GT problems

minis84 · Post by **minis84** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 12:14 am

Hi

I bought my GT today, and drove it home from manchester. It ran fine, and when I got it home I let it idle to test the electric fan came on. It got up to nearly 110deg in temp on the gauge before I bottled it and stopped the engine - but the fan hadn't come on.

I've looked at Haynes and it gives the test procedure, which I am going to try tomorrow (after checking the fuses). How much is a new electric fan sensor likely to cost me?

Also, the central locking only locks from the passenger side. When you try to lock it from the drivers side it unlocks straight away. Does anyone have any experience of central locking, and any ideas as to why it might be doing this?

Thanks in advance

Tom

LogIK · Post by **LogIK** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 1:54 pm

It could be a few things, but most likely that it's the fan switch. It's a very common fault. Mine decided it would do it when my head gasket blew, which was a little annoying. Anyway, try removing the plug and cleaning the contacts first. Also, test your fan while you are there, which you say you are going to do. A new switch will cost you about Â£10.

As for the central locking, is it an aftermarket kit that is fitted? It could be wired up wrong, or one of the actuators is jamming and causing it to bounce up again.

minis84 · Post by **minis84** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 3:49 pm

Thanks for the reply LogiK.

I tested the fan switch by bridging the connections on the plug, and the fan came on. So its the switch, which I have ordered, should arrive in the morning. I cleaned the contacts on the plug and it made no difference, and I didn't fancy taking it up to 110deg again to test it!

I'll fit the switch in the morning, and it should be all good.

As for the central locking, I'm not sure if its an aftermarket kit, but it locks the boot as well, would that mean its an OE kit? Did Polo GT's ever have central locking as standard? I guess I should be taking the drivers door card off and having a look at the actuator on that side. Is it possible that I'll be able to do something about it, or am I best to just put up with it and keep locking it from the passenger side?

thanks

Tom

hardhitter · Post by **hardhitter** » Sat Jun 04, 2005 6:32 pm

Don't take the gauge reading as gospel. The temp seonsor may be giving you high readings if the fan switch does work. Make sure you buy VAG items as non-genuine ones make the problem worse.

DelG40 · Post by **DelG40** » Sat Jun 04, 2005 7:34 pm

I think central locking was an option in Europe wasn't it?

minis84 · Post by **minis84** » Sun Jun 05, 2005 9:54 am

Hi

Well I've got the new fan switch fitted, and its all working properly now. Fan comes on at about 96deg on the gauge, so its all good.

I've cured a few other problems too, dodgy interior trim, crappy stereo wiring, blocked rear wiper jet. Just the central locking to sort out now.

Does anyone have any tips or general guidance about central locking and what to look for? Sorry to sound a bit thick, its just I'm used to Mini's, and all this modern electronical jiggery pokery is a bit over my head at the moment!

Thanks

Tom

Tahrey1043 · Post by **Tahrey1043** » Sun Jun 05, 2005 11:28 pm

I always thought the beautiful thing about the Mk3 was that the only technological innovation it had over a mini was 1. it's a hatchback, 2. injection engine, 3. servo brakes....