Radiator fans don't go on but car doesn't over heat

[mikevar94]

This is probably a really dumb question but I've never seen my radiator fans go on. I don't have ac but that because the ac unit is seized. But anyway the car runs at a safe temp according to my temp gauge (when it's working). It's summer time right now too and it runs perfectly normal in traffic too. Does it work only when it gets "too" hot or maybe it's on and I can't hear it? In my old subura the fans were so loud when they kicked on. Any thoughts?

 

[1995-tsi-awd]

Definately get that gauge fixed or an aftermarket one! The fan doesn't stay on long, but you can put it in park and run it at idle with the hood open and stand there for 5-10 min and drink a cold beverage. It should come on. If it doesn't I would be concerned.

 

[isantop]

What sort of temperature is it outside, and what AF:Water ratio are you running? Also, you might look into replacing the thermostat, as it could have failed open.

 

[mikevar94]

Well the weird thing is the gauge comes on and off. Didn't work at all this morning but just worked now but when it does work it's really shakey between normal (middle) and cold. I think it may be an electrical problem. But as for the fans I don't think I've ever heard them or seen them on before. It's probably like 80 degrees give or take. And about the anti freeze water ratio I'm not sure i just bought it 3 months ago and have done everything excepted flushing the coolant

 

[1995-tsi-awd]

Raise the hood, turn the car on, watch the fans or stand next to the car for 5-10 minutes, and watch for the fan to turn on, it shouldn't take long with it sitting still. If they don't come on you may have a problem. Shut the car off and run a jumper from the fan connector to the battery. If you still don't get power the fan is toast. If you get power to the fan then a relay, fuse, etc. is failing.

-you keep saying to don't think they are coming on, but you need to visually inspect it and not just wait for the sound. With my 3" exhaust I don't hear the passenger fart....

 

[luv2rallye]

If you get power to the fan then a relay, fuse, etc. is failing.

Or the 2 wire ECT sensor is bad.

 

[norcalboostin707]

Has this been resolved yet?

 

[chevydew]

The factory gauge is notorious for not being accurate, and they don't even give an actual temp just cold ,normal, hot. Get an aftermarket gauge of good quality it's well worth the $.