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On most modern cars, the cooling fan is controlled by the Engine Control Unit (ECU) which gets a signal from the coolant temperature sensor. If it’s not working, the fan won’t turn on when it needs to, which means the engine might overheat.
Does the thermostat control the radiator fan?
The thermostat is an important tool that your car uses to be properly cooled. If this thermostat doesn’t open when the engine reaches the working temperature, the coolant will stay inside the engine block and the engine will start to overheat. This will result in the radiator fan not working.
When should a radiator fan turn on?
Temperature will often determine the time that a radiator fan starts up. A temperature-sensitive switch functions to turn the fan on and off periodically. Radiator fans are designed to start when the temperature of the engine coolant reaches around 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
What causes radiator fans to turn on?
The radiator fan turns on because the temperature of the engine coolant has risen to a level where a temperature sensor determines air around the radiator is not taking away sufficient heat. To avoid a further rise of temperature, the fan induces air flow.
Why is my radiator fan not coming on?
The most common reasons a radiator fan is not working are luckily due to a blown fuse, bad relay, or a broken wire. It can also be caused by a faulty coolant temp sensor, low coolant level or the fan itself can be damaged.
How do I know if my radiator fan fuse is bad?
These are the most common signs of a faulty radiator fan assembly in need of replacement: Engine Overheating. When the radiator fan isn’t functioning properly, it is not able to adequately cool down the car’s engine. Air Conditioner Function Diminished. Loud Noise Coming From Radiator Fan.
Should my radiator fan always be on?
The engine temperature should trigger the fan to turn on. It will also turn the fan off once the engine has cooled to under 200 degrees. You may have heard of a part called the radiator fan switch or temperature fan switch. This is linked to a thermostat and works much like your home’s HVAC system.
What are the symptoms of a faulty cooling fan switch?
Common signs include engine overheating, the Check Engine Light coming on, and a broken or shorter signal wire.
Can you drive a car if the radiator fan is not working?
As such, you should never drive your vehicle if the cooling fan isn’t working even though you can. If the radiator does not have cool air blowing on it constantly, it will overheat eventually, so you’d need the perfect combination of weather and traffic to drive effectively without a radiator fan.
Why does my engine fan stay on?
It’s normal for some vehicles to have a fan run for a few minutes after the car is shut off, generally to keep the engine cool. It’s possible you may have a module or relay failing in your car. Have a mechanic inspect the electrical portion of your cooling system to be sure it’s running correctly.
How do you know if your thermostat is bad in your car?
One of the first things you will notice is the temperature gauge is higher than normal. It may even start to fluctuate frequently. If you notice the gauge is hovering ¾ of the way from the top, then your thermostat is experiencing damage in the form of overheating. This can soon lead to your engine and car overheating.
Where is the fuse for the radiator fan?
If you don’t see one that says fan or cooling fan, you will need to find the cabin fuse box. This is located in different places, again dependent on the manufacturer and model. Some times it is located behind the glove compartment, sometimes on the lower, left end of the dash board.
How do I know if my radiator fan motor is bad?
Bad Radiator Fan Symptoms Fan Doesn’t Come On. The most common symptom that the radiator fan has gone bad is that it will stop working. Blown Radiator Fan Fuse. Another reason the fan will stop working is if it blows a fuse. Vehicle Overheating. Poor A/C Performance. Whirring Noises.
At what temp does a thermostat open?
Thermostats are rated on the temperature at which they begin to open and allow coolant to flow through. This opening temperature is usually 195 degrees Fahrenheit on cars. As the engine heats up, the thermostat opens more to allow freer coolant flow.
Where is the radiator cooling fan switch located?
The cooling fan switch should be located near the thermostat housing on the left side of the engine, behind the distributor assembly.
What happens when radiator fan doesn’t work?
What happens if the cooling fan stops working? If your cooling fan stops working, your engine could overheat. This could cause damage to your engine parts. It’s a serious issue and needs to be looked at by a garage.
Why did my fan stop working in my car?
If your car’s AC isn’t blowing air, it could be a problem with your car’s fan. Another reason why your car AC fan is not working could be due to your cabin air filter. Cabin air filters serve as a filter to the outside air coming into your car to make sure it is clean and not filled with contaminants.
Why does my car sound like it’s running when I turn it off?
Engine cooling fans and other systems are programmed to keep running in some cars even when the engine is off. Once outside the car, she could hear a fan running in the engine area and asked us if this is normal. It is. And many other sounds from under the hood of a car that has been shut off are also normal.
Can low coolant cause fan to stay on?
Usually, a low coolant will equate to a hotter engine. Therefore, it will activate the fan more often.
How do I know if my thermostat or water pump is bad?
Five Signs Your Water Pump Is Failing Overheating. A dead or dying water pump cannot circulate coolant through your vehicle’s engine and, as such, the engine will overheat. Coolant Leaks. Coolant leaks from the water pump are common and a clear sign that it’s time to replace the pump. Corroded Water Pump. Whining Noises.
How do I know if my water pump is bad in my car?
5 Symptoms of a Failing Water Pump Coolant Leaking. One of the first signs of a potentially faulty water pump is a puddle of coolant on the ground where you’ve parked your car. Rust or Deposit Build-Up. Noise. Overheating. Steam.
