VW Polo Radiator Fan Failure Leads to Engine Overheating

Last month I had similar symptoms with my 2004 VW Golf TDI. The engine cooling system was failing, causing overheating during idle and slow speeds. The fan motor was the main culprit, not spinning at the correct speed when the engine temperature rose. The diagnosis revealed two issues: a worn fan motor and damaged fan blade assembly. The temperature control unit was sending correct signals, but the fan motor wasnt responding properly. This is a serious issue that needs immediate attention, as continuous overheating can lead to engine damage. Before the full repair, you can check: If the fan blades spin freely by hand when engine is off, Listen for grinding noise from the fan motor, Check coolant level and look for leaks, Monitor temperature gauge behavior The repair requires: 1. Testing the fan motor electrical connections 2. Removing the radiator shroud 3. Replacing the complete fan assembly 4. Verifying proper operation This isnt a DIY fix for most people. The cooling system is critical, and proper diagnosis with specialized equipment is necessary to prevent engine damage.

Thanks for providing such detailed info about the fan motor and blade assembly issues. I had the exact same problem with my Polo last summer, really worried me when the engine started overheating. I got it fixed right away and the car runs perfectly now. The mechanic did a thorough check of the entire engine cooling system and replaced both parts. My car radiator needed a good flush too since there was some buildup affecting the cooling efficiency. Just curious, how much did your repair end up costing? And have you noticed any other cooling-related problems since getting it fixed? In my experience, these fan issues sometimes point to other underlying problems that might need attention.

Had a good outcome with my Golf repair. The cooling system issues were indeed tied to a faulty speed sensor connected to the fan motor, which ended up costing 250€ to replace. After seeing the mechanic last week, the radiator fan now operates flawlessly at all temperatures. Really glad I got it checked when the fan noise started, prevented any potential engine damage from overheating. The car now maintains proper temperature even in stop-and-go traffic, and the thermal switch activates the fan exactly when needed. No other cooling-related problems since the fix. The mechanic did a thorough inspection of the entire cooling system while it was in the shop, confirming everything else was working correctly. They tested the fan motor operation at different speeds to ensure the repair solved all issues. A properly working cooling system really makes a difference, no more stress about potential overheating when stuck in traffic. Worth every cent for the peace of mind.

Thanks everyone for the helpful replies. Took my Polo to a new mechanic yesterday after getting your advice. Turned out the fan motor was definitely shot, just like you mentioned. They found the bearing was completely worn out, causing the inconsistent spinning. The total repair came to 320€, including a new fan motor and a thorough cooling system inspection. They also cleaned out some debris around the radiator while they were at it. The car runs much cooler now, especially when idling. The mechanic actually showed me the old fan motor, you could see where it was damaged. Really glad I didnt wait any longer to get it fixed. No more temperature warnings on the dash, and the engine cooling is working perfectly now. The whole job took about 3 hours and the car feels like new. Such a relief to have this sorted before any serious engine damage happened. Sometimes finding a trustworthy mechanic really makes all the difference.