Cooling fans seem to be running all the time [SOLVED - radiator fan control module]

Forum for Infiniti M35 and M45, and Nissan Fuga owners.
gavnator
Posts: 230
Joined: Wed Feb 10, 2010 3:15 pm
Car: 2006 Infiniti M35X Obsidian Black, Bourbon Interior, Journey, Navigation
2013 Mazda CX9 Grand Touring
Location: Georgia

Post

I noticed the other day when I pulled my 06' M35X out of the garage the cooling fans were running which I thought odd but blew it off. Same thing today; start car up and the cooling fans are running. Pulled the car in the garage today after being out and the fans were running. Sat in car for over 5 minutes assuming the fans would cycle off once temperature drop. The fans keep running. The temp gauge isn't even near the half way point. Any thoughts??
Last edited by EdBwoy on Sat Feb 03, 2018 11:05 am, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Update with solution


User avatar
Ilya
Moderator
Posts: 9805
Joined: Fri Apr 23, 2010 11:20 pm
Car: 2011 M56x but I spend a lot of time on my 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S. Former owner of a 2007 M35x. Also take care of my wife's 2016 QX60.
Location: Charlotte, NC
Contact:

Post

Maybe fan relay is on the fritz? Not quite sure as I've never experienced this on any car I've had.

midnightclub619
Posts: 255
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2014 9:51 pm
Car: 2007 Infiniti M35x
Location: San Diego, CA

Post

I had this same problem. The Radiator would turn on first thing in the morning and stay on. I looked it up and its a fail safe when the Radiator Fan Control Module is ready to be replaced. The module is no longer telling when the fan to turn off/on anymore so it just bypasses the module and the fans stay on. I found a replacement on Amazon and did the swap and haven't had any issues since. Here is the part # Beck Arnley 203-0276

https://www.amazon.com/BECKARNLEY-203-0 ... y+203-0276

The swap itself was easy. Only 3 bolts (10mm I believe) that hold the module to the radiator and two connectors. took maybe 15 mins to replace.

Hope that helps

gavnator
Posts: 230
Joined: Wed Feb 10, 2010 3:15 pm
Car: 2006 Infiniti M35X Obsidian Black, Bourbon Interior, Journey, Navigation
2013 Mazda CX9 Grand Touring
Location: Georgia

Post

Thanks for the quick reply guys. midnight can you identify exactly were this module is located, how I get at it or snap a pic. If it took only 15 minutes to replace Ill assume its easy to get at without a lot of disassembly. Thanks Again :dblthumb:

midnightclub619
Posts: 255
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2014 9:51 pm
Car: 2007 Infiniti M35x
Location: San Diego, CA

Post

Gav - Unfortunately, I didn't take a pic but just by looking at the module and taking a look at your radiator you'll definitely see the module. It's easy to spot and very easy to get at. the only disassembly is the fan module itself. A quick google search you can see how it looks

gavnator
Posts: 230
Joined: Wed Feb 10, 2010 3:15 pm
Car: 2006 Infiniti M35X Obsidian Black, Bourbon Interior, Journey, Navigation
2013 Mazda CX9 Grand Touring
Location: Georgia

Post

midnight this module is located somewhere on the fan shroud. Correct? Just ordered the part on Amazon

midnightclub619
Posts: 255
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2014 9:51 pm
Car: 2007 Infiniti M35x
Location: San Diego, CA

Post

Gav - yes, thats correct. something like this

https://img.go-parts.com/catalog/brand/ ... B4C5-1.jpg

But you will have 2 connectors plugged in. they might give you a little hard time to remove. Apply some pressure and those connectors will come off.

gavnator
Posts: 230
Joined: Wed Feb 10, 2010 3:15 pm
Car: 2006 Infiniti M35X Obsidian Black, Bourbon Interior, Journey, Navigation
2013 Mazda CX9 Grand Touring
Location: Georgia

Post

Midnight thanks. The pic helps. I assume that once I take the plastic top radiator cover off that's bolted on the module will be exposed. Its bolts that fasten the module to the bracket; not screws correct.

midnightclub619
Posts: 255
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2014 9:51 pm
Car: 2007 Infiniti M35x
Location: San Diego, CA

Post

Yes. I believe thats an air duct for the stock MAF. But yes, once you remove that you'll see it bolted to the cooling fans. I believe they were 3 x 10mm bolts.

midnightclub619
Posts: 255
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2014 9:51 pm
Car: 2007 Infiniti M35x
Location: San Diego, CA

Post

gav - i'll try to take a pic tonight to give you a better idea

gavnator
Posts: 230
Joined: Wed Feb 10, 2010 3:15 pm
Car: 2006 Infiniti M35X Obsidian Black, Bourbon Interior, Journey, Navigation
2013 Mazda CX9 Grand Touring
Location: Georgia

