2020 Volvo V60 Radiator Fan Isn't Working

Diagnosing the Causes of a Non-Functional Radiator Fan in Your 2020 Volvo V60 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 2020 Volvo V60 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 2020 Volvo V60 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.

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 2020 Volvo V60?

To effectively diagnose the non-functioning radiator fan in your 2020 Volvo V60, begin with a systematic approach that prioritizes simpler checks before moving on to more complex diagnostics. Start by inspecting the fuse associated with the radiator fan; a blown fuse is a common and easily fixable issue that can halt fan operation. Next, examine the relay that controls the fan, as a faulty relay can prevent it from activating. If these components are functioning, proceed to test the fan motor itself to ensure it operates correctly; if it doesn’t, replacement may be necessary. Additionally, check the temperature sensor, which is vital for triggering the fan when needed, and ensure it is working properly. Don’t overlook the wiring connected to the fan; damaged or loose connections can disrupt its operation. Finally, verify that your coolant levels are adequate, as low coolant can lead to overheating and fan malfunction. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consulting a mechanic or an authorized Volvo service center is recommended for further diagnosis and repair. This methodical approach will help you identify and address the problem efficiently.

What are the common problems that could cause the radiator fan to stop working in a 2020 Volvo V60?

When diagnosing why the radiator fan in a 2020 Volvo V60 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, necessitating a simple fuse replacement to restore functionality. Another potential issue is a malfunctioning temperature sensor, which may fail to signal the fan to activate when the engine reaches a certain temperature. Wiring problems, such as damaged or corroded connections, can also prevent the fan from receiving power, while low coolant levels might inhibit the fan's operation since it relies on coolant to regulate engine temperature. Lastly, a failed fan relay can disrupt the power flow to the fan, causing it to stop working altogether. By systematically checking these components, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the issue with your radiator fan.

How urgent is it to repair the non-functioning radiator fan in a 2020 Volvo V60 to prevent engine overheating?

Repairing a non-functioning radiator fan in a 2020 Volvo V60 is an urgent matter that should not be overlooked. The radiator fan is essential for regulating the engine's temperature by dissipating heat generated during operation. When this component fails, the engine is at risk of overheating, which can lead to severe damage, including warped cylinder heads or a blown head gasket. Such repairs can be extremely costly and time-consuming. Moreover, an overheating engine can leave you stranded, requiring towing services and further inconveniencing your daily routine. The risks are heightened in hot weather or during heavy traffic, where the engine is under increased stress. Therefore, addressing the malfunction promptly not only safeguards your vehicle's integrity but also ensures your safety on the road, making it imperative to act quickly when faced with this issue.

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