Renault Clio 1.2 16v Fan problems

Hi everyone, I have a 2001 Renault Clio 1.2 16-valve with air conditioning, and it was running perfectly. But one day it overheated, or a little more than usual, which seemed strange to me. Since the coolant level was low, I thought it might have run out of water and air might have gotten in, so I downloaded the Renault Clio manual. I bled the cooling system, and it turned out to be the fan. But after a while, it started overheating again, and I thought it might be a leak and that's why it was overheating. But one day it got extremely hot, and when I checked the coolant level, it was fine. So I'm guessing the problem is my fan not turning on. I've even left the engine running until the car reached a sufficient temperature, and it still doesn't budge. I have no idea how to access the thermostat, as I think that's the culprit. If anyone can help me, I'd really appreciate it. I've been racking my brains for a few days now. I don't know where to begin anymore.

If the fan isn't starting, the first thing you should do is test it to see if it's broken. This is simple: just apply direct current to the fan using two wires, one positive and one negative, from the battery to the fan. Once you've verified it's working, check the rest. Don't replace or remove anything beforehand. Checking the thermostat is easy: touch the upper radiator hose and then the lower one. Both should be at a similar temperature, not one cold and one hot. After driving for a while, the thermostat will open when the needle on your temperature gauge is roughly in the middle. Check the fuses, as one might be blown. If everything is okay, bypass the thermostat to see if the fans turn on. If you have any questions, ask us.

Thank you so much. Today I tested the fan with the wires and it worked. I also tested the thermostat, and at first the upper radiator hose was hot and the lower one cold, but shortly after, both became hot. I think the thermostat is a part that has a spring and a fuse separate in the same piece that fits inside the radiator. I bypassed it as you said, but nothing happened. Back then, the first thing I checked were the fuses, but I didn't look closely. Today I looked more carefully and noticed two fuses with a radiator symbol. I replaced them, even though they seemed fine. Finally, the fan started working. I think it was the fuse. On another note, I wanted to ask you a couple of things:
1- The thermostat is inside the radiator, right? It's a part that has a resistor, right?
Like a spring and a kind of fuse in the same piece?
2- I think the car's fan is taking longer to start; I mean, the temperature gauge is getting hotter than before. Could this be due to overheating? Or maybe I'm just being overly concerned? Perhaps changing the thermostat, if it's not too difficult, would put my mind at ease.
Thank you so much for your advice; you've solved my problem.

First, I'm glad I solved your problem. Second, Renaults operate at a temperature slightly above 90 degrees Celsius. This can vary depending on the temperature sensor you install. Now, regarding your questions, the thermostat is NOT located in the radiator; it's in the water inlet and outlet. It's a spring that opens at the correct temperature, allowing hot water to flow to the radiator. It doesn't have a built-in fuse. The thermostat isn't visible from the outside; you have to disassemble it to see it. The temperature sensor is located in the radiator, and it functions as a thermal resistor. It's calibrated in degrees Celsius, and the fan will start working according to the set temperature. If you wish, you can install a sensor with a lower temperature setting so the fan starts sooner and the temperature gauge doesn't rise as high. The overheating may have damaged your engine, as the head gasket is very sensitive to overheating. Changing thermostats isn't difficult; just make sure the one you buy opens at the same temperature as the one you have. And if it's a good brand, you'll save money in the end.