Melted fuse

[dan_b]

the current draw for the fan is mahoosive, something like 50amps.

It's a mammoth draw for sure, and it comes on a lot - especially if you're running aircon!

[Nuvo]

I know later cars had a separate fuse on the earth return - there is a article on one of the forums suggesting earlier cars were retro fitted with the later parts as the original design was not protected well against overload.....

I think I read this too somewhere (maybe here) but can't remember where.
The attached diagram is for an Audi 80 so I can only guess that later coupes also had this revised arrangement.

You can see that S42(S5 on first diagram) has been uprated to a whopping 60A, you can see the fuse and the second speed fan relay J135 (J101 on first diagram) are now mounted externally from the fuse/relay board.

[Alistair C]

Found it on the 20v website:

(Scott Justusson)
In later cars, Audi put an 80 amp fusable link into the ground wiring for the radiator fan. This setup is used to avoid sending 80+ amps of 12V to the fan ground if the fan bearings freeze up . This could possibly cause an electrical fire, or at a minimum it will fry your electrical harness.
Here are the Audi P/Ns for retrofitting a ground fuse to the fan wiring:

281 937 505 A = fuse box
N 017 125 3 = 80 amp fuse
443 971 845 AM = mounting bracket
N 014 128 11 = screw (x2)
N 012 005 3 = lock washer (x2)
N 011 556 2 = washer (x2)
N 013 966 12 = screw (x2)
Or, you can install a generic fuse (60 amp should be fine, and it's easier to find than 80 amp). If you ever blow the fuse, you need to get a new fan motor ASAP.

[Robatron]

Ah crap!

I'm usless with wiring!

[s2driveruk]

ditto. Can anyone confirm on a 3b fan how many connectors they have. I have 3 connectors on spades rather than a block conector, is everyone elses the same?

[newsh]

pretty sure mine is a connector block that plugs in to the fan, not separate spades.

[Nuvo]

pretty sure mine is a connector block that plugs in to the fan, not separate spades.

Yes, I agree its definitely a connector block to the rad fan.

[s2driveruk]

in that case thats sh*te work by Guildford Audi about 4yrs ago then, i just have 3 spades on the fan connectors. Any ideas what the block part numbe ris and as I currently have the rad out i can make one up to fit.
cheers
david

[Flat on my back]

Sorry no number.

Something like this...

[s2driveruk]

Thanks Carlos.....!

[Nuvo]

David, I think the part numbers you need are 893 906 232 (3 pin connector) and 191 927 907 (protective cover).

[s2driveruk]

Excellent, thats MUCH appreciated. Still can't believe the bodge that was there...!

[s2driveruk]

here you go...VAG's finest work after it went in years ago when the fan shorted causing the fuse plate to melt. Final bill was over £500

[Flat on my back]

Jesh...

Pass the S&W...click...

[Alistair C]

yup - thats just what mine was like.

I bought a couple of connectors which looked right from etka but none fit. Eventually pulled one off an 80 which did fit the fan connector and bought a new one from audi with matching wiring kit. Sorry - didn't keep hold of the p/n.
Fingers crossed the p/n is right for yours - afaik, there was a different fan for model years and w/wo A/C.

G. luck!

Something like this...

yes - a bit like that - but a wider plug with a quick release locking tab and certainly thicker cables considering the loading!