2005 Volvo S60 Radiator Fan Isn't Working

Diagnosing the Causes of a Non-Functional Radiator Fan in Your 2005 Volvo S60 and How to Fix It

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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 2005 Volvo S60 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 cause the engine cooling fan to operate improperly, leading to overheating or inadequate engine cooling.
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 2005 Volvo S60 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-functioning radiator fan in my 2005 Volvo S60?

To effectively diagnose the non-functioning radiator fan in your 2005 Volvo S60, start with the simplest checks before moving on to more complex diagnostics. Begin by ensuring that your coolant levels are adequate, as low coolant can directly impact fan operation. Next, inspect the cooling system connections for any loose or disconnected wires, particularly those linked to the fan and the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor. If everything appears connected, utilize Volvo's VIDA/DICE software to scan for any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) that may indicate underlying issues within the cooling system. Following this, test the fan relay, as a malfunctioning relay can prevent the fan from receiving power. If the relay seems functional, ground the appropriate relay pins to see if the fan operates at both high and low speeds, which will help confirm whether the fan and relay are working correctly. Lastly, examine the fan motor for any signs of wear, such as stiff bearings that could hinder the fan's movement. By systematically following these steps, you can accurately identify the cause of the radiator fan's failure and take appropriate action.

What are the common problems that could cause the radiator fan to stop working in a 2005 Volvo S60?

When diagnosing why the radiator fan in a 2005 Volvo S60 has stopped working, it's essential to consider several common problems that could be at play. A blown fuse or a malfunctioning relay is often the first culprit to check, as these components are critical for powering the fan. If these are functioning correctly, the next step is to inspect the fan motor itself, as it may have failed or there could be a wiring issue preventing it from receiving power. Additionally, the fan control module plays a vital role in regulating the fan's operation, and any faults here can lead to erratic behavior or complete failure. Another important aspect to examine is the coolant temperature sensor, which informs the fan when to activate; if this sensor is faulty, it may not trigger the fan as needed. Lastly, ensure that the fan blades are not obstructed by debris, as this can hinder their movement and affect cooling efficiency. By systematically checking these components, DIYers can effectively troubleshoot and resolve radiator fan issues, ensuring optimal performance and preventing potential overheating problems.

How urgent is it to fix the radiator fan in a 2005 Volvo S60 to avoid overheating?

Fixing the radiator fan in a 2005 Volvo S60 is an urgent matter that should not be overlooked. The radiator fan is essential for maintaining the engine's temperature, and any malfunction can lead to severe overheating, which may cause extensive damage to the engine and other critical components. Ignoring symptoms such as unusual noises from the fan, erratic temperature gauge readings, or the engine warning light can escalate into costly repairs and safety hazards. Therefore, if you notice any signs of a failing radiator fan, it is crucial to address the issue immediately to ensure your vehicle operates efficiently and safely, ultimately prolonging its lifespan and preventing more significant problems down the road.

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