Diagnosing a fan clutch which does not function properly is different for mechanically actuated clutches verses electronically actuated clutches. Mechanically actuated clutches are diagnosed by their inability to maintain proper fan speed during operation, and the amount of tension required to turn the fan while the engine is stopped. This is the same for an electrically actuated fan clutch, except the fan clutch switch and relay will need to be tested for proper operation before declaring the clutch faulty. If the fan clutch switch or fan clutch relay is not activating the fan clutch, the fan clutch can seem as though it requires replacement, when, in fact, it is not receiving power.
How are Radiator Fan Clutches replaced?
Replacing the radiator fan clutch requires that the fan be disconnected from the fan clutch, and this means the fan will need to be locked or held in position to loosen all fasteners. Once the fasteners for the fan are removed, the fan clutch will either be removed with the fan drive shaft, or pulled from the drive shaft if it is not replaced as an assembly. For electronically actuated fan clutches, the fan clutch will be disconnected from the electrical connector as well, and the connector will be cleaned with electrical parts cleaner before reassembly. Assembly is the reverse order of disassembly, and the repair must be verified by warming the engine and checking the operation of the radiator cooling fan and clutch assembly.
RepairPal Recommendations for Radiator Fan Clutch issues
We recommend checking the operation of the coolant temperature sensor prior to replacing the fan clutch assembly. If the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is faulty, it may be reading too low or too high, and the fan clutch may be operating properly according the actual temperature of the engine. This check could be done by comparing an infrared reading of the thermostat housing temperature, and comparing that temperature to the engine temperature gauge.
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What to look out for when dealing with Radiator Fan Clutch issues
Never touch a fan while the engine is running. Especially if the fan clutch is permanently seized, the fan will be spinning at the same speed of the engine, with the full power of the engine behind it. This can easily cut or maim a hand or arm. Also, never wear loose clothing while leaning over the engine compartment. If loose clothing becomes trapped in the fan, the fan will pull the clothing and the wearer of that clothing into the fan.
Can I replace the Radiator Fan Clutch myself?
This is not a difficult repair or diagnosis, but for electronic fans a complete understanding of the fan circuit and controller is necessary to identify the cause of failure. If the clutch must be removed from the fan drive shaft, a specialty puller will need to be used, but this is normally not the case. Great precaution should be taken while working around the engine fan, and the battery should be disconnected to render the engine incapable of starting.
Radiator Fan Clutch Replacement Cost Estimates
The average cost for a Radiator Fan Clutch Replacement is between $350 and $567 but can vary from car to car.