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The radiator fan (or fans) pulls cooling air through the car’s radiator. Positioned between the radiator and engine, cooling fans are particularly helpful when the car is stationary or moving at speeds too slow to force air through the grille. A failed cooling fan can result in an engine overheating.
How do I know if my radiator fan 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 radiator fan always on?
It’s supposed to turn on before the engine overheats. The fan shouldn’t run constantly, but it is supposed to switch on at a specific temperature (the exact temperature varies from car to car, as different engines have different operating temperatures) to cool the engine down before it gets dangerously hot.
Does radiator fan affect AC?
The radiator fan pulls air through the condenser, which removes the heat vapor of the refrigerant inside. If the radiator fan fails, it will affect the AC performance.
Can a radiator work without a fan?
Yes, technically your engine does not need a cooling fan to operate. 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.
What happens when a cooling fan goes bad?
If the cooling fan motor fails, the blades don’t spin and they don’t generate air flow. At that point, the engine temperature continues to climb until your engine overheats. Once your engine overheats, you get other warning lights to come on indicating the problem.
What happens if car radiator fan is not working?
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.
When should my radiator fan kick on?
Your radiator fan should kick in at about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. If you notice your vehicle is overheating or at the very least running hotter than it normally does, listen for the fan to see if you can hear it.
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.
Should radiator fan turn on when AC is off?
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.
How much does it cost to replace a radiator fan?
The average radiator fan replacement cost is typically between $550 and $650. In many cases, the radiator fan will cost around $400 to $450, while the labor adds $150 to $200. However, some vehicles can be more expensive, depending on the design.
Why does my engine fan sound so loud?
Mechanical clutch driven fans are more likely to produce excessive fan noise, usually due to a worn clutch inside the fan assembly. Worn bearings, bent or broken blades, and unbalanced rotating assemblies can cause a fan to screech, howl, or otherwise make noises it shouldn’t.
Can radiator fan cause overheating?
Engine overheating: A bad radiator fan can cause the engine to overheat, especially at low speeds. If your car starts overheating, pull off the road as quickly as you safely can and turn off the engine.
Can you drive with a bad radiator fan?
Can You Drive With A Bad Fan Motor? It is never a good idea to drive with a faulty radiator fan. In the event that the fan fails to circulate cool air to the engine, it could cause severe damage to the motor as it overheats. A bad radiator fan will cost you more than replacing the engine, which is much less expensive.
How far can you drive without a fan?
Technically, as far as GM is concerned, as long as you are above 20 mph, you don’t need a fan. The ram air from driving into it provides enough cooling. Below 20 mph is a different story. One fan will probably get you by if you only hit stop signs.
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.
Why does my fan come on as soon as I start my car?
If the fan comes on, you may have a bad temperature sensor or gauge. 2. A cooling fan temperature switch (or sensor, in some vehicles) can also get stuck, which may cause the fan to run continuously any time you turn the ignition key on or start the engine. Troubleshoot the switch.
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.
Why do my radiator fans only work with AC?
The most likely culprits are a thermostatic switch, fan resistor, temperature switch, low-speed or high-speed relay, or a wiring issue. When the vehicle has the AC on, the engine needs extra help cooling so the ECU commands the fan to be on any time the AC is on.
