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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.
Can I drive my car if the 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.
What is a symptom of the radiator fan not working?
What happens when a radiator fan stops working? It will cause a loud whirring noise and a stuck open thermostat (which will not allow the engine to reach the average operating temperature). A lousy radiator cooling fan could cause a blown circuit fuse, a malfunctioning relay, and engine overheating.
How much does it cost to fix the fan in your car?
The replacement parts will cost you anywhere from $200 to $400. This includes parts and labor. The labor tends to be around the $80-$90 range for replacing the AC fan, but with some vehicles, it can cost you closer to $120. The price of parts varies based on what kind of car you have as well.
How do I check 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.
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.
How long can you drive without a cooling 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.
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 I know if my car 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.
Can I drive with a broken radiator fan?
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 do I know if my radiator is bad?
Bad Radiator Symptoms: Common Signs that Your Radiator is Failing Overheating engine. A common sign that something is wrong with the radiator is when your engine starts to overheat. Leaks. Shifting issues. Fluid discoloration. Exterior fins blocked. Passenger heater not functioning. Checking the Cooling System. Heater core.
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.
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.
How do I know if my radiator fan relay is bad?
Bad Cooling Fan Relay Symptoms The engine runs hot or overheats. The cooling fans don’t work. The cooling fans keep running. Warning lights. Poor air conditioning performance. Swapping Relays. Measuring the Relay Coil’s Resistance. Listening for Noises.
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.
Can a broken 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. An overheated engine can quickly get ruined and lead to expensive repair bills.
Do you need a fan clutch?
The sole purpose of your engine’s fan system is to cool it down, and without the fan clutch activating, the fan itself cannot turn and keep your engine at the proper temperature for peak performance.
Is radiator fan important?
On a hot day the cooling ability of the radiator is compromised and the cooling fan is essential. When the cooling fan fails the amount of air traveling across the radiator is significantly decreased and the vehicle will overheat.
