Fan not working - burning smell.

[Paul Marsh]

A few days ago, I noticed that when I turned the engine off, the fan was still going, albeit very slowly. I reckon it stayed on until I got back into the car, and was blowing a little stronger. I was worried, as this would be draining the battery. The car runs normally and luckily the battery seemed to be sufficiently charged to start the car.

However, this morning, I got into the car and noticed a electrical component burning smell and now the fan control is totally dead. Don't think it's the fan, probably the control unit.

Any suggestions? and anyone knows how/where to access the module? Going to take it to the garage, failing that, or at least make a couple of suggestions...

p.s. all fuses are ok, and the dial was working on all settings the day before.

[ed taylor]

Sounds like the resistor pack had burn out. It is situated on the side of the fan motor. Is the scuttle panel blocked as water over flow will "short" out the resistor pack.
There is plenty of info in the subject if you do a search.

[Paul Marsh]

Just took it out. The unit that attached to the motor comes out ok. Looks like it's melted and the plastic at the bottom. Also water came out, as it shorted out.
I checked the motor and plugged a 12 v battery in. It works ok, but notice that little/no vented air is coming out.
Just wondered what the two small wires are on the pack. I know the outer two are power, I reckon they must be a relay supply.
Thanks

[Paul Marsh]

Update:
Just been out now. The scuttle tray thing was clogged up, but the tray was empty. Took it out and a load of crud fell out/
Hopefully, when I get the new unit, should be ok. Wonder if a service would've been part of the tasks? Should be...
Thanks for all your contributions. Probably more useful knowledge here than the garage. They can be pretty useless at times

[ed taylor]

I recon there is far more knowlage on here than any VX dealer could impart.
Best thing though. It is free.

[Paul Marsh]

I agree. Had a mis-firing on my other Vectra 1.8 petrol. They replaced the coil pack, but still mis-fired. I said it was misfiring on Cyl 3. Happens it was a faulty spark plug, not the coil pack.They plugged their computer in and guess: it was mis-firing on Cyl 3. I know, because I heard it!
Waste of £200... Didn't go back there again!

[troutybrown]

Make sure pollen filter is dry

[vectra ste]

you might hear a squeak every time you put the heater on now

just keep an eye on it

the water tends to rust the inside of the blower motor

as above the pollen filter will be soaked so a new one at the dealers is about 11 pounds inc vat

[Paul Marsh]

The car's going in for service next week, so will be replaced then. Seems dry, probably accumilated water, due to the recent very wet days and not been using the car much, due to using work's vehicles instead.
Hopefully it should arrive tomorrow and be back in business. Having to run the fan off a 12v battery next to me is annoying, if the window mists up, but at least it works...