Fuse box is right beside the brake booster, under the hood next to the fender, driver's side. One wire spring clip holds it closed. Under the cover are the fuses and about six sheet metal or plastic square or rectangular boxes that plug into the base. These are the relays -- a solenoid operated by a small switch (temp sensor, AC pressure switch). The solenoid pulls a contactor together that switches something with high current draw (like the cooling fan or the electric windows) that would burn up the switch in short order.

Yours is stuck down, causing the fan to run all the time. The power to the swtich is shut off by the ignition switch, so it's a stuck relay.

Thumping on them with a screwdriver handle will often make them let go, but you need to replace the bad one anyway, as it will certainly stick again. Big hassle having to disconnect the battery at a fancy party in a cocktail dress and heels, I'm sure!

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!