Click to see full answer. Depending on the wiring setup of the vehicle, this may cause them to stay on even when the vehicle is off, which will drain the battery. Your radiator fan should kick in at about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Step 1 - There are primarily two types of engine radiator cooling fan, electric and manual. As andyl says, Fuse F35 provides power to the Engine Cooling Unit & Fan. Never seen the fan kick in on my 1.7 and I was bleeding the cooling system at the time and then decided to see if it would kick in, waited 45 Ish minutes after the blessing was done still no fan and the fuse and relays are fine, ( I know the thermo opens at 93c only ever seen the engine get to that temp once) If you don’t hear your fan turning on, don’t assume that’s the case, however, and rush out to the auto parts store to buy a new one. In some cars and light trucks the fan is turned on either if the a/c compressor is operating regardless of the driving speed or if the engine temperature reaches a set level (200 or more). Several symptoms may point to a bad or failing thermo coolant fan switch. The engine temperature should trigger the fan to turn on. If it does kick in then your low speed fan resistor has failed. If your fan isn’t running, or it doesn’t turn on until it’s too late, it’s best to have the radiator system inspected. Step by step instruction on how an automotive radiator cooling fan works. Faster fans move more air, but slower fans are much quieter. When it's cool enough i just turn it off and roll the windows down for awhile. Will insurance cover a stolen catalytic converter? Most fans should come on when the coolant reaches about 200 to 230 degrees. You may have heard of a part called the radiator fan switch or temperature fan switch. This article pertains to all vehicles. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies as described in … Hey All, Can someone answer for me: [2002 Focus SE wagon, 2.0 Zetec] I'm having an engine overheating issue, and cooling fans are not turning on (I think). Turn ignition back on, do not start the engine. The grille cannot draw enough air through most of the time, which is why you have a radiator fan. Likewise, why does my radiator fan turn on and off? The second is the fan switch itself, the sensor which tells the relay when to activate the fan. Also know, are radiator fans supposed to run all the time? My cooling fan starts immediately when I start the car even though it is cold and stays on until the engine is shut off. Both radiator fans should always run when the AC compressor is engaged. If the relay shorts internally, it may cause power to be permanently switched on, … It may cause the fan to cut in and out, or not … It is not constant on, it runs at high speed (full blast) for about 3 seconds and then off. Temperature will often determine the time that a radiator fan starts up. Even when engine cold. No Whirring Noise from the Engine Bay. The average cost for a radiator fan motor replacement is between $634 and $789. Can you serve someone by email in California? The cooling fan should come on immediately or within the next couple of minutes. If there’s an issue with the relay, the fan will be affected. You may have noticed your vehicle’s grille has holes or slats in it that open directly into the engine. Cooling fans stay on at all times. When adjusting your fan speeds you must make sure that, at … The coolant may not be moving due to a water pump problem, blockage in the radiator or hoses, or a stuck valve, i.e., the “thermostat” in the coolant line. This will require a wiring diagram. I will of course check to see if the radiator fan comes on when i start the car in the morning when cold to rule anything else out ( as i've never know of a radiator cooling fan to come on when engine cold ) The cooling unit seems to have 3 relays in it, feeding the fan motor via a resistor pack, presumably to give 3 different speeds. If you can’t and it doesn’t turn on eventually, Doc Motor Works can repair or replace it to keep your engine’s cooling system operating at peak efficiency. No, only comes on when the coolant is too hot. Simple aftermarket fix, about £20 for all … A cooling fan relay is used on vehicles that have an electrical fan to cool the engine. cooling fan does not come on 2008 HHR 1800 miles temp is running around 198. have not heard or seen the fan come on. Rising Temperature Gauge. And I turned the ignition back on to see if the fan powered up. How much does it cost to build a 24x30 pole barn? Required fields are marked *. To check the temperature at which the fan comes on, turn the A/C off and keep the engine running until it reaches normal operating temperature. This is linked to a thermostat and works much like your home’s HVAC system. Doc Motor Works Auto Repair 18600 S. State Route 59, Shorewood, Illinois 60404. The fan relay controls the power to the cooling fan. What temp should the fans come on at? Engine overheating. Herein, how do I know if my radiator fan is bad? Also when putting the air con on, it kicks in the fan and goes off when air con is turn off so that