The other day I found out that there's apparently a function to force the radiator fans on in my 2003 Spec-C.
To do it, you have to set the HVAC controls to a certain setting which is: blowing direction towards the front window and fan speed on 1.
Doing this will always force the radiator fans to turn on. Changing the setting (i.e. changing the blowing direction or increasing / decreasing fan speed) will then turn the radiator fan off again.

I searched but haven't found any thread regarding this, so I'm wondering whether that is an in-built function by Subaru or if it may have been wired in afterwards.
Two mechanics I know that are involved with the Subaru scene say that this is in fact a Spec-C thing from the factory.

I'm curious to find out if someone on here with a Spec-C could confirm this behavior? Maybe this is even apparent on normal STI's but no one has ever paid attention to it ? So if someone with a regular STI could have a go that'd be interesting aswell.

 

 

 

hmm is yours the facelift model with the newer centre console and auto climate control?

Mine is still the early design with manual HVAC controls.

 

 

Just tried this on my 2003 Spec C limited. Set the heater controls as mentioned and the radiator fans came on. Not sure what the reason is behind this happening? As engine/radiator is barely warm and does not require cooling.

 

Tried again when engine was hot the radiator fans ran in the two setting for front screen.

 

Cool! So this does seem to be an early Spec-C thing, possibly exclusive to the pre-widetrack models that still had the manual heater controls? Mine's also a 2003 Spec-C Limited.

I could imagine they put this in to give you the option of cooling down the engine during hot summer trackdays, for e.g. between laps or whatever. The Spec-C is meant for the track after all.

I also had the fans running today at the 2nd setting when the engine was warmed up after a ~15-20 min drive.
Perhaps fan speed 1 is for cold engine while 2 is the trigger for a warmed up engine? Will definitely play around a bit more with this, I always find such 'hidden features' interesting

 

Let me know how you get on