Radiators use airflow to cool the engine. The radiator cooling fan is a powerful fan that can create additional airflow when needed.
How does the radiator fan assembly work?
Hot engine coolant is pumped into the radiator when the thermostat opens, and the radiator sends the coolant through a set of coils to be cooled. The radiator uses airflow to cool the radiator coils, and the radiator fan can increase this airflow when the temperature hits a certain point. This process occurs the entire time the engine is running, and prevents the vehicle from overheating.
A failed radiator fan may become very noisy.
A defective radiator fan will cause the engine to overheat, especially when idling and driving in traffic. The A/C may also perform poorly during these driving conditions.
What are the symptoms related to a bad radiator fan assembly?
When the radiator fans stop functioning properly, the engine temperature will rise. The spike in temperature will be highest when the vehicle is idling at a stop, but should subside once the vehicle begins moving again.
Additionally, the air conditioner typically won't blow as cold. This is because the air from the radiator fans also blows across the air conditioning condenser, so when the fans fail, both systems suffer.
You'll also usually see the check engine light and notice a drop in fuel economy. It's possible the fan will start making noise if it's failing, as well.
How often do radiator fan assemblies need to be replaced?
Radiator and air conditioning cooling fans fail, but it doesn't happen often. Most vehicles will never need one replaced. The most frequent causes of failure are collisions or overheating.
How are radiator fan assembly issues diagnosed?
Remember to be safe when dealing with any electrical system or spinning fan blades. The radiator fan should be checked to make sure it is not damaged or obstructed. An electric radiator fan can be connected to a power supply with the correct voltage (typically around 12 volts) to force it to turn on. If the fan doesn't spin with external power being supplied, then the entire fan assembly or at least the motor should be replaced. A radiator fan typically turns on when a specific coolant temperature is reached or if the air conditioning system is turned on. If the fan motor works with a different power source, but doesn't turn on with the air conditioning, at a specific engine temperature, or with another known condition that should start the fan, then the sensors in those systems responsible for sending the signal to turn the fan on should be checked and replaced. The radiator fan's electrical system including relays, fuses, and wiring should also be checked.
If your vehicle is equipped with a mechanical radiator fan, then most likely only the fan clutch needs to be checked and replaced.
How is a radiator fan assembly replaced?
The radiator fan slides out easily on most vehicles. The battery will be disconnected, then the fan connector will be unplugged, and retaining hardware for the upper fan will be removed. Some plastic guards will need to be removed from the undercarriage of the vehicle in order to access any retaining hardware.
Related repair information
If a new fan assembly is required and the engine was overheated, the engine should be checked for internal damage before replacing the fan assembly.
Repairs Related to Radiator Fan Assembly Replacement