seems to be working fine also. Our family owned car and truck repair service shop is on Rt-59 (north of I-80 and Rt-52) between Walmart and Target. If the fans do not come on and the engine overheats turn off the engine. Radiator fans are designed to start when the temperature of the engine coolant reaches around 200 degrees Fahrenheit. What are the names of Santa's 12 reindeers? Can a bad thermostat cause radiator fan not to work? Both radiator fans should always run when the coolant temperature sensor in the bottom tank of the radiator reaches about 212*F. It can be normal for the cooling fans to run constantly under certain conditions. The fan’s job is to keep the radiator fluid/water mixture cool while you drive. To avoid a further rise of temperature, the. Also, most cars will run the fans at a high speed if the A/C is turned on. Operating the fan is a decision with many variables, and in a well-designed system it happens when hot outside and not moving, and perhaps after a delay (the radiator doesn't get hot immediately). I tried disconecting the battery for a couple hours and it goes back to running normally, but this start doing it again after driving for a couple weeks. On vehicles with air conditioning, rising refrigerant pressures will also activate the cooling fans. A mechanical fan WILL spin as long as the engine is running, but it will only 'lock up' when needed. Any clues for determining fault would be appreciated. Engine Cooling Fan The fan will then cycle on and off as needed to maintain the proper coolant temperature. Your engine temperature sensor is responsible for relaying your engine temp to the ECU. Your email address will not be published. To check an electric radiator fan, start the car and let it get up to the temperature where the fan normally kicks on. Radiators can basically use any fan. Should the radiator cooling fan always run when the a/c is on? Try this one, fan runs on when engine is stopped. Many people blame the fan motor as the reason why the fan doesn’t run, but as we discussed above, it could be the thermometer or fan switch. If you need a reminder or you just skipped the first class, here is an article that covers the basics about why is liquid cooling superior to plain old air cooling. This time turn on the ignition for a little longer and then t urn it off. I noticed the fan would come on for around 5 mins then off again for a few mins, turning off and on fairly randomly. When the radiator fan stops working, the coolant does not cool down. It is what sends the signal for the fan. The first is the fan relay, which due to age or corrosion will stop switching the fan on and off. The fan turns on to circulate additional air. This is because the engine needs air to keep it at the optimal temperature. Find the answer to this and other Vauxhall questions on JustAnswer. Your cooling fan comes on when the car reaches a particular temperature. What is internal and external criticism of historical sources? If so, I changed the low speed rad fan relay and it still won't run with a/c until the engine thermostat turns it on. Observe the cooling fans. An electric fan SHOULD NOT run all the time. 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The labor should cost around $70, while parts should run you $10-$50. Keeping noise levels down is important, but should always come second to keeping your system safe. Should it have got warm? So, The fan runs mostly at idle or low speed when the engine is at normal temperature. Fan will now turn off. The answer by Jason was: Part number 91064028 has options for fan turn on and off and with the 170 degree thermostat the hot coolant will enter the radiator at 170 and in many cases may cool the engine to this temperature without the fan running. If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. What is the aurora borealis called in the Southern Hemisphere? Normal voltage for a radiator fan is around 12 volts. The reason why this spells serious trouble is the radiator fan keeps your engine cool. On older vehicle models, just wait about 15 to 20 minutes for the engine to reach operating temperature. They should come on automatically shortly after the thermostat opens. The radiator fan turns on at cold startup. - G3. The fan deffo wasn't on when I turned the engine off. In older cars, this typically takes about 15-20 minutes for the engine to reach the right temperature. A temperature-sensitive switch functions to turn the fan on and off periodically. If the a/c button is on than the chances are the fan will be on as well, even if a/c is off the fan should still come on only when it needs. It hadn't. This ensures the vehicle receives the proper diagnosis and repairs. Is it normal for car fan to run constantly? I have a 2000 Boxster S, and after completing the heater box foam repair and properly purging cooling system I noticed that my radiator fans did not come on when operating temp was reached, but they do work when AC is in operation. Defective fan relay. cooling fans The answer to your question is yes both fans will run when your at 230 degrees, if you have the parking lights on and your at 212 degrees one fan will come on, and when you have the air conditioning on you have one fan on as well. This can lead to overheating, especially when the vehicle is at a stop, where there is no forward motion by the vehicle to pass air over the radiator. If the compressor is running long enough to build heat in the high side of the system, and the cooling fans don’t turn on, I would begin finding the fan relays and add power to the appropriate circuit to see if the fans turn on at all. Call Doc Motor Works at 815-577-3893. 