Engine Overheat - Fan Running

[myhotwheelz]

Today I had an odd situation occur. I was driving and noticed when I stopped to go into a store that a fan was running and it was running the entire time I was in the store approx 45min.

When I started my drive home i notice the temp gauge was in the red zone - the service engine did not come on.

I did have the a/c on and when i shut it off the temp went down. As soon as, I started it again - temp went up.

when I got where I could stop I shut the car (fan cont to run) I waited about 30 min and then started back home. The temp finally stabilized even with the a/c on.

This has never happened. My husband is not around this weekend so Im a little uneasy about driving it and i dont know whether to have AAA tow it to FLow or continue to monitor it for the weekend.

I must also state that there was no stem coming from the radiator and the fluids checked out fine. So, the only thing I link it to is the A/c. But, I have no clue with car stuff so I seeking anyone's advice.

Thanks!

Christi

[oznogonzo]

I have had a similar issue happen with my MINI, a 2003 MCS. In my situation, the cooling fan would come on while sitting still... at a long stoplight for example. Once I began to move, the air flow was enough to stop the overheating.

Mine still continues to do this every once in a while, but I make sure my coolant tank is topped off and this mostly keeps things at normal operating temperature.

The older MCS's coolant tanks tended to leak (mine still does). In some cases the cooling fan continued to run and drain the battery even after the car was turned off overnight for example. I am not certain, but I believe the issue there was a bad fuse, or failing fan. This has never been an issue with my MINI though.

There are a few things you can check... make sure coolant level in the coolant tank is at the correct level, make sure the cap on the tank is not cross threaded and secured properly. Make sure none of the fuses are blown... depending on the year of your car, the power steering fan and radiator fan were on the same fuse (early models)

here are a few links to threads on North American Motoring that might shed some light, as others have had similar problems...

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137937&highlight=overheating

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=100647&highlight=overheating

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28285&highlight=overheating

I have driven for a bit in the red, but I wouldn't suggest doing so if the temp doesn't drop. Maybe someone with more info will chime in.

Hope everything works out.

Cheers
Scott

[DamonC]

My 2005 behaved similarly, though I did need to top off the radiator fluid once a week with about a 1/2 gallon. I took it to Flow and they replaced the water pump -- it was leaking. I guess this is not entirely uncommon for the 2003-2006's.

All warranty work. No problems since.

/D

[MINI Rog]

Had coolant leakage also. It was the thermostat housing. Flow replaced it under warranty and no problems since.

[onefastmini]

Sounds like it could possibly be a temperature sensor fault, either way, as long as it is in warranty, have it towed to Flow and don't risk engine damage if it is actually overheating.
--Dan

[myhotwheelz]

Well its been a couple of days. My husband as been trouble shooting the problem. There is a slow leak with the antifreeze - he cant determine where no visible leaks in engine compartment no leaks on the ground.

The temp gauge remains normal. The fan is not running like it was. But, since we have had 2 LR's that had the same problem with disappearing anti-freeze I am having it towed to Flow tomorrow.

Best to have them check it out while under warranty. Now Im in a rental car for a few days....I wish they had a dealership here in RDU - but, hey I am grateful its under warranty still.

Thanks for all your assistance.

Christi