Radiator fan not kicking in....

Engine is getting super hot etc, as the  fan doesnt kick in, now I assume i start with the fuse and check connections but I am in France and dont have a Haynes so would appreciate some help here.

What is the fuse position to check? I will check them all but so I know where to concentrate my efforts.

And then are there any usual problem areas to check?

The car is a 83 gti cabriolet

Thanks in advance.

crag

check chudds post at the top of the eletrical section for fuse location.

does the fan run if you put 12v to it?

check the thermo switch in the rad to see if thats working. remove it and put it in hot water with a multimeter across the terminals (i dont mean all in just the end of it)

From memory if you take the plug off the temp switch at the bottom of the rad and put a wire loop across it, fan should run continuous if it's the switch at fault.

(At least I think it's that way around!) :wink:

thats correct, the fan should run with a live to the temp switch.

Its a fairly simple circuit, with a switch in the bottom of the rad, a fan motor, and a bunch of wires connecting it all together. The fuse, if there is one, is in a fuse holder (not the fusebox) and the power wire is pretty much connected to the battery directly.

What's probably happened is one of the connectors to the switch is corroded or loose. If not, then suspect the switch itself.