Radiator fans testing and engine temperature gauge

[PLP]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

On the early Boxster's, the radiator fan speed was controlled by resistors in the circuits, which were mounted on the radiators themselves. As these were prone to fail over time, Porsche later switched to pulse width modulated fan motors, which eliminated the resistors, but when the PWM fails, you need to get an entire fan assembly.

Yours should be the resistor type.

OK, I get it. The resistor would smoothly controlled the speed? Or it would be low and high?


As for testing - without durametric how one would activate speeds.


According to the parts catalogue all Boxsters (986) were equipped with same radiator fan (resistor based). It lists just one part number.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by PLP

OK, I get it. The resistor would smoothly controlled the speed? Or it would be low and high?


As for testing - without durametric how one would activate speeds.


According to the parts catalogue all Boxsters (986) were equipped with same radiator fan (resistor based). It lists just one part number.

The resistor gives you low speed, no resistor gives you high speed only.

I have never tried testing the fans without Durametric, PST II, or PIWIS; all of which test them with simple commands. But I would imagine that it could be done using a tool like the Power Probe, but you would need to pull off the front fascia to do it, which is why we prefer going the software route.