Post

Tkx midnight; appreciate your help. :dblthumb:

gavnator
Posts: 230
Joined: Wed Feb 10, 2010 3:15 pm
Car: 2006 Infiniti M35X Obsidian Black, Bourbon Interior, Journey, Navigation
2013 Mazda CX9 Grand Touring
Location: Georgia

Post

Hey Midnight I found the module. pretty much in the open. You said you were able to release the connectors from the module applying pressure. It looks like there are release buttons/tabs on the connectors? YES? Replacement module will be delivered tomorrow. Just turned 87,000 on the clock today.

ae7456t
Posts: 93
Joined: Mon Nov 15, 2010 1:16 pm
Car: 2006 M35X with 19X,XXX miles

Post

Midnight is right on...I had the same issue with fans running continuously. Ordered the replacement fan control module...Removed that portion of the air intake above the radiator...Remove the 2 bolts...Remove the 3 wire harnesses...Reinstall the same way. One of the more straightforward repairs I have had.

Incidentally, this is a known issue with these years/model...To the point where Infiniti issued a Voluntary Campaign to replace the defective modules, so if you are so inclined, you should be able to get them to pay for it. High level details of the campaign are...

Reference: ITB08-036

Date: August 7, 2008

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2006 M35 / M45; RADIATOR FAN CONTROL MODULE

CAMPAIGN ID #: P8227

APPLIED VEHICLE:
2006 M35 / M45 (Y50)
Refer to Infiniti Net to confirm campaign eligibility.

INTRODUCTION

On some 2006 M35/45 vehicles, the radiator fan motor may begin to operate incorrectly or not operate at all. If this occurs, in certain limited circumstances, the engine control logic may temporarily reduce engine output in order to protect against overheating damage. To prevent this potential condition, Infiniti is conducting this Voluntary Service Campaign to replace the radiator fan control module free of charge for parts and labor.

gavnator
Posts: 230
Joined: Wed Feb 10, 2010 3:15 pm
Car: 2006 Infiniti M35X Obsidian Black, Bourbon Interior, Journey, Navigation
2013 Mazda CX9 Grand Touring
Location: Georgia

Post

I went online to the Infiniti recall site and put in my VIN number to see if it cited a recall. Nothing. So are you saying this is a dealer initiated recall Campaign? So I guess I would have to call the Infiniti dealer and see if their will to comp me for the replacement. In any case, the module will arrive today.

midnightclub619
Posts: 255
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2014 9:51 pm
Car: 2007 Infiniti M35x
Location: San Diego, CA

Post

gav - yes, that is correct. Looks like you pretty much got it and are ready for the part to come in. Good luck :dblthumb:

AE - same question as gav... where can I find that recall campaign. I think i'll try to see if my local dealer with comp my module. that would be cool

User avatar
pegasus
Posts: 39
Joined: Sun May 25, 2014 6:40 am
Car: 2008 M45S
Location: Loudoun County, VA

Post

My fan doing the same thing, thanks for the info guys.

gavnator
Posts: 230
Joined: Wed Feb 10, 2010 3:15 pm
Car: 2006 Infiniti M35X Obsidian Black, Bourbon Interior, Journey, Navigation
2013 Mazda CX9 Grand Touring
Location: Georgia

Post

Just completed replacement of Radiator Fan Control Module. Took about 1/2 hour. Fan control works great. No more fans running all the time. Ordered part on Amazon pointed out by Midnight earlier in the string of posts. Here's the procedure I used for remove and replacement:

1) applied WD40 to (2) 10 mm bolts holding the air duct on top of radiator that routes air to filter box and
(2) 10 mm bolts that secure the module.
2) once you remove the right and left engine bay covers and the air duct the module is obvious bolted to
the fan unit.
3) there are 3 connectors on the fan control module. (2) are on the right of the module and (1) is on the
bottom. I removed the (2) connectors to the right first. The bottom connector was a bit difficult to get
at so removed the (2) bolts on the module freeing the module so I could get a better handle on the bottom
connecter to free it.
4) Bolted on new Radiator Fan Control Unit and connected the 3 fan connectors. Reinstalled engine bay covers
and air duct unit. Started M and let it run. Problem solved. That's it. :dblthumb:

ae7456t
Posts: 93
Joined: Mon Nov 15, 2010 1:16 pm
Car: 2006 M35X with 19X,XXX miles

Post

@gavnator/@midnight Good questions, and I am not surprised that you could not find your VIN listed in the Infiniti recall search database...The reason is likely because the radiator fan module fix is a "Voluntary Service Campaign" which differs from a more formal recall (e.g. Takata airbags).

