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The fan relay is usually located near the bottom of the engine compartment on a metal frame member. The metal acts as a heat sink to keep the fan relay cool. So, unplug the connector at the relay and repeat the check for power.
What happens when a fan relay fails?
A faulty or broken relay cannot deliver power to the cooling fans. In turn, the unpowered fans won’t run, leaving the radiator to its own devices. Deprived of the helpful influx of air from the cooling fans, the radiator cannot remove as much heat as it usually does.
Where is the cooling fan module located?
The cooling fan control module in your vehicle is located at the front left of the engine compartment next to the radiator.
How much does a fan relay cost?
To get your cooling fan relay replaced, you will pay, on average, $80-$160, depending on the type of car you have and the mechanic’s fees. The labor should cost around $70, while parts should run you $10-$50.
What causes a radiator fan not to work?
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.
What causes cooling fan not to work?
ELECTRIC COOLING FAN PROBLEMS Defective temperature switch, coolant sensor or other sensor. Engine thermostat is stuck OPEN (engine never gets hot enough to turn on the fan) Faulty fan relay. A wiring problem (blown fuse, loose or corroded connector, shorts, opens, etc.).
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.
What causes a fan relay to burn out?
If overvoltage is applied to the coil, the coil’s insulating film will be destroyed, and short-circuiting will cause high temperature. The color of the coil will change, and the resin around the coil will melt.
When I turn off my car the fan keeps running?
It is ok for the engine cooling fan to keep running for a few minutes after turning off the car. Your car fan will run for a few minutes after you turn off the car then turn it off. When the engine is turned off, the coolant doesn’t circulate, and the heat stays trapped, therefore prolonging the engine from cooling.
What controls the radiator fan?
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 ECM control the engine fan?
Electric fans generally are controlled by a relay, which in turn is controlled by the Engine Control Module (ECM). The inputs the ECM uses to turn the fans on are different for an A/C request and would make this test invalid.
How do you test a cooling fan module?
The quickest way to tell whether or not the electric fan(s) are working is to start the engine. Then, let it reach normal operating temperature and then turn the A/C on. The cooling fan in the engine compartment, should turn on to pull air through the radiator and A/C condenser.
What causes a relay to fail?
In fact, the life of a relay is essentially determined by the life of its contacts. Degradation of contacts is caused from high in-rush currents, high- sustained currents, and from high voltage spikes. Relays can also fail due to poor contact alignment and open coils.
Can AutoZone test a relay?
When it’s time to swap out your faulty relays, AutoZone has the solution to upgrade your vehicle without breaking the bank. After conducting a simple electrical test, you can indicate if you need to replace an ignition relay.
Can I drive without a radiator 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.
Does the thermostat control the radiator fan?
The thermostat opens and closes when there is a need to. How it works is simple. When the temperatures outside are cold the thermostat stays closed and the coolant stays in the engine. When the coolant reaches the working temperature the thermostat opens and the coolant circulates through the cooling system.
What causes a relay to overheat?
The only reason a DC relay would overheat is that it’s being run above its rated voltage. An AC relay, on the other hand, draws a variable current. Initially, when it’s open, the inductance is low so the current is high.
Is it possible to short out a relay?
Relay Safety Relay testing is a simple process, but don’t skip out on safety. The wrong relay can cause a short or a power surge that can damage your vehicle’s electrical system. Handle the relay gingerly and try to avoid dropping it. If the relay is damaged internally, it can cause burning or melting of wiring.
