twin fans in front of radiator - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

ikhan77 · 08-27-2003, 07:18 PM

hi all,
I have a 98 ml 320 and the twin fans in front of the radior do not spin when the car is running in idle. I was wondering if this is normal and if so, when do they actually spin? I'm a little paranoid that this might be a problem , but i would like your guys' input on it first.thx

doberman97 · 08-27-2003, 07:46 PM

With the engine running, turn on your A/C switch, set the temperature to "MAX COOL" (all the way to the left), and watch those puppies spin!!!!!!!!!!

If they don't come on after about a minute or so then you likely have a problem. The ML has a much larger mechanical cooling fan behind the rad which handles most regular cooling duties. The two front fans come on when extra cooling is needed, either when idling or when A/C is on.

HTH.

Dobie

ikhan77 · 08-27-2003, 07:52 PM

timf · 08-28-2003, 10:41 AM

which is very likely - then check the infamous F44 in your fuse box. You may discover it's blown. It blows because of the surge current to get the motors spinning. MB have been retro fitting upgraded harnesses and a larger fuse to overcome the problem.

If your ML is out of warranty expect to have to pay for this defect rectification - unless you're very friendly with your SA.

Daniel · 08-28-2003, 05:16 PM

I just got our ML back today where they had installed the upgraded wire harness and a 40A fuse. The SA had it installed, even though my VIN ('01 ML430) falls outside the range to be fixed.

ikhan77 · 08-28-2003, 10:17 PM

thx Tim, i cranked up the ac and the fans didnt spin up. I opened up the fuse box and good ol f44 was blown. So i replaced it with a 30 fuse and in a minute the fans started spinning back up. I know its a temporary fix since the fuse can blow out anytime so i will take it to the dealer to get the upgraded harness. Thanks again.

ikhan77 · 08-28-2003, 10:17 PM

thx Tim, i cranked up the ac and the fans didnt spin up. I opened up the fuse box and good ol f44 was blown. So i replaced it with a 30 fuse and in a minute the fans started spinning back up. I know its a temporary fix since the fuse can blow out anytime so i will take it to the dealer to get the upgraded harness. Thanks again.

alex · 08-30-2003, 09:05 AM

after checking the fuse putting it on high AC and in park/idle.

timf · 08-30-2003, 09:23 AM

This F44 and front fans not operating applies to all 'early' ML's 320's and 430's.

Certainly my '00 ML430 had this particular problem (and many other standard problems), but I'm not sure when MB chose to rectify this defect at the factory - if indeed they did.

Maybe Drew knows ?

alex · 09-01-2003, 09:50 AM