Perhaps you have offended the poor vehicle by calling it a "Ducati".
Are you sure that the fans have failed, because as you may expect, access to the sensor is not easy.
I cannot remember when the fans last operated in anger, on my 2006 2.8jtd.
You mention the temperature gauge moving "like a yo yo". Please be advised that the 2.8jtd has two coolant temperature sensors. One sensor connects to the ECU, which controls the cooling fans. Injection advance is also regulated by the ECU, in accordance with coolant temperature.
The second sensor operates the temperature gauge. It also contains the over temberature warning thermostat, and uses an earth return which is missing on cicuit diagrams.
Earlier this year, I noticed that my temperature gauge was moving directly to normal position when switching on. Obviously wrong.
I prepared to change the appropriate sensor, and gained access. After disconnecting the old sensor, I tried a new sensor with an earth lead added to complete the circuit. Gauge reading was at bottom - OK. On reconnecting original sensor, the reading was still OK, so contact cleaner was applied before replacing various hoses and air filter. No need to drain coolant, and spare sensor on shelf.
Access to both temperature sensors is not easy. I think that the one for the fans etc. via ECU may be the worst.
For access you will need to remove the air filter and housing. This presents the possible problem of the "Ezyclik" hose clips. I prefer to unbolt the inlet from above the radiator, and use "Laser" 4231 swivel pliers on the remaining clips. The first time that I removed the filter housing, the 3 nuts in the bottom were sligtly rusty, and I was at risk of destroying the antivibration mountings. I managed to remove the filter housing complete with metal mounting bracket, so that a second spanner could be used. Stainless steel nuts were used on reassembly.
The next problem is the lower intercooler inlet hose.
See here.
You can now get your head in the air filter space, and have a look. To change either sensor partial system draining will be required, and for the ECU sensor perhaps more hose removal.
For actual sensor location see attached photo, which was supplied to me by a former member. Locate a spot to the vehicle left of the camshaft cover, and above the injector cables. On my vehicle and In a bright light, if I peer in there I can see the gauge sensor, but if I remember correctly the ECU sensor is round the back.
My guage goes up and down like a yo yo and I’ve tried the consul unplugging method which worked for a while. Coolant changed also. Can anybody give me an idea of location or other reasons……..
Ducati……whoops!
