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helenaheld9

Giulia's Radiator Fan Failure Causes Severe Overheating

Looking for advice on my Giulia that keeps overheating. Engine temperature rises quickly and check engine light stays on. Radiator fan seems to not kick in when it should. Already had a bad experience with my local mechanic and want to avoid another costly mistake. Car details: 2017 model, gas engine, 115997 km. Has anyone dealt with similar cooling system issues? Did you need to replace the thermal switch or was it something else? Need reliable mechanic recommendations for this type of car repair.

4 comment(s)

oskarschulze8

I experienced similar symptoms with my 2014 Alfa Romeo 159 last summer. The engine cooling system showed identical issues, rapid temperature rise and constant check engine light. The car radiator fan was not engaging properly due to a faulty temperature control module. Initial diagnosis pointed to the thermal switch, but after thorough testing, the main fan motor assembly needed replacement. The electrical connection to the fan motor had deteriorated, causing intermittent operation. This was a serious issue requiring immediate attention, as continued driving could have led to engine damage. The repair involved: Testing the fan motor circuit, Replacing the main cooling fan assembly, Updating the temperature control module, Clearing fault codes, Verifying proper fan operation at different temperatures The fan noise returned to normal after repair, and the engine temperature has remained stable since. For Alfa Romeos, this is a known issue that requires specialist knowledge. Would strongly recommend finding a certified technician familiar with these models, as incorrect diagnosis can lead to unnecessary parts replacement. The cooling system now functions correctly with the fan engaging at proper temperature thresholds.

helenaheld9 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience. I had nearly identical car overheating problems with my Giulia about 8 months ago. The fan motor replacement fixed the issue, though my mechanic also found worn fan blades that needed attention. The car radiator system has worked flawlessly since the repair. No more temperature spikes or warning lights. Just curious, do you recall the total repair cost? Also, has everything stayed problem-free since the fix? Always good to know what to expect long-term with these cooling system repairs.

oskarschulze8

Just checked back here regarding the repair costs, happy to share the details. After taking my 159 to the certified technician, they confirmed the car overheating was mainly due to a defective speed sensor, which was causing the temperature control system to malfunction. Total cost came to 250 Euro for the complete fix. The car radiator and cooling system have worked perfectly since the repair 8 months ago. The fan blade assembly kicks in exactly when it should, maintaining proper engine temperature even during hot weather. No more warning lights or overheating issues whatsoever. Its interesting you had similar problems with your Giulia. These thermal switch and fan issues seem pretty common on these models, but once properly diagnosed and fixed, they tend to stay resolved. The temperature control readings on my dash have remained consistently normal since the repair.

helenaheld9 (Author)

Thanks everyone for the detailed responses. I finally got my Giulia fixed last week after getting a second opinion from a certified shop. The radiator fan motor was indeed the culprit, along with a damaged temperature sensor. Total repair came to 480 Euro including parts and labor. More than expected but worth every cent since the car overheating issues are completely gone. The fan noise is back to normal and engine temperature stays perfectly stable even in stop-and-go traffic. The new mechanic showed me the old fan blades which were pretty worn. They replaced the entire cooling fan assembly and recalibrated the system. No more check engine lights or temperature spikes. Really glad I asked here first, saved me from another potentially costly misdiagnosis. For anyone else facing similar problems, definitely get it checked by someone who knows these cars well. Proper diagnosis makes all the difference with cooling system repairs.

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