1998 bmw over heating 328i. Idle goes to red and light comes on. Fluid level good Electric fan doesnt come on ,even with a/c on Suspisious of viscous coupler absolutely no resistance on it Was replaced a year ago by another garage Driving down road not over heating are couplers a problem on these vehicles thanks Pauls auto service
Optional Information: Year: 1998Make: BMWModel: 528iEngine: 2.8 Already Tried: Checked coolant level ok,turned a/c on but electric fan doesnt work.Can hold viscous coupler from turning no resistance
Customer If you can drive down the road without overheating, it is like you said, fan clutch. The electric fan is mostly for AC, but also helps engine in high heat conditions, so you need to check circuits for the electric fan. Idling in traffic will cause enough heat build up that the electric fan should kick in, regardless of AC on or of. Is the fan clutch a rebuilt?
Looks like an after market unit to me. No oil leakage either like old Gm ones Ive seen in the past. So I was wondering whether the electric fan should kick in at high heat conditions.So looks like a double wammy ? Both electric fan circuit and fan clutch
Your electric fan problem may just be a bad relay or sensor. The fan clutch is most likely kaput. You really need both systems working to maintain a steady cooling system temp in all conditions.
Experience: 40 years in automotive industry