Most liked posts in thread: Stage 1 cooling fan problem

  1. rkw

    rkw Well-Known Member

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    #2 rkw, Oct 23, 2016
    Last edited: Oct 23, 2016
    The problem is common (really, a design flaw) but having to replace it again after only 3 years/20K miles seems unusually early.

    $616 at the dealer is outrageous. A new replacement fan can be purchased for about $80 and an independent repair shop can do the labor at much lower cost.

    There is a 1300 post thread on NAM on the topic: http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/stock-problems-issues/174040-low-speed-fan-resistor-we-need-solution.html. The problem is that the low speed resistor in the fan burns out. There is a quick and easy way to connect an external resistor that bypasses the resistor in the fan. If you get the problem again, consider doing this workaround which is simply done under the hood without taking the car apart.
     
  2. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

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    #3 wmwny, Oct 23, 2016
    it sounds like the cooling fan resistor. I have the one in my '06 S replaced while at MOTD this year and it's been smooth sailing ever since. As previously stated, it's a easy fix...and cheap.

    BTW, WELCOME to M/A!:Thumbsup:
     
  3. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #4 Dave.0, Oct 23, 2016

    I did the above fix years ago and have not had an issue since.
     
  4. 00Mini

    00Mini Well-Known Member

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    #5 00Mini, Oct 23, 2016
    Finding a dependable independent shop for repair work will save you fair amount of money with your repair maintenance. Welcome to Motoring Alliance the best MINI forum on the interweb !!
     
  5. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    #6 ScottinBend, Oct 24, 2016
    Not sure if that fix will work on an R56..........

    oops, just read convertible, nevermind.
     
  6. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #7 MCS02, Oct 24, 2016
  7. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #8 Dave.0, Oct 24, 2016
  8. MiniAnn

    MiniAnn New Member

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    #9 MiniAnn, Oct 25, 2016
    Thanks so much for the info. Unfortunately me or husband have no mechanical ability whatsoever, lol!

    Being that I live in a small town south of Buffalo, there aren't many local mechanics who have worked on Mini's aside from replacing brakes, mufflers, etc. I did call 2 or 3 locals who never called me back regarding the cooling fan fix.

    Thank goodness I was persistent in insisting that Mini should cover this and they did. As I mentioned, $150 for the labor was a far cry better than what they originally wanted to charge me for labor and parts.

    I just had my muffler replaced in late September. A local muffler shop charged me $300, the Mini Dealership quoted $880. That certainly was a no brainer.