superformance rad fan switch

carmine · #1 (**permalink**) 06-13-2008, 07:15 AM

Anyone have a part# or cross-reference # of the spf thermal rad fan switch
and were i can get one. I believe it kicks on at 90 celcius or 195 farenhight.

RedBarchetta · #2 (**permalink**) 06-13-2008, 08:42 AM

Original part is: Sorenson 40-5012
Napa Part is: FS150 (the printed receipt stated - 2000 Audi A4)
cost $18.99

The labor/effort to access this part: Priceless.....

Carmine, I haven't done this R&R myself, but I have a lot of notes from SCOF (the real experts on these matters) and the guys that have done it say it's a B**** to do (because of the tight quarters @ the radiator). I suppose you could drop the radiator and that would make it super easy, but what's a little R&R without a challenge?!

Good luck,

-Dean #747

Bill Wells · #3 (**permalink**) 06-13-2008, 10:39 AM

assuming you are talking about the rad switch in the front lower driver side corner of the radiator, then indeed it is a messy job if your newer car is like my old 156 ......if ya have long arms and quick fingers ( when wet . LOL ) you can do it without doing / removing anything else like lowering the radiator . if quick, still expect some leakage however so put a drop cloth or pan underneath . if you are slow getting the new one in then be prepared for a gusher . the cheaper parts are always the harder ones to replace it seems . odd yours would go so quick , that is not common . mine got shorted out necessitating the r/r . i don't have the cross reference number of what i used , but it was a part number i got from Dynamic and it was the correct one . be sure your wires from that switch down so low don't get near the stainless steel oil cooler lines that run from it towards the backside of the headlight bucket as the wires can get close and then perhaps short out from abrasion as mine did . bill

McDoo · #4 (**permalink**) 06-13-2008, 04:12 PM

Are you sure it's the thermal switch ??? This switch puts
ground on the fan relays so you might want to take the wire off and ground it to the frame and see if the fans come on. Nine times out of ten it's the fan relay that has gone south but if you do need to replace the thermal switch
it's best to drop the radiater down from the bottom so you can see what you are dealing with. I once saw some pictures of Bill W and another guy Wes changing transmission oil and it still cracks me up today....

McDoo former owner of 931

Blas · #5 (**permalink**) 06-13-2008, 05:40 PM

I would really be surprised if the switch on the radiator was your problem. I assume you have checked the fuses?
FYI: Your car has 2 relays on the drop down fuse panel - one for each fan.
Check for a bad wire connection first at that radiator switch. The follow McDoo's suggestion to connect the two wires. The use a ground wire and try grounding both of them via the new ground. I you feel you must replace the radiator switch, look for one that activates at a lower temperature.
The specs are 182-189 DEG. F...
Email me if you need further info.
BTW: the socket to remove the switch must be a thin wall design and you will still probably need to trim the cowling around the switch to get at it...

carmine · #6 (**permalink**) 06-13-2008, 05:46 PM

Thanks guys. yes it was the thermal fan switch i was talking about. I did change the relay and that wasn,t the problem. I did find the fan switch at a local imports parts supplier. Appently for a VW. If you look at the hex of the switch you will find engraved very small 92 and 87 signifying the kick on and off temp range of the fans in celcius, thats what the factory puts in and thats the range that i re-instaled with. Just finished removing and installing. Used 29mm socket and U joint with extention on 1/2 inch drive extending just bellow the crossbrase were the the chassi # stamped. It was a tight fit but do-able without droping the rad.