Engine Fire in my 300c - Connector Question?

Norp · Jan 13, 2018

Today my 2013 AWD 300c caught fire. Smoke started pouring out of my front end and I raised the hood to see flames and burning plastic isolated to the large connector (see Picture) that goes to the red and black wire that goes to the fan motor. Luckily I borrowed a fire extinguisher from a close by store and was able to put it out quickly.

The Whole connector in the picture was on fire and the fire spread to various "plastic areas" which melted. Especially on top of the fan cowling above the connector.

What is this connector? I suspect this connector somehow shorted or malfunctioned and caused the fire. Only 2 wires come out the connector going to the fan motor but a much thicker cable goes into the connector.

Any advice would be appreciated regarding similar fires? And any info on what all is inside this connector in the picture. All the yellowish color you see is leftover powder from the fire extinguisher.

I was able to drive the car home (only 5 miles which I know that was stupid to do..) and surprisingly the radiator fan is turning even though the connector is mostly melted. No new fire. Car made it home fine. I intend to have it towed to the dealer on monday.

DESIREE · Jan 14, 2018

That is the connector for the radiator fan to the rest of the car. A wire harness runs around the back side of the fan mounting frame and terminates at the top right corner where the wiring harness from the car plugs into it. The connector may have had a loose connection or corrosion within, or the fans were drawing too much current causing overheating within the connection, and the fire. The harness on the fan mounting frame is commonly reused with a new fan assembly so keep that in mind should you elect to replace the fan assembly. Alternatively you could cut the connectors off of the existing harnesses and hardwire the ends with an adequately sized splice.

Of course there is always the stealership alternative!

Good luck!

PS - Use a dielectric grease when reassembling the connection so as to seal out any possible corrosion.

Torian · Jan 15, 2018

Are you running a tune that in any way modified factory fan/thermostat function?

DESIREE · Jan 15, 2018

Good question, especially since upstate New York has been extremely cold as of late.

Norp · Jan 16, 2018

Thanks for the help!

No Tune on the car, everything is stock.

Upon closer inspection it looks as though the fire started behind the radiator fan connector where the wire harness splits and goes to the horn, the hood latch sensor and the temp sensor. Those wires are all melted together but I can't be sure where it started.

I hit a deer last year and everything on my front end was replaced. Most likely they reused those wires with all the new parts but something might have been kinked or damaged but it didn't show and it took a while to short out. I'm just guessing of course.

I'm gonna do an insurance claim so it's only going to cost me the deductible. Lots of melted plastic and baked wire insulation so I suspect they will be replacing a lot. I figure the insurance is the best way to go.

Engine Fire in my 300c - Connector Question?

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