Technical Brand new Fiat, engine fan coming on

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Technical Brand new Fiat, engine fan coming on

Emmsy Squired

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Morning!


I've just got a brand new Fiat 500 Lounge (Twinair) - not even 2 weeks old yet!


Yesterday I drove home from work and when I stopped the car the engine fan was on. This is the first time I've heard it, and as it's so noticeable I assume it's the first time it's come on. I had only driven 25 miles, it was a cool evening and the temperature gauge was not indicating any problem. It stopped after about 30 seconds.


This morning (same journey in reverse) the same again - fan on when I stop.


It hasn't come on before yesterday. And prior to buying this car I had another 500 Lounge for a courtesy car for a week - and the fan never came on once (pretty sure!), and I did longer journeys.


Any advice greatly received. Thanks ever so!
 
The cooling fan is supposed to kick in when you are stationary as it forces air through the radiator where air would normally be flowing through naturally.

If it didn't the engine temp would continue rising, it cuts in to regulate the temp!
 
I think she means it was running even though she had just pulled up rather then sitting stopped. I would think it odd that its on unless you had been driving in slow moving traffic just before you pulled up and / or weather conditions were very warm. Dont think I ever noticed mine on but then again the stereo is normally turned up! If it's definitely running when you've just completed a clear run then there may be something wrong - possibly a problem with a temp sensor or thermostat, also wise to check coolant level in the reservoir on the left hand side of the engine.
 
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Do you mean the fan runs when stationary or after you've taken the key out? Whilst stationary with engine running does it cut in and out if you're stopped for a while or is it constant? If it clicks on and off with the ac on its normal.
 
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Many thanks for the replies.


In both cases I had just driven in to a parking space and turned the engine off, key out, and got out of the car. It kept going for 30 seconds after this. I had not been stopped during the journey at all - a nice, 40mph ish clear drive both times for only 25 miles. I could hear the humming of the fan when I turned the engine off.


In neither cases was the day hot. The thermostat was not registering any issues - 3 of the 5 bars lit up.


As I only picked it up the Saturday before last I wouldn't anticipate issues with the coolant level....or maybe I should?
 
Many thanks for the replies.


In both cases I had just driven in to a parking space and turned the engine off, key out, and got out of the car. It kept going for 30 seconds after this. I had not been stopped during the journey at all - a nice, 40mph ish clear drive both times for only 25 miles. I could hear the humming of the fan when I turned the engine off.


In neither cases was the day hot. The thermostat was not registering any issues - 3 of the 5 bars lit up.


As I only picked it up the Saturday before last I wouldn't anticipate issues with the coolant level....or maybe I should?
wait was the thermostat at the middle? if it is there is no problem. if it is above the middle, immediately take it to the dealer.

when the AC is on fan use is much increased.
 
The digital temperature gauge on the dashboard goes up to 4, and it is reading 2 - so yes, in the middle.


No air con etc on.


I suppose my main concern is that it has suddenly started doing it but hasn't done it before and never did it on the identical courtesy car I had.


Thanks!!
 
The digital temperature gauge on the dashboard goes up to 4, and it is reading 2 - so yes, in the middle.


No air con etc on.


I suppose my main concern is that it has suddenly started doing it but hasn't done it before and never did it on the identical courtesy car I had.


Thanks!!
well you have a long time under warranty left, so i would just keep on driving it normally for now, unless the temp gauge goes up or another warning comes on.
 
It is perfectly normal for the cooling fan to come on if the engine is warm, when you stop after a journey. As Ahmett says, this will happen even more if the a/c is on. However, I'm not sure if it should keep running after the engine is switched off, as you describe. I have had cars where this has been normal behaviour, but not sure if my 2011 TA Lounge does it - I will try to check over the weekend.
As an aside, concerning aircon, it should be left on all the time to keep the seals lubricated and prevent leaks. Just control the temperature with the knob as normal. This advice was given to me years ago by an aircon specialist, and has served me well as I have never needed a re-gas in my cars even after 7-8 years.
 
It is perfectly normal for the cooling fan to come on if the engine is warm, when you stop after a journey. As Ahmett says, this will happen even more if the a/c is on. However, I'm not sure if it should keep running after the engine is switched off, as you describe. I have had cars where this has been normal behaviour, but not sure if my 2011 TA Lounge does it - I will try to check over the weekend.
As an aside, concerning aircon, it should be left on all the time to keep the seals lubricated and prevent leaks. Just control the temperature with the knob as normal. This advice was given to me years ago by an aircon specialist, and has served me well as I have never needed a re-gas in my cars even after 7-8 years.
ac on all the time? i only use AC if i have to, it decreases fuel economy by a good 20%, especially in hot weather! the car coasts much less especially in 1.4 form and as a result, have to use the accelerator more.

my ac system is working fine after 6 years of at least half/75% power all summer with the heat, no regas either. only cabin filter change once a year.
 
ac on all the time? i only use AC if i have to, it decreases fuel economy by a good 20%, especially in hot weather!

I'm not sure I agree with the A/C decreasing fuel economy by a 5th.

Have you had the bonnet open and checked to see if maybe there is something sucked onto the Radiator.

I read somewhere that the twin air engine has a small electric water pump which will run in conjunction with the cooling fan to allow the engine to cool uniformly causing less heat stress on the Turbo.

I have a new Twin air about 2,500 miles and I can't say I've heard the fan on mine run on.

I would take it back to the dealer and ask them to check it out, that way even if they say its nothing, you have logged it with them, in case anything happens in the future. If they say its fine and a characteristic of the car, or whatever, get them to write it on a piece of paper and sign it and keep it in the notes section of the service book.
 
Update - I just ran my TA for a while to try to make the fan come on, but even when the guage was showing normal, it would only come on with the a/c on, and then only for short bursts. However, this wasn't after a long run so it wasn't really hot. I'll try it again when I've driven it for longer.
I did notice one of the warning notices under the bonnet states that the fan may start automatically, even when the engine is off.
Regarding leaving the a/c on, I have carried out fuel consumption comparisons with it on and off, with the 500 and several other of my cars over the years, and can honestly not detect any difference. Perhaps the hot Greek climate makes it work harder so it has more effect?
 
Having always driven 2.0l cars I always leave the ac on for the last 30 years (when ac was very rare) this way it will work forever provided it's serviced every few years and make no difference to consumption though it may be more noticeable on a smaller engine, a cool car is way better than than a crumpled one because of the heat putting oneself off.
 
If you are concerned with anything on the new car, you should get it back to the dealers to have it checked. Thats what is warranty for. Don't be afraid you'll look stupid- it might be a silly thing to ask but at least you'll be sure that everything works as should be. I'm sure they migh sniggle at the back of the garage but there are no stupid questions, just stupid outcomes of ignoring them.



Says a person who took a brand new car to complain about boot-open button on key not working- I was supposed to keep it pressed for 3 seconds!:doh:
 
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