Cooling fan, fan control module, default fuse block and burnt wires

[jhwkr]

My 99 NB 70k mi started to make a loud clanking noise under the hood after the A/C was turned on and the brakes were applied. Once stopped with brakes on the noise continues. Take your foot off the brake and / or turn off the A/C the noise goes away.

Took it into the stealer-ship and was told the fix would be $2700 plus tax.

The list of items claimed to be at fault included, ignition switch, cooling fan, fan control module, default fuse block and burnt wires.

I was told that if I continued to drive it in this condition the catalytic converter would over heat and fail leading to a very cosly repair.

The cost of a cooling fan, 1C0-959-455-C / $130, fuse block on top of Battery, 1J0937617D / $100, fan control module $112 and an ignition switch $30 totals $340.

In the past, I've replaced or had replaced the full gamut of NB nagging design flaws which include, timing belt, water pump, tension pulley, heart valve, temp sensor, speedometer sensor worm gear, key fob, catalytic converter, brake light switch(s) and on and on. The discussions in this forum have helped me understand each problem and with that the knowledge I have managed to keep the costs to a minimum.

At this point, I can't see spending another $3K on a 10 year old car so I made the decision to bring the car home and do the work myself, with the help of this forum. Thankfully, I have a reliable second car. It's a Toyota.

I would appreciate any thoughts about my cooling fan / electrical / dealership problem.

Thanks,
jhwkr

[D2Beetle]

Originally Posted by jhwkr

My 99 NB 70k mi started to make a loud clanking noise under the hood after the A/C was turned on and the brakes were applied. Once stopped with brakes on the noise continues. Take your foot off the brake and / or turn off the A/C the noise goes away.

Took it into the stealer-ship and was told the fix would be $2700 plus tax.

The list of items claimed to be at fault included, ignition switch, cooling fan, fan control module, default fuse block and burnt wires.

I was told that if I continued to drive it in this condition the catalytic converter would over heat and fail leading to a very cosly repair.

The cost of a cooling fan, 1C0-959-455-C / $130, fuse block on top of Battery, 1J0937617D / $100, fan control module $112 and an ignition switch $30 totals $340.

In the past, I've replaced or had replaced the full gamut of NB nagging design flaws which include, timing belt, water pump, tension pulley, heart valve, temp sensor, speedometer sensor worm gear, key fob, catalytic converter, brake light switch(s) and on and on. The discussions in this forum have helped me understand each problem and with that the knowledge I have managed to keep the costs to a minimum.

At this point, I can't see spending another $3K on a 10 year old car so I made the decision to bring the car home and do the work myself, with the help of this forum. Thankfully, I have a reliable second car. It's a Toyota.

I would appreciate any thoughts about my cooling fan / electrical / dealership problem.

Thanks,
jhwkr

Nice rant... the heart valve must of been yours. For rant sake, Toyota's are nice cars and my first car was a '66 Corolla; however I have a '98, '99 and '00t and the only issues that I have had is the water pump, timing belt.

I fail to see the connection (not that there is not one) from, Brakes to Cooling Fan(s), to Catalytic Converter. Perhpas you could elaborate more? With all that going on is the engine light on?

[jhwkr]

Originally Posted by D2Beetle

Nice rant... the heart valve must of been yours. For rant sake, Toyota's are nice cars and my first car was a '66 Corolla; however I have a '98, '99 and '00t and the only issues that I have had is the water pump, timing belt.

I fail to see the connection (not that there is not one) from, Brakes to Cooling Fan(s), to Catalytic Converter. Perhaps you could elaborate more? With all that going on is the engine light on?

D2Beetle,
Thanks for the quick reply. Yes, I nearly blew a heart valve. Always happens when I think I'm being taken.
Great to hear that your VWs have served you well. Mine has stranded me numerous times for the simplest of problems. The first time was when the brake switch failed. I discovered this forum soon after.
Yes, the explanation by the service tech seemed strange to me, too. Don't understand the Catalytic Converter connection either. No, the engine light never lit up. Maybe the tech write-up will shed some light on my situation. See attachment.
I noticed the 99 NB has 82k mi instead of the 70k I mentioned in my original post.
I think I can replace the items listed in the write-up:
going to try anyway -
Brake pads, Rotors

• Front disc, vented - $40
• Brake pad set - $52

Both Cooling Fans, Core Support

• Radiator cooling fan lg - $135
• Radiator cooling fan sm - $104
• Core Support (don't know what this is)

Coil, Plug Wires and Plugs

• Ignition coil pack - $105
• Spark plugs - $25
• Ignition wire set - $50
• Ignition wire removal tool - $43

I looked in the Bentley Service Manual and failed to find a reference to a Core Support. Any ideas? Do you think repairs are worth paying $3k to have done?
Not sure why there's no mention of the fuse block on top of battery or the fan control module. Incidentally, the fan fuses all appear to be ok.

Anyway thanks for "listening" to my rant.

[D2Beetle]

$139.25 for a diagnsotic! I too could rant about that!

I looked up "core support" in my online Bentley and it came back with this one item which was listed in the "Volkswagen Technician Helpline Tech Tips"...

"2005-2007 Jetta, 2006-2007 Passat, GTI, 2007> Rabbit, EOS - Noise in Front End Over Bumps

When diagnosing a rattle in the front end, check that the front core support bolts are torqued to specifications. Noise can transfer from this location and be very difficult to pinpoint even with chassis ears."

... It does not appear to be related to NB's; however I looked up "front core support bolts" hoping to get an assembly overview picture and the search returned nothing; what ever these are, they are part of the front suspension assembly.

[jhwkr]

Originally Posted by D2Beetle

$139.25 for a diagnostic! I too could rant about that!

Located an aftermarket OEM replacement "dual radiator, A/C Cooling fan shroud assembly" on ebay for the price of the diagnostic. Wonder if anyone has any experience with it or advice on its use.