Do both radiator fans operate at the same time?

[jhs914]

My wife’s '03 2.0 liter New Beetle has been throwing a cooling related CEL. It is not running hot. I have replaced the thermostat and the Engine coolant temp sensor (green one). In my effort to locate the problem, I observed the operation of the radiator fans.

When the A/C is turned on and if the engine heats up while idling, the larger of the two fans (driver side) comes on. The smaller fan (passenger side) does not come on. Is this smaller fan only supposed to operate at higher engine temperatures or are they both supposed to operate simultaneously? Do I have a faulty smaller fan

[TeddyTiger]

While watching my NB idle, I have observed both fans coming on at the same time. My guess is you have either a burned fuse, bad fan relay, or bad fan.

[Smileybug]

I'm having a problem where my drivers side fan isnt working. Mine I know is broken. When I turn the air on, the smaller one comes on all the time so I would assume they both come on.

[jhs914]

Originally Posted by TeddyTiger

While watching my NB idle, I have observed both fans coming on at the same time. My guess is you have either a burned fuse, bad fan relay, or bad fan.

Thanks. Can you tell me where the fan relay is located and which fuse controls the fans. Do you know if the fuse and relay control both fans or does each fan have a separate fuse and relay?