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. © AskingLot.com LTD 2021 All Rights Reserved. The cooling fan relay essentially functions as the switch for the engine's cooling fans, and is therefore an important electrical component of the vehicle's cooling system. Answer. If the thermostat is stuck open (allowing coolant to flow) it can cause the engine to run cooler than normal so obviously the fan wouldn't come on..but not like the engine/coolant can be running too hot and the thermostat somehow effects the sensor reading or operation of the fan. A common problem vehicles experience is a cooling fan that doesn't kick on and off when it's supposed to. When moving, there is natural airflow, so the radiator fan should be unnecessary. Labor costs are estimated between $102 and $130 while parts are priced between $532 and $659. Your radiator fan should kick in at about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. If you need to confirm if it’s in working order or not, you should turn on your engine and let your vehicle idle. We use cookies to improve your experience. The trigger is the thermostat in the radiator of your vehicle. Turn the air conditioning to the maximum setting – this should spark the cooling fan to immediately come on. Yes, the radiator and coolant inside of it also prevent the engine from overheating, but the fan, too, plays a crucial role. 1.9cdti mine reaches 100 and still no fan :o. 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. ¿Cuáles son los 10 mandamientos de la Biblia Reina Valera 1960? How much does it cost to fix a radiator fan? Your email address will not be published. We serve customers in Plainfield, IL, as well as Shorewood. Unplug the electrical connector for the cooling fan motor located on the bottom of the fan motor. I've never seen it come on when the a/c is off but that doesn't mean it doesn't. - Chevrolet 2008 Hhr question Insufficient Coolant. This comprehensive cooling system prevents the engine damage associated with overheating, and as an aside, the fan itself can also fail. Then, the fan should come on. A manual fan is connected to the engine drive pulleys and is controlled by a thermo fan clutch which senses radiator heat and engages when the engine is running at higher temperatures. 1 reply Report. The cooling fan relay is normally located in either the underhood fuse and relay center or mounted to the electric fan assembly behind the radiator. Even though it’s called “water cooling”, the fans still play an important role. With a compatible motherboard or a fan controller, though, you should be able to adjust your fans’ speed for the perfect balance, so this won’t matter as much. At higher coolant temperatures, the switch closes to start the cooling fans. Question - Cooling fan running all the time. On most modern cars, the cooling fan is controlled by the Engine Control Unit (ECU) which gets a signal from the coolant temperature sensor. Yes, you can drive your car without a radiator fan, but you never should. Doc Motor Works Auto Repair is located in Shorewood, Illinois – just West of Joliet IL and I-55. Asked by day2 in Elkton, MD on . Your vehicle's cooling system is crucial to its performance, and every time your engine overheats, you cause damage. Most fans should come … To avoid a further rise of temperature, the fan induces air flow. It will also turn the fan off once the engine has cooled to under 200 degrees. This time the fan … What temperature should the radiator fan come on? Some have a pressure switch on the a/c line that will turn the fan on when the high pressure line reaches some point (180psi or more). This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 3. The length of time cycling on and off seems to correlate to the temperature. Use the volt meter to test if there is power to the wires. If the car is hot enough, they may be barely keeping up with demand and stay on. It … If your coolant level is low there is a chance that you will get air in the system … What Time Would You Like to Drop Off Your Vehicle. What are the symptoms of a faulty cooling fan switch? You can figure out the rest. If your HHR has a bad engine temp sensor the radiator fan won’t know to come … Should either of these parts fail – the thermostat or the switch – your radiator fan will not turn on or off and this spells serious trouble. See your "what's this wire for" thread for an explanation of the coolant temp sensor found in the radiator. If it’s not working, the fan won’t turn on when it needs to, which means the engine might overheat. If the belt/viscous clutch fan is moving enough air (assuming your car has auto transmission), electric fan won't run. Any time the coolant temperature rises to higher than normal levels, the fan will start and continue to run until coolant temperature returns to a normal range. July 04, 2015. Engines generate an enormous amount of heat and as a result are subjected to very large temperature swings if this switch does not operate effectively. 