2007 Jeep Liberty Radiator Fan Isn't Working

Diagnosing the Causes of a Non-Functional Radiator Fan in Your 2007 Jeep Liberty and How to Fix It

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Reviewed by
Andrew Hajjar
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 2007 Jeep Liberty 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 2007 Jeep Liberty 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 first indication of a defective fan clutch is a healthy cooling system that runs below or above the normal temperature range. This is due to the fan running too fast or too slow. Also, a seized cooling fan will cause a loud roaring fan noise from under the hood every time the accelerator is pressed, and the engine will feel as if it lacks power. In this situation it would be very difficult to turn the engine cooling fan by hand, of course when the vehicle is off. Finally, if the clutch fails the fan will either turn very slowly, and not respond well to engine speed.

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.

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.

What steps should I take to diagnose the non-functioning radiator fan in my 2007 Jeep Liberty?

To effectively diagnose the non-functioning radiator fan in your 2007 Jeep Liberty, start with a systematic approach that prioritizes simpler checks before moving on to more complex diagnostics. Begin by inspecting the fuse associated with the radiator fan; a blown fuse is a common and easily fixable issue that can halt fan operation. If the fuse is intact, proceed to examine the relay, which controls the power supply to the fan. A malfunctioning relay may require replacement to restore functionality. Next, test the fan motor directly by applying power to it; if it fails to operate, the motor itself may need to be replaced. Additionally, check the temperature sensor, as a faulty sensor can prevent the fan from activating when needed. Ensure that all wiring and connections are secure and free from damage, as compromised wiring can disrupt the fan's operation. Finally, utilize a diagnostic tool to scan for any error codes related to the cooling system, which can provide insights into specific issues affecting the fan. By following this structured diagnostic approach, you can efficiently identify and address the underlying problems with your radiator fan.

What are the common problems that could cause the radiator fan to stop working in a 2007 Jeep Liberty?

When diagnosing why the radiator fan in a 2007 Jeep Liberty has stopped working, it's essential to consider several common problems that could be at play. A faulty fan motor is often the primary culprit; if the motor fails, the fan will be unable to spin, leading to inadequate cooling of the radiator. Additionally, a blown fuse can interrupt the power supply to the fan, rendering it inoperative. Another potential issue is a faulty relay, which is responsible for sending power to the fan motor; if this component malfunctions, the fan will not function as intended. The coolant temperature sensor is also critical, as it regulates when the fan should activate; a malfunctioning sensor may fail to trigger the fan, resulting in overheating. Lastly, wiring issues, such as damaged or corroded connections, can prevent the fan from receiving the necessary power. By systematically checking these components, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the issue of a non-functioning radiator fan in your Jeep Liberty.

How urgent is it to repair the non-working radiator fan in a 2007 Jeep Liberty to avoid engine overheating?

When it comes to the urgency of repairing a non-working radiator fan in a 2007 Jeep Liberty, the consequences of neglecting this issue cannot be overstated. The radiator fan is essential for regulating the engine's temperature by ensuring that the radiator remains cool. If the fan fails, the engine is at a high risk of overheating, which can lead to severe mechanical failures such as blown head gaskets or damaged pistons. These repairs can be incredibly costly and may even result in complete engine failure if the problem is not addressed in a timely manner. Additionally, an overheating engine can compromise vehicle performance and pose significant safety risks, especially if the engine were to fail while driving. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize the repair of the radiator fan to maintain the vehicle's reliability and prevent more extensive damage. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to cooling system issues are key to ensuring the longevity of your Jeep Liberty and safeguarding against potential hazards on the road.

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2007 Jeep Liberty Radiator Fan Not Working: Causes & Repairs