How can I tell if my radiator fan is working?
How to Check a Radiator Fan
- Determine whether your radiator fan is manual or electric.
- To check an electric radiator fan, start the car and let it get up to the temperature where the fan normally kicks on.
- Use the volt meter to test if there is power to the wires.
- Normal voltage for a radiator fan is around 12 volts.
Are radiator fans supposed to turn on and off?
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.
Do radiator fans always run?
Both radiator fans should always run when the coolant temperature sensor in the bottom tank of the radiator reaches about 212*F. 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.
How do radiator fans turn on?
A mechanical fan is connected to the engine directly by drive pulleys. This type of radiator fan is controlled by a thermal fan clutch that senses radiator heat. After sensing the heat temperature, the radiator fan turns on when the engine is running at a higher temperature.
Why does my radiator fan not turn on?
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.)
What to do if radiator fan is not working?
If the fan doesn’t come on, you need to look for a blown fuse or breaker. In older cars, you might have a fusible link – this is wire within an insulated block of rubber. Try to grab the end and stretch it. If the wire stretches, the wire link could be broken and you’ll need to replace it.
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.
How do you test a radiator fan motor?
Unplug the fan connector closest to the fan. Make up some jumper cables. Then connect them directly, from the battery to the fan motor, to see if it spins. Consequently, if it does not spin it is blown.
At what temperature does the radiator fan turn on?
about 200 degrees Fahrenheit
What does a bad radiator fan sound like?
What does a bad radiator fan sound like? In some cases, when your radiator cooling fan clutch fails, it will develop a whirring or clicking noise. The noise could result from a bearing that is out of place or a bent fan blade that is touching other components.
How long do radiator fans last?
between eight and ten years
Is a radiator fan expensive?
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. If the fan fails to bring in cool air to the engine, you could cause severe damage to the motor as it overheats.
Can a bad 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.
How often should radiator fan come on?
Most fans should come on when the coolant reaches about 200 to 230 degrees. An electric fan SHOULD NOT run all the time. A mechanical fan WILL spin as long as the engine is running, but it will only ‘lock up’ when needed.
Why does my radiator fan stay on?
Cooling fans stay on at all times If the cooling fans are staying on at all times, this is another (less common) symptom of a possible problem with the cooling fan relay. If the relay shorts internally, it may cause power to be permanently switched on, which will cause the fans to run at all times.