Audi A3 Radiator Fan Causing Engine to Overheat

Had a similar issue on my Audi A4 2001 gasoline. The car radiator was showing signs of overheating, and the cooling system would struggle especially in slow traffic. The fan blade was not spinning properly when the engine reached operating temperature. The mechanic found that the fan motor had failed completely. This turned into a serious issue because continuous overheating can damage the engine block and head gasket. The diagnostic revealed both the fan motor and temperature sensor needed replacement. The repair involved: Testing the cooling system pressure, Replacing the faulty fan motor assembly, Installing a new temperature sensor, Verifying proper fan blade operation, Checking coolant levels and circulation This was not a quick fix job, the entire cooling system needed inspection to prevent future failures. The check engine light cleared after the repair, and the engine temperature has stayed normal since then. Best to get this checked soon, as running an overheated engine can lead to much more expensive repairs. A qualified mechanic should test the entire cooling system, not just the obvious components.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I went through something very similar with my A3 last summer. Glad to hear your thermal switch and fan motor replacement solved the problem. Just wondering, what was the total cost for your repair? And has your car temperature control system worked properly since then? Mine ended up needing additional coolant system work a few months later, so curious if you encountered any follow-up issues. Looking back, engine cooling problems are definitely not something to delay fixing. My mistake was waiting too long, hoping it would somehow fix itself.

The total repair bill came to 250 Euro for replacing the fan speed sensor, which turned out to be the root cause of the fan noise and overheating issues. Since getting the car radiator fan fixed six months ago, the temperature control has worked flawlessly. The cooling system maintains perfect operating temperatures even during hot weather and slow traffic. Unlike your experience, I havent needed any additional repairs. The mechanic did a thorough inspection of the entire cooling system while fixing the fan, which probably helped prevent future issues. The car cooling performance has been reliable and consistent since the repair. Getting that speed sensor replaced right away was definitely the right call. When car overheating problems start, addressing them quickly helps avoid cascade failures in other components of the cooling system. The check engine light hasnt returned, which confirms the repair was done correctly.

Here's my story after getting it fixed: Finally took the car to a mechanic who specializes in European models. The radiator fan was indeed the culprit, turns out both the fan motor and temperature sensor were shot. The total repair came to 580 Euro, which included a full cooling system inspection and flush. The engine cooling system works perfectly now. Temperature stays steady even in stop-and-go traffic. No more concerning fan noise or overheating issues. The check engine light cleared up immediately after the repair. One unexpected benefit was improved fuel economy, probably because the engine now runs at optimal temperature. Getting this fixed right away would have saved me from stressing about potential engine damage. My advice to others with similar symptoms: dont wait like I did. A faulty radiator fan can lead to serious engine problems if ignored. The repair cost was worth every cent for the peace of mind.