Fans not working, temp dial not changing

[dooves]

Hi,

Currently have a 02 plate Galaxy. Ever since it was brought the temperature gague has always gone straight to 90 and never moves from there until the engine is turned off.

Along with this the fans also do not seem to be kicking in either. after looking under the bonet, seems there is browning on the top of the engine so could have been going on for a very long time. also there is some type of mesh on the bonet cover that would sit above the engine and this has basically burned through over time.

You can generally smell that the car is over heating and the fear is that although it is generally running ok ish, i can only guess this will eventual end badly

I was wandering if this would point to anything common or specific that can be fixed pretty straight forwardly or is this something thats going to cost proabably more that the car is worth.

thanks
Dave

[johnnyroper]

Start with basics like coolant level and circulation do all hoses and rad get hot?
Also bridge temp switch in rad out see if fan will run.

[dooves]

Sorry for the newbie question, but how does one bridge the temp switch on this car?

[johnnyroper]

Unplug it from radiator and use a piece of wire across the terminals,there should be a common and then 1 terminal for slow speed and one for fast speed. You will need ignition on to do it