When I turn the ignition on the radiator fans start up even when the engine is cold. This is accompanied by the engine check light illuminating. The trouble is, the car thinks the engine is hot so does not supply the right mixture and hence is almost impossible to start.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Chris

 

Probably water temp sensor. I think that when this stops working the ECU puts the fans to stop the engine from overheating (as it's no idea how hot it really is!).

I would have thought that you would be able to start the engine, though runing for the first 5 mins may be a bit lumpy?

 

defo the temp sensor we do them for about 27 quid

 

cheers for that!
Your right it does start just about.
Where is the sensor located and who is we (scoobyboy).

Thanks

 

IIRC its a bitch to get to, just up and to the right of the turbo underneath 8 miles of piping (down and left of the throttle assembly)

but I might be horribly wrong

 

You're right. LOL @ the 8 miles of piping At least on the pre 97 cars...

 

Shorted the wires into thinking the sensor switch was closed circuit but the fans stayed on and now it refuses to start. Checked the wires and there is a voltage going to the switch so I can't understand it.

Any ideas?

 

Does the ecu need to receive a (resistive) value in-between set parameters for it to function properly, as this could be why the fan still is on after the wires at the sensor have been shorted?

 

The ECU has a range of "acceptable" values on all (I think) sensors. If it is outside these parameters it will show a check engine condition. Shorting the wires isn't going to help you, I'm afraid.