[VIDEO] 2006 M35 Fans Don't Run

[fetusflipper]

Hey Bros,

Currently my fans don't turn on. I turn on the A/C and also let the car reach normal operating temperature and they never turn on.

I replaced the Fan Control Module and still nothing. I got the fans to turn on by feeding the fans 12V directly from the battery and they fire up with no problem. I've checked the fuses and they're okay.

Do you guys believe it can be caused by a faulty Coolant Temp Sensor? I want to run a ground wire directly from the sensor to the fans and see if the fans start.

I'm having lots of trouble locating the sensor, can anyone help me?

[Ilya]

Welcome to the forum. It could be the ECTS. You can probably find it's location using the FSM (see link in my signature).

[fetusflipper]

@Ilya

Tons of useful information on that link but I'm unable to find anything related to the ECTS

Edit: I missed the FSM Link so now I'm looking for it there. Thanks

[fetusflipper]

Found information regarding the sensor but still unable to find print on its location.

Argh!

[fetusflipper]

Okay, seems as if I've found it. The reason why I was having trouble locating it is because it's located in the rear hard pipe.



What's the best way to tackle this? Is there a way to figure out if the relay that's easily accessible the cause of the fans not running?

I've changed the thermostat, cooling fan control module, bled the system.

Thanks for any input

[fetusflipper]

UPDATE:

Yesterday I removed the fans to check if they're okay by running 12V directly and they turned on strong and with no problem. Today I replaced them and ran the car and they showed movement, as if they want to start but can't. Please take a look at the video below:

[Ilya]

Good work so far...hopefully one of our more experienced mechanics can chime in with some additional steps for you to try.

[fetusflipper]

Good work so far...hopefully one of our more experienced mechanics can chime in with some additional steps for you to try.

Can I have this thread moved to a section with more traffic or have the title edited to include "[VIDEO]"?

Thanks

[Ilya]

You likely won't get more traffic elsewhere on the forum as these cars aren't that wide spread and thus very particular. I will edit your title for you though. If you still want me to move it, I can, but I think you're better off waiting for someone like EdBoy or one of other more experienced M guys to chime in. My 07 was rock solid and I never had a single issue with it, so unfortunately I am of little help.

[fetusflipper]

Thank you

[ArmedAviator]

I believe these fans are controlled with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). If that's the case, it looks like the controller is not working right. You tested the fans and they work. Power is getting to the fans via normal route, just not properly. Whatever controls the PWM signal, start there. That is if they are PWM controlled (not sure off hand).

[fetusflipper]

^^ No idea what that is

I made a terrible pic to show the voltages that the Fan Control Module receives and produces. Is the input that it is receiving fine?

[Ilya]

PWM basically allows the controller to adjust the speed of the signal. By supplying 12v to the fans, you're just telling it to go 100% all the time. PWM can make it go 20, 40, 80, etc. depending on the signal it receives from the ECTS. Is your fan controller that you got new or used?

[fetusflipper]

Is your fan controller that you got new or used?

New.

Is the input that I'm receiving from the wire supplying power to the controller sufficient?

[Ilya]

That I can't answer. I just thought I could answer the PWM question a bit because I used PWM when I was working on Arduino circuits in school in my robotics class. It definitely seems like whatever is sending the signal to the fan isn't sending enough of it hence you can see it jerking and trying to start but not getting enough juice.

[JoshTex]

FYI, this is a recall by Infiniti. they will replace the fans for free. Had mine done 2 months after I got my 06
in 2012

[fetusflipper]

FYI, this is a recall by Infiniti. they will replace the fans for free. Had mine done 2 months after I got my 06
in 2012

Yeah, there was a recall for the fan control module which I changed. I called the Infiniti dealers prior to changing it and they told me they no longer offer the recall service for my car. The only recall that's being offered as of now is the passenger airbag.

[Ilya]

How does that work? They can't just stop a recall. If your VIN falls in the range of cars affected, that recall is for life until that part is replaced.

I'd talk to Infiniti corporate...perhaps as part of the recall they will troubleshoot your issue and find the actual problem.

[fetusflipper]

How does that work? They can't just stop a recall. If your VIN falls in the range of cars affected, that recall is for life until that part is replaced.

I'd talk to Infiniti corporate...perhaps as part of the recall they will troubleshoot your issue and find the actual problem.

Exactly, I thought a recall must always be taken care of. I called two dealerships and they both said the same thing, that the computer only shows one available recall for my car.

[Ilya]

I would find the ITB/TSB related for that recall and call Infiniti USA HQ and inquire. This doesn't sound right.

[ArmedAviator]

Based on the VIN number, it could have already had the recall action performed, hence the indication of the recall no longer being open on his car.

[Ilya]

Based on the VIN number, it could have already had the recall action performed, hence the indication of the recall no longer being open on his car.

That's the only thing I can think of too. But if they are saying the recall is not available across the board, that is BS and needs to be investigated.

[fetusflipper]

Based on the VIN number, it could have already had the recall action performed, hence the indication of the recall no longer being open on his car.

He checked with the VIN and notified me that my car has never been brought into a dealer for any recall. He simply just assured me that the only recall available now is the passenger airbag.

[Ilya]

Okay so it's possible your car was simply not in the 'group' of cars produced with the issue, hence no recall for this applied to your car. Sucks, would have probably been a good way for them to fix your issue or at least troubleshoot it for free lol.