2006 Hyundai Tiburon Radiator Fan Isn't Working

Repair Radiator Fan Not Working in 2006 Hyundai Tiburon

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Reviewed by
Devin Cabugcal
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
34% chance it's the
Fan Motor or Clutch
0%
28% chance it's the
Fan Relay or Fuse
0%
23% chance it's the
Temp Sensor or Fan Control Module
0%
15% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2006 Hyundai Tiburon radiator fan isn't working are the fan assembly, the fan clutch, or the coolant temperature sensor.
  • Fan Motor or Clutch: A faulty fan motor or a malfunctioning fan clutch can result in inadequate cooling, causing the engine to overheat.
  • Fan Relay or Fuse: A faulty fan relay or blown fuse can prevent the cooling fan from operating, leading to engine overheating.
  • Temp Sensor or Fan Control Module: A faulty temperature sensor or fan control module can result in incorrect readings, causing the engine to overheat or the cooling fan to operate improperly.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 2006 Hyundai Tiburon radiator fan isn't working?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

Over time serpentine belts stretch, crack, and the ribs that ride on the accessory pulleys being to wear smooth. A squealing noise that increases with engine speed or as engine driven accessories are turned on may be noted. The noise is caused by the belt slipping on the pulleys, insufficiently driving them. Ineffective air conditioning, a battery warning light, or intermittent power steering assist can result from this.

»MORE: Symptoms of a bad serpentine belt

The bad thermostat can cause two different sets of problems, depending on whether it's stuck open or stuck closed.

A thermostat that is stuck open can cause the engine to run colder than normal and turn on the check engine light. It may also cause poor fuel mileage and the heater to blow cool air.

A thermostat that is stuck closed will cause the vehicle to overheat. If a new thermostat doesn't resolve engine temperature problems, the cooling system needs to be checked for other issues.

» LEARN MORE: Signs of a bad thermostat, and how to fix it

When the engine coolant temperature sensor fails, it will send inaccurate information to the vehicle’s computer, causing the computer to react to false operating conditions. This will cause the engine to consume more fuel than normal, depleting fuel mileage, and causing black, sooty smoke from the engine under moderate to heavy acceleration. The check engine light will illuminate, and on-board diagnostic trouble codes may be stored for exhaust and emission system failure, fuel delivery system failure, and engine cooling system failure. Overheating may also occur, as the coolant sensor may be leaking fluid out of the engine, creating a an air pocket in the system.

What steps should I take to diagnose the non-working radiator fan in my 2006 Hyundai Tiburon?

To effectively diagnose a non-working radiator fan in your 2006 Hyundai Tiburon, start by ensuring the engine has reached its operating temperature, as the fan is designed to activate only when the coolant reaches a specific threshold. If the fan remains inactive, proceed to test the fan directly by connecting it to a 12-volt power source; if it spins, the issue likely lies within the electrical system rather than the fan itself. Next, inspect the fuses and relays associated with the cooling fan circuit, replacing any blown fuses and swapping relays to check for faults. Utilize a multimeter to verify power and ground at the fan motor connector, ensuring that the wiring is intact and that there are no breaks or shorts. Additionally, assess the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor, as a malfunctioning sensor may fail to send the correct signal to the Engine Control Module (ECM). Finally, run a systematic test by allowing the engine to reach operating temperature and turning on the air conditioning; if the fan activates under these conditions, it may indicate an issue with the temperature sensor or the ECM's signal to the fan relay. Always prioritize safety by ensuring the engine is cool before beginning any diagnostic work. By following this structured approach, you can effectively identify the root cause of the radiator fan issue and take appropriate action to resolve it.

What are the common problems that could cause the radiator fan to stop working in a 2006 Hyundai Tiburon?

When troubleshooting the radiator fan issues in a 2006 Hyundai Tiburon, it's essential to understand the common problems that could lead to fan failure. One of the primary culprits is a faulty radiator fan relay, which is responsible for sending the power signal to the fan. If this relay is defective, the fan won't operate, so testing it by swapping with a similar relay can help diagnose the issue. Another frequent problem is a bad radiator fan motor; if the motor is malfunctioning, it won't spin even when power is supplied, leading to engine overheating. Additionally, blown fuses or damaged fusible links in the fan circuit can disrupt power flow, preventing the fan from functioning. The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor also plays a crucial role, as it signals the Engine Control Module (ECM) to activate the fan based on temperature readings. If the sensor is faulty or the wiring is compromised, the fan may not turn on. Grounding issues can further complicate matters, as poor connections can inhibit fan operation. Lastly, while less common, problems with the ECM itself can prevent it from sending the correct signals to the fan relays. By systematically checking these components, you can effectively identify and resolve the issues affecting your radiator fan.

How urgent is it to repair the non-functioning radiator fan in a 2006 Hyundai Tiburon?

Repairing the non-functioning radiator fan in a 2006 Hyundai Tiburon is not just a matter of convenience; it is a pressing safety concern that demands immediate attention. A malfunctioning radiator fan can lead to severe engine overheating, which poses a significant risk of catastrophic engine damage, including warped cylinder heads and cracked engine blocks. This situation can render your vehicle undrivable, especially in hot weather, as the engine will continuously overheat, risking complete engine failure. Furthermore, the efficiency of the entire cooling system is compromised without a functioning radiator fan, leading to hot coolant that fails to regulate engine temperature effectively. This inefficiency not only jeopardizes the engine's health but can also impact the performance of the air conditioning system, as both the radiator and AC fans typically operate in tandem. Therefore, it is crucial to diagnose and repair any issues with the radiator fan promptly, as delaying this repair can result in more extensive and costly damage, making it imperative for DIY enthusiasts to prioritize this task for the longevity and safety of their vehicle.

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2006 Hyundai Tiburon Radiator Fan Issues & Repairs