Engine fan running in cold conditions.

[oldmisery]

I own a 2010 reg. Fiesta disel.
Yesterday, after a run of six miles, when switching the engine off the fan continued to run on for five minutes or more.
I thought the fan came on when overheating. Surely in the current climate conditiond this would be the last thing to happen. or is this a sign of a malfunction.
Any advice please.

[ChuckFickens]

Was your radiator grill blocked with snow by any chance?

[Hopkirk]

What did the temperature gauge show when you were driving?

If the radiator had frozen up, the engine would be overheating.

[chas2008]

it regulates the engine temp. it doesnt just come on when its overheating (which it shouldnt be) Was the 6 miles journey a slow one ? could be there wasnt enough air flowing through the rad which is when the fan kicks in to compensate.

[chas2008]

unlikely to be frozen on a 10 plate vehicle,

[chas2008]

or 60 plate

[Hopkirk]

Yes sorry, I have an S plate Fiesta, so my mind worked in that direction.

If anything overcooling is the problem there. There is no chance of the fan cutting in with the current weather.

[oldmisery]

Chuck, I checked the radiator grill and was all clear.

Hopkirk, the econetic model is a bit short on intrumentation, like a temperature gauge, but no warning lights came on.

chas2008, the last one and a half miles were slow driving but no difference to speeds and conditions on the previous day.

Many thanks for your answers. I think a trip to Evans Halshaw is in order whilst under warranty.

A Merry Christmas to you all, and to keep up with my pseudonym oldmisery "HUMBUG".

p.s. I can spell diesel.(oops!)

[R1Geezer]

does this happen normally? ie many cars run the fan after the engine is turned off, outside temperature makes no difference to normal coolant running temperature.

[oldmisery]

R1Geezer, No, this is the first time the problem has manifested itself. I have driven the car locally today and could not replicate the conditions, it being some eight degrees warmer.Coolant levels are ok, so may wait for the next cold snap due this coming week.

[chas2008]

I wouldnt worry about it to much, i drive an astra and the fan on that cuts in and out at odd times (no temp gauge either) just bear in mind these things are controlled by the engine ECU/ECM (vehicle computer) which takes into account many different readings from various components unlike the old days with just a sensor in the stat housing/top hose.