thanks,
Asif

[diagnosticator]

First, remove the wire from the FCM at the motor positive terminal , and leave the negative motor terminal connection to ground as is. Next connect the positive + motor terminal to the battery positive post with a long jumper wire. The motor should spin up and run at full speed.

[A4orce84]

Hello Everyone,

diagnosticator - Sounds like what you are describing requires the removal of the actual fan (putting the front-end in 'service position) to be able to test it directly.

Question:
Is there a way to test the fan without taking a part the front-end to put it in service position?

Thanks,
Asif

[hightime80]

Hello Everyone,

diagnosticator - Sounds like what you are describing requires the removal of the actual fan (putting the front-end in 'service position) to be able to test it directly.

Question:
Is there a way to test the fan without taking a part the front-end to put it in service position?

Thanks,
Asif

Cut or uncrimp the two wires coming off the fan. use extention .Run one to ground and one to positive terminal on battery. That is all there is to it.

[diagnosticator]

Hello Everyone,

diagnosticator - Sounds like what you are describing requires the removal of the actual fan (putting the front-end in 'service position) to be able to test it directly.

Question:
Is there a way to test the fan without taking a part the front-end to put it in service position?

Thanks,
Asif

Nope. Test fan installed. Use the wires to the fan motor that you spliced to installing the new FCM. However, accessing the fan motor is a lot easier in service position.

[hightime80]

Why would u put it in service position just to run power to the spliced wires? I believe he is asking how to test the fans which already installed.
If the op had half of sense he would have figured it out on his own(no offense). We are not talking about rebuilding a head here. Reach behind the fan. Find the two wires coming off the fan. Run them to 12v+ and ground. The polarity is of no consquence if all he want to know is the fan is still functional.

[diagnosticator]

Why would u put it in service position just to run power to the spliced wires? I believe he is asking how to test the fans which already installed.
If the op had half of sense he would have figured it out on his own(no offense). We are not talking about rebuilding a head here. Reach behind the fan. Find the two wires coming off the fan. Run them to 12v+ and ground. The polarity is of no consquence if all he want to know is the fan is still functional.

The space is very limited. Placing the front of the car in service position is not a mistake. That has to be done anyway if the fan motor is faulty.

[hightime80]

You are right sir. I did not think of it that way. If he is asking about the fan, odds are it's probably toast anyway.
I wish op luck. Because if he can't figure out how to test the fans he will have a hell of a time to put it in the service position.

[A4alaska]

I do not have spliced wires, but I still need to test functionality on both fans.

can anyone tell me the color of the leads I need to connect to positive and negative on the battery?

[A4orce84]

Hey Everyone,

Confirmed, looks like my AC fan is indeed dead after testing it directly. Where's the best place to get a replacement?

In addition, should I look into getting an EFK (Electric Fan Kit) as a better alternative than OEM?


Thanks,
Asif

[Preston_08]

Hey Everyone,

Confirmed, looks like my AC fan is indeed dead after testing it directly. Where's the best place to get a replacement?

In addition, should I look into getting an EFK (Electric Fan Kit) as a better alternative than OEM?


Thanks,
Asif

I've seen both fans that come in the plastic shroud on europaparts.com for $130 I think. Had a positive review on it.


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[A4orce84]

I can't buy just the A/C condenser fan only?


Thanks,
Asif

[Preston_08]

I can't buy just the A/C condenser fan only?


Thanks,
Asif

You can, be around the same if not more than for just a single fan.


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[A4orce84]

Sounds good, anyone have any input on the electric fan kit option? Is this a 'better' option for replacement part?


Thanks,
Asif

[lyates1987]

I have a the entire fan assemble except for the fan control module left on my parts car if you're looking to possibly get it locally. I won't be able to make it out to the car until Saturday tho

[A4orce84]

I have a the entire fan assemble except for the fan control module left on my parts car if you're looking to possibly get it locally. I won't be able to make it out to the car until Saturday tho

You got PM!

[cleoo]

I had problems with my fans not coming on when I turned on my AC. I cut the fan wires thinking it was my FCM.

I tested it by wiring a smaller gauge wire than the fans, direct to the positive and the negative of the battery. Still the fan didn't turn on. The meter shows 11 volts. Should my car be running to test it? Does it need 13 volts?

I connected the condenser fan as shown and the radiator fan also but the fans didn't turn on--not even a motor squeal. Did I do it wrong?

Can it be that both fan motors are dead at the same time? I would think one would still spin.

Thanks for any input.



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