2015 Porsche 911 Radiator Fan Not Working

Fixing the Non-Working Radiator Fan in a 2015 Porsche 911

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Reviewed by
Aisha
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 2015 Porsche 911 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 2015 Porsche 911 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 are the steps to diagnose the non-functioning radiator fan in a 2015 Porsche 911?

To effectively diagnose a non-functioning radiator fan in a 2015 Porsche 911, start with a systematic approach that prioritizes simpler checks before delving into more complex diagnostics. Begin by observing any symptoms, such as rising engine temperatures during idling or traffic, which indicate a cooling issue. Next, test the fan's operation by turning on the air conditioning; both fans should activate, providing immediate feedback on their functionality. If the fans do not run, inspect the relevant fuses in the fuse box for any blown fuses, as this is a straightforward fix. Following this, visually examine the fan and its relays for any visible damage or wear, and consider testing the relays with a multimeter or by swapping them with known good ones. If the fan motor itself is suspected to be faulty, connect it directly to a 12-volt power source to check for proper operation. Additionally, ensure the coolant temperature sensor is functioning correctly, as a malfunctioning sensor can prevent the fan from activating. Inspect the wiring for any signs of damage or corrosion, and check the ballast resistor if the fan operates only at high speeds. Finally, confirm that coolant levels are adequate, as low levels can lead to sensor issues. By following this structured diagnostic approach, you can identify the root cause of the radiator fan's failure and take appropriate action to resolve the issue. If the problem persists after these checks, seeking assistance from a professional mechanic may be necessary.

What are the common causes for the radiator fan not working in a 2015 Porsche 911?

When dealing with a non-functioning radiator fan in a 2015 Porsche 911, it's essential to consider several common problems that could be at play. Start by checking for a blown fuse, as this is a simple yet frequent issue that can disrupt the fan's operation. If the fuse appears intact, the next step is to inspect the relays, particularly K4 and K5, located near the fuse panel in the driver's footwell, as these components can fail over time. Additionally, a malfunctioning coolant temperature sensor may prevent the fan from receiving the necessary signals to activate, so testing this sensor with a multimeter can be beneficial. Wiring issues, such as broken or corroded connections, should also be examined, as they can impede the electrical flow to the fan. Furthermore, ensure that coolant levels are adequate, as low levels can lead to sensor malfunctions. If these components check out, consider the fan motor and ballast resistor, as either could be faulty if the fan does not respond to direct power. Lastly, the fan controller module, which regulates the fan's operation, may also be a culprit if it has failed due to environmental factors. By systematically investigating these common causes, DIYers can effectively diagnose and resolve the radiator fan issue in their Porsche 911.

How urgent is it to repair the non-functioning radiator fan in a 2015 Porsche 911 to prevent potential engine damage?

Addressing a non-functioning radiator fan in your 2015 Porsche 911 is critical to prevent severe engine damage. The radiator fan plays a vital role in regulating engine temperature, especially during low-speed driving or idling when natural airflow is insufficient. If the fan fails, the engine can quickly overheat, leading to catastrophic issues such as head gasket failure or damage to the engine block. The fans are designed to activate when the engine temperature exceeds 90-100°C (194-212°F), and if they do not engage, it signals a malfunction that requires immediate attention. Ignoring this problem can result in costly repairs and significantly impact the vehicle's performance and longevity. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose and repair any issues with the radiator fan promptly to ensure the engine remains in optimal condition and to avoid the risk of overheating, particularly in warmer climates or during extended periods of idling.

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2015 Porsche 911 Radiator Fan Issues & Repair Guide