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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.
How can I tell if my radiator fan is working?
A simple way to check if the radiator fan is working is to start your engine and turn the air-conditioning system (A/C) to the maximum speed. If the fan is spinning, then it means that the fan motor, fuse, wiring, and relay are all working properly.
What causes the radiator fan to come 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.
Should radiator fan turn on when AC is on?
When the AC compressor is activated, it is actually expected that the radiator fan runs. For instance, the radiator fan is needed when the temperature sensor of the cooling fluid in the lower tank reaches approximately 212F.
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 are my radiator fans not turning 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 often should cooling fan come on?
Most fans should come on when the coolant reaches about 200 to 230 degrees. If the fan does not come on, something in the control circuit is defective.
What if the radiator fan turns on only when the AC is on but overheats when is off?
Most likely the temperature sensor that operates the fan under normal circumstances is faulty. The AC controls may operate the fan from a place in the control circuit after the normal temp sensor so everything is OK when the AC is on. Also the Fan may be on continuously when the AC is operating.
Should fan be on auto or on?
Keeping your fan on AUTO is the most energy-efficient option. The fan only runs when the system is on and not continuously. There is better dehumidification in your home during the summer months. When your fan is set to AUTO, moisture from cold cooling coils can drip and be drained outside.
Does the engine fan always run?
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 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.
How long can you drive without a radiator fan?
Typically, you would be alright for the first 5–7 miles or about 2.5 minutes which is when the thermostat opens up and you can get heat. At that point turn your heater on fully, which will help cool the coolant. As long as you drive around 40 MPH then the engine should stay within a safe temp range.
Can a car run on one fan?
Yes, of course. But, the engine might get a little hot, and it isn’t a good idea to continue to do so without getting the other fan (or two) repaired or replaced… If there is more than one fan, there is a reason for it.
How can you tell if a fan fuse is blown?
Look at the fuse wire. If there is a visible gap in the wire or a dark or metallic smear inside the glass then the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.
How do you know if your radiator fan switch is bad?
The best way to tell if your cooling switch is faulty is to listen to your engine while you drive. You know how your engine is supposed to sound, and if you notice that you don’t hear the fan as often as you normally do during your afternoon commute, you might have a failing switch.
How do I know if my radiator fan motor is bad?
What are the signs of a bad radiator fan? Fan not coming on. The most common bad cooling fan relay symptom is that the cooling fan will not come on. Blown radiator fan fuse. Temperature warning light. Poor A/C performance. Vehicle Overheating. A loud whirring Noise. FAQs.
Does temperature sensor turn on fan?
The temperature that’s being given off by the thermostat is what the sensor works on. The on-board control system gets the temperature. The cooling fan may be turned on or off when the control system receives the temperature from the CTS.
Can a compressor run without a fan?
Can I run my central air without the outside fan unit working? – Quora. The outside fan is the condensing unit. If the fan is not running it will not be able to remove the heat. This is a big no no, and you could fail the compressor and other components.