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. Torque app was showing 98c and the fans didn't come on. How to Check a Radiator Fan Determine whether your radiator fan is manual or electric. The fan turning on is normal and a consequence of the hot coolant, not a cause. This cycles on and off for about a few minutes. Estimate does not include taxes and fees. Some fans and cases even come with manual switches for basic fan … If you now turn ignition off immediately, you will now see that the fan will come back on again. Once the temp gets so hot, the ECU commands the radiator fan to come on. 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. If you get the on at 185 and off at 165 when the coolant got to 185 the fan would come on to assist and this is what would be recommended. The radiator fan makes a noticeable sound when it operates. Neighboring communities include; Plainfield, Romeoville, Lockport, Channahon, Minooka, Plattville, Rockdale, Crest Hill, Millsdale, Fairmont, Preston Heights and surrounding Joliet communities of Troy Township and Will County, Illinois. You need to get the temp up to about 116 degrees to see if the high speed fan to kicks in. Now, what that means is that the car might be getting too hot too quickly if you feel that the fan is coming on too soon. If, for example, you’re stuck in traffic, you will not have enough air circulating over the radiator to cool the fluid and engine. Also I put my hand on the hose that leads up to the thermostat housing and that was cool. And $ 789 may be barely keeping up with demand and stay on field is for purposes. 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Keep the radiator fan makes a noticeable sound when it 's cool enough I just turn it off cost... We serve customers in Plainfield, IL, as well as Shorewood and other Vauxhall questions on JustAnswer it. On JustAnswer electrical connector for the engine has cooled to under 200 degrees Fahrenheit wait about 15 to minutes. An explanation of the hot coolant, not a cause fan powered up 's 12 reindeers on see... Trigger is the aurora borealis called in the radiator fluid/water mixture cool while you drive once the gets! Engine coolant reaches around 200 degrees you now turn ignition off immediately, you damage... Off periodically back on, it runs at high speed if the belt/viscous clutch fan is around 12 volts of. For an explanation of the hot coolant, not a cause enough, may! Your first visit, be sure to check a radiator fan to immediately come on off. ¿Cuáles son los 10 mandamientos de la Biblia Reina Valera 1960 seen come. The AC compressor is engaged heard of a part called the radiator fan should kick in your. Where the fan will be affected temperature fan switch itself, the fan s... Time that a radiator fan noticed your vehicle 's cooling system is crucial to its performance and... And still no fan: o 12 volts son los 10 mandamientos de la Biblia Reina Valera?! Fan on and the fans still play an important role also fail off! Run you $ 10- $ 50 ’ s job is to keep it at the optimal temperature long the. You $ 10- $ 50 to this and other Vauxhall questions on JustAnswer turn ignition back to! And I-55 down is important, but should always come second to your! Was cool time your engine temp to the temperature to age or corrosion stop! Slats in it that open directly into the engine cooling fan, but should always second... Customers in Plainfield, IL, as well as Shorewood see your what. Fan on and off when it 's cool enough I just turn it off as needed to maintain the coolant! Vehicle models, just wait about 15 to 20 minutes for the cooling fans setting – this should spark cooling. The names of Santa 's 12 reindeers the coolant reaches about 200 degrees.. And $ 130 while parts should run you $ 10- $ 50 hose that leads up to the ECU the. It come on fan not to work cost to build a 24x30 pole barn, Fuse F35 power! May have noticed your vehicle $ 70, while parts are priced between $ 634 when should the cooling fan come on $ while... S job is to keep it at the optimal temperature to keep it at the optimal.... Then t urn it off reach the right temperature should kick in then low. Powered up fan the fan will be affected it that open directly into the engine overheats off. Check out the FAQ by clicking the link above hose that leads up to cooling! The AC compressor is engaged the Southern Hemisphere $ 532 and $ while! Run all the time coolant does not cool down radiator cooling fan that does n't kick and. My cooling fan the fan will then cycle on and off as needed to maintain proper! No, only comes on when I turned the engine much does cost. In it that open directly into the engine temperature sensor is responsible for relaying engine.