Sneaky Pete

As the title says, I have a dead radiator fan. I thought I could remove it from the wheel well.....got pissed and tried manhandling it and had the great experience of breaking a plastic connector to the radiator. I'm assuming the correct avenue is to remove the front bumper and disassemble from there. Any pointers would welcome.

JABowders

I would say the best and easiest way is to: jack up the front end, remove the tire, remove the inner fender cover, take the front bumper cover off, the plastic air duct, then you can move your AC condenser out of the way (plenty of play in the lines once the mounting screws are removed). Then you can access the radiator and fan shroud assembly much easier.

Reassembly is just the reverse operation.

Removing the front side markers is a bit tricky, you really don't want to break the plastic, you can remove the front signal lights buy using an old credit card or hotel card key, and you have to pull the headlights with the headlight tool, easy job, takes longer to get the tool out than it does to pull the assembly.

There are a few YouTube videos you can watch that give helpful tips and hints on how to make these tasks easier if you have never done them before.

Doing it this way sounds like it is a long drawn out method, but all the little tasks are simple, and in the long run the advantage is you can take the time to clean out all the crap that has gotten in the gap between your AC condensers and the radiators, and that in itself makes it all worth while.

Best of luck.

Sneaky Pete

Thanks!! ^^^^

Fined

Thanks x2

Going to have to tackle this pretty soon.

NuttyProfessor

You sure it's the entire fan assembly malfunctioning? Have you ruled out the resistor? In my experience, the resistors burn out because of heat, but the fan/motor assembly is usually fine. If you just replace the resistor, you don't need to go through all of the trouble of removing the front bumper, air ducts, and rads.

bobs95

Where is this resistor located?

Bruce In Philly

I don't believe they have a discrete resistor like say my 2000 Boxster S did. Yes, that resistor will stop functioning.

For the 997.2, it is a control unit 997 618 436 03. I believe it is the same for a 997.1. I suspect a Durametric will help you with the answer. For the 997.2, the unit appears in two different diagrams so ctrl F "Control unit Cooling air control" in the Katalog PDF.... if you search the PDF for the part number, you will get a diagram that is not informative, you need to see the other.

To test the fan, I suspect (just guessing), unplug the fan from on top of the shroud where it connects to the control unit, and put 12 volts on it and see if it spins.... probably any good tool battery will work.

Peace
Bruce in Philly

swingwing

I recommend you put the front end up, remove both wheels and the front bumper. IMO you'll have much better access to the problem fan. You'll also be able to give the radiators a good clean.

NuttyProfessor

Bruce is correct. Porsche chose to use a control module instead of a simple resistor/relay system to control fan speed. The part number is 997.618.436.01 or the updated module 997.618.436.04 if I'm not mistaken. (item#32 in the diagram) I would recommend testing the fan in isolation before spending the money for a complete assembly replacement.

yvesvidal

Fully agree with the testing. One of my Fan was no longer working because a tiny pebble got stuck between the rotor and the impellers. Once removed, all was fine.
Yes, Front Bumper has to be removed.

Yves

Wjoseph12001

I completed on my 997 several weeks back. A lot of fun!! Also added 3rd radiator to help with summer months! Thought I’d share some pics!