Audi A4 B8/B7: What is Wrong with My Radiator Fan?

There are a few things that can go wrong with the fan motor in the Audi A4 that could cause the fan to not work properly and consistently. Read on to diagnose and fix the issue.

By Bassem Girgis - April 20, 2016
Contributors: Jeffrey Bausch

This article applies to the Audi A4 B8/B7 (2008-2015).

The fan in your Audi A4 has one job, it's as obvious as it sounds, it's designed to fan your engine, which helps cool it down. The fan is operated by a motor and there are a few things that can go wrong with the motor, which can cause the fan to work sometimes and not other times, or it can completely stop working. This guide will go over the possible things that can cause the fan to fail. So if you have a problem with your fan, don't wait until your engine overheats, learn how to diagnose it below.

Audi A4 B8/B7: What's Wrong with My Blower Motor?

Material Needed

  • Flashlight

Step 1 – Check fuse

It could be burnt.

The first and most common problem for this issue is a burnt fuse. Locate the fuse box under the dashboard. The fuse number 14 is responsible for the fan motor. Remove it and inspect it. If the metal piece inside of it is broken or if the fuse looks burnt, then you need to replace it. You can pull another fuse that you know is good, then compare the two to get a point of reference.

Good and bad fuse
Figure 1. Good vs. bad fuse.

If the fuse is working properly, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2 – Check fan control module's wiring

It could be cracked or worn.

The fan module is located right on top of the fan shroud. The wires connected from the fan to the module could wear and crack due to the heat in the engine compartment, along with rough weather conditions. Inspect the wires and the wire connections; if they are cracked or worn, replace them with new ones. The more worn they are, the less consistent the signal is, which could cause the fan to work at odd times, and not work at obvious times.

checking fan wiring
Figure 2. Check fan wiring.

If the wiring looks good, proceed to Step 3.

Step 3 – Replace temperature sensor

It could be faulty.

The engine temperature sensor could be faulty, which can cause confusion in temperature rising, thus preventing the fan from blowing. The sensor is located behind the engine, closer to the windshield. You will need to remove the intake tube. Replacing it is not a part of the maintenance intervals; however, these parts tend to go bad and need replacement.

Replacing temperature sensor
Figure 3. Replace temperature sensor.

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