Sr. Juan Quirino

— Introduction —

This page explains the basic principle of the various operating modes of the Peugeot 306 cooling fans.

The example we are using here is the two speed twin fans controled by a cooling fan ECU. Vehicle manufactured 1996 with A/C and 30 fuse box.

This system is used in most Australian models with petrol engines. Although the basic circuit remains the same in later models the fuse and wire numbers will be different.

— Overview of the system —

The engine cooling fan system is made up of the folowing parts. 2 fan motors, 3 relays, control unit and the coolant temperature thermistor (NTC).

The fans have 2 functions.

1. To provide engine cooling in slow or stationary traffic conditions.

2. To provide constant airflow for the condenser when the A/C is operating.

The 2 fan motors always run together and have 2 speeds available. At low speed the motors' power circuit is switched in series and at high speed the circuit is changed over to parallel. A ballast resistor is therefore not required. The switching of the power circuit is done by the 3 relays which, are controlled by the control unit.

The following tasks can be performed by the control unit: Switching of the fan relays, illuminating the "STOP" warning light, illuminate the warning light on the temperature gauge, prevent the A/C compressor from operating under extreme engine temperature or under full engine load, timed post cooling when engine is shut down with the fans operating.

In order to carry out these tasks it receives inputs from the coolant temperature sensor, the air conditioning control panel, the refrigerant pressostat and the engine ECU.

— Fan and relay layout —

Use this graphic to identify and relate the components to the diagrams

— Location Of Components —

Control Unit

The cooling fan control unit is located under the left guard below the head light. Remove the inner guard cover to gain access.

Temperature Sensor

The temperature sensor us mounted on the heather tank on the cylinder head at the bell housing end. The sensor is brown with a brown 2 way connector.

Fuses (power)

Fuse 33 and 34 in the fuse box near the battery.

Fuses (relay coils)

Fuse box with 30 fuses in passengers compartment.

Fuse 7, battery + to left fan relay and control unit.

Fuse 3, ignition + to right fan relay and change over relay.

Fuse 2, ignition + to control unit.

Earth connection 1

On the left chassis rail in front and below the battery carrier.

A/C Control Unit

Integrated in the control panel on the dash board.

— System at rest diagram —

Wiring diagram

— Low Speed Operation —

Condition for low speed call

The low fan speed is called for:

1. When the engine temperature reaches 97°C and it will turn off when the temperature has dropped to 90°C.

2. When the air conditioning system is switched on. It will run permanently regardless of engine temperature.

Power circuit explained

Only the "left fan relay" is energized. This relay has a permanent battery + supply from fuse 7 (fuse 10 for a 13 fuse box) in the passenger compartment fuse box.

When the coolant temperature reaches the threshold (about 97°) the control unit provides an earth for the relay coil and the contacts are now closed. This completes the power circuit for both fans.

The power circuit starts at the battery, to the engine bay fuse box through fuse 33, to pin 3 at the "left fan relay", out at pin 5 of the relay to the left fan motor, from here to the "change over relay".

The change over relay is at rest

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