Overheating due to possible faulty fans

THEREALMTP

MEMBER
2011 FORD FIESTA
1.4L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
105,633 MILES

Hi Team,

I own a 2011 Ford Fiesta 1.4 Ambiente. The car drives like a dream. I however, discovered that my reservoir was slightly boiling. Keep in mind that the coolant level was quite low before the boiling. I filled her up and drove home, everything was fine. The next morning, I removed the reservoir cap and had the car idling for 20 minutes. The problem is that the radiator fan did not kick in. The water in the reservoir water was super-hot, I then dipped the throttle and the water started boiling over with the reservoir cap off.

Even until now, the fans do not kick in. So, I forced the fan on by putting my A/C on. The fan then kicked in. After I turn the A/C off, the fan runs for a little bit and then switches off.

My question, do I have a possible blown head gasket, and should I be looking at my coolant temperature sensor or relay/fuse in regard to my fan not kicking in when hot?

4 Replies

THEREALMTP

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I would also like to add that there were no bubbles while idling the car, only once it was super-hot. No loss of power and no smoke from the exhaust. I also ruled out the thermostat as both water pipes are getting hot.

Thanks

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Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022 AT 11:47 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,355 POSTS

Hi,

It could be related to a head gasket, but I can't guarantee that it is the cause. When the coolant was boiling, did the temperature gauge in the vehicle ever indicate it was hot or overheating? Also, the idea that the coolant was very low has me concerned. How low was it? Is there any evidence of leaks or white smoke from the exhaust?

Let me know. Also, in the interim, take a look through this link. It describes indicators of a faulty head gasket.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Also, and don't laugh, let me know if the heater works. LOL I know that sounds crazy, but I'm wondering if there is an air blockage in the system if it got low enough and if you are adding coolant or water to the system.

Take care,

Joe

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Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022 AT 5:27 PM

THEREALMTP

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hi Joe,

Thank you for your swift response.
I was unable to see the temperature gauge as it's part of the "hidden menu".
The coolant was quite low, at the bottom of the reservoir, however, no smoke, only on a cold start-up. (Condensation)

I filled the car 2 days ago with coolant and it has not yet moved (gone down).
This morning, I took the car back to the dealership. The mechanic had a look. After a while, he called me, and then I could see my fan actually working. It kicked in twice. I'm not sure what he did, however, it's working now.

I noticed that there were bubbles coming from the bottom pipe into the reservoir, he assured me that this is normal and is showing that the water is circulating. The car ran warm, and the fan kicked in. After stopping at home, I didn't hear any noise from the reservoir as previously.

Is it safe to say that it's all well, or should I still be on the lookout and monitor the car?

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Thursday, June 23rd, 2022 AT 2:33 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,355 POSTS

Hi,

Chances are everything is okay. However, just keep an eye on the coolant level and pay attention if the fan continues to work when needed.

If the coolant and fan continue to maintain, you should be fine. I'm just suggesting for a short period of time to pay attention.

If anything changes, let me know. Also, please feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome here.

Take care of yourself,

Joe

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Thursday, June 23rd, 2022 AT 8:07 PM