Your best bet is to call a good/local/trusted Infiniti Service Center and have them do the VIN look up in their system...Of course, I did not heed my own advice...Since the module was less than $100, I figured it was easier to just replace it than to mess around with appointments, etc, but might be worth it if they will reimburse you the cost of the module.

midnightclub619
Posts: 255
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2014 9:51 pm
Car: 2007 Infiniti M35x
Location: San Diego, CA

Post

@AE - thx for the update. Yeah, the module was under $100. I'll give my local dealership a call and see if they will honor it. (crossing my fingers)

airmanhoward
Posts: 223
Joined: Mon Dec 29, 2008 4:16 pm
Car: 12 M37-Current
08 civic lx sold
06 M35x Totaled
2000 S10 sold
Ford contour svt-sold
91 caprice-sold
90 & 93 maxima-sold
96 ford escort-sold
Location: Largo Fl

Post

Hey gavnator in the pic is the I purchased off a local M35 and the right is my current one. Do you have a pic of yours?

https://ibb.co/i1ZV1H

gavnator
Posts: 230
Joined: Wed Feb 10, 2010 3:15 pm
Car: 2006 Infiniti M35X Obsidian Black, Bourbon Interior, Journey, Navigation
2013 Mazda CX9 Grand Touring
Location: Georgia

Post

Airman I don't have a picture but if you go up in the post you'll find midnights post with the part I bout on Amazon which is correct. I paid $42.00 for the part. The part is BECKARNLEY 203-0276 Cooling Fan Control Module. Look at Midnights posts above and follow my info. Piece of cake. ;)

MercMan007
Posts: 11
Joined: Mon Apr 09, 2012 2:22 pm
Car: 2007 Infiniti M35

Post

Looks like I'm next to implement this fix. I've ignored the sound for a while but it's finally getting on my nerves.

midnightclub619
Posts: 255
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2014 9:51 pm
Car: 2007 Infiniti M35x
Location: San Diego, CA

Post

@mercman - good luck! It's a relief that fan turns on/off when its supposed to. :dblthumb:

njjuliano
Posts: 134
Joined: Mon Aug 06, 2007 3:29 am
Car: 2010 M45X

Post

I have this issue as well on a 2010. If the dealer will honor, seems easier to just bring in. You get a loaner when drop it off, and get on your way. Caveat, the voluntary recall (TSB) does not include my model year. Good time to see if they also can address my cruise TSB. Long shot to get a TSB covered in a 2010, but will give them a call. Glad to know that I can do this easily. Ups to EdBwoy for the vid.

LIBRILZ
Posts: 1483
Joined: Sun Mar 04, 2007 3:17 pm
Car: 1990 Nissan 300zx
2007 M45 Sport

Post

Mine has started to come on and stay on, the noise is annoying to say the least, Rock auto has the Beck/Arnley relay for about 36 before shipping, gonna just buy that and be on my way!

msunickb
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Jun 26, 2019 2:07 pm
Car: 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum

Post

I purchased a replacement fan (which came with the controller already attached) because my original fan had a bearing go bad. Since I’ve replaced the fan it is running constantly like you have all described. The fan and controller are brand new from Rock Auto.

Do you think it’s possible the controller is bad in this brand new fan?

As a side note, my low pressure ac line was cut by some type of bracket and obviously lost all coolant temperature. That is being fixed and recharged tomorrow. Do you think that would affect fan operation at all? I don’t believe the original fan, although loud at times, ran all the time like it’s currently doing.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Nick

‘14 Pathfinder Platinum

midnightclub619
Posts: 255
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2014 9:51 pm
Car: 2007 Infiniti M35x
Location: San Diego, CA

Post

msunickb wrote:
Wed Jun 26, 2019 9:08 pm
I purchased a replacement fan (which came with the controller already attached) because my original fan had a bearing go bad. Since I’ve replaced the fan it is running constantly like you have all described. The fan and controller are brand new from Rock Auto.

Do you think it’s possible the controller is bad in this brand new fan?
It is possible that the controller could be bad. Rock Auto might replace that controller for you. You plugged in all 3 connectors/adapters for the controller?

msunickb wrote:
Wed Jun 26, 2019 9:08 pm

As a side note, my low pressure ac line was cut by some type of bracket and obviously lost all coolant temperature. That is being fixed and recharged tomorrow. Do you think that would affect fan operation at all? I don’t believe the original fan, although loud at times, ran all the time like it’s currently doing.
I'm not sure about this. Maybe someone else would be able to confirm this?

msunickb
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Jun 26, 2019 2:07 pm
Car: 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum

Post

Well the AC was fixed yesterday and the fan is still blasting away, so no luck there. haha

If I remember correctly, everything but the main/larger plug was plugged in when I unpackaged it. If you look at the picture online it appears to be plugged in there as well: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.ph ... 70&jsn=394

Nick

midnightclub619
Posts: 255
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2014 9:51 pm
Car: 2007 Infiniti M35x
Location: San Diego, CA

Post

looks like it should work. I'm not sure how you would be able to test this without getting a replacement controller but in your case possibly an entire new fan assembly. I would contact Rock Auto and ask what the next steps would be. Hopefully they'll work with you.

stunone
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu Apr 30, 2015 9:08 pm
Car: infinity m35 x 2006

Post

Thanks for all the positve input....


Return to “Infiniti M35 and M45 Forum”