We can hardly imagine life without cars. As much as we depend on them, we should realize that much harmony and symbiosis goes inside the car machinery to keep it going. Since the car mechanism works by converting one type of energy to another, heat is an evident result. It is the radiator fan that keeps the radiator from heating itself up and wearing out.
In fact, heat is also one of the biggest reasons for car engines to stop. However, there can be times when you can face a radiator fan not working. The fan could simply stop working or work inefficiently. In fact, there are a number of such problems that you may experience. The great news is that they are easy ways to fix and you need not spend a fortune on them.
How You Can Be Certain About Radiator Fan Not Working
It is very easy to assume that your car radiator fan not working. But, the only surest way to check it is by actually looking for the fan’s sound. All you have to do is lift the engine hood and listen closely to the sound of the fan.
The best of modern cars have very quiet engines so, it may not be easy to figure out the sound while you are inside the car. Make sure that you don’t skip this check to ensure that the radiator fan is not working.
Now, let’s proceed to see what these 5 problems are:
5 Common Radiator Fan Problems
So what causes the radiator fan to stop working? Here are 5 common problems that happen when radiator fan not spinning and they are also the radiator fan not working symptoms. may be ailing your car’s radiator fan, making it defunct or inefficient:
1. A bad fuse
Everything electrical is supported by a fuse so that if there is an electrical surge going towards a piece of electronic equipment, the fuse cuts the electric supply to that particular equipment saving it from destruction. This is what we call a blown fuse. A blown fuse is no big deal and changing one does not cost a lot of money. So if your car’s radiator fan is non-functional, check the fuse first.
It is a very common problem because that results in the radiator fans not coming on. The fuse may burn off or simply fall off. You will, though, have to consult the owner’s manual to find out where exactly you can find the fuse, but once you have, it is an easy task. You will need to replace the fuse of the radiator fan in case it is not working or is absent.
Remember, if anything electrical in your car doesn’t work, your first checkpoint is the fuse.
2. Dead wires
If you see the engine heating but the radiator fan isn’t, the fan wires could be the culprit. Simply unplug both the wires, negative as well as positive. The standard direct current they must put out is 12v (approx.). Take a voltmeter and check for the presence of current. If there is none in either or both, you will need to replace it.
You will be able to locate the fan relay under the hood. Check for current from the relay to the fan. That is where the current needs to flow. If there is voltage present there, a fault in the fan is the reason for the radiator fan not working. It is then, the fan that you will need to replace.
3. Broke fan clutch
The fan clutch is responsible for attaching the radiator fan to the engine and making it work. If this clutch goes broke, the fan won’t work. It is the usual wear and tear over the years that may cause the springs in the clutch to corrode or even burn out. If you cannot find any other radiator fan not working, the clutch is most likely the cause.
The fan belt could be a reason for the radiator fan not working. In the old car models, the fan used to work with the help of an engine. When the engine starts, the radiator fan will start spinning. If the fan belt is broken, it is possible to see your radiator fan stop working completely.
>> Related post: How Does an Air Conditioning System of a Car Work?
The detailed process of how to diagnose an overheating problem (Radiator Fan not working):
4. Inadequate coolant level
Inadequate coolant level in the engine can also cause fan failure. This is possible when the amount of coolant in your system is low. Simply look at the coolant reservoir and check if the level is up to the requisite maximum mark. If not, simply fill it up to the mark and you’ll be good to go. You should form a habit to check the coolant levels in your radiator every day. It will help you a lot in saving your car on time.
This is, in fact, one of the handiest maintenance tips that help you keep the engine as well as the cooling/heating system in great shape.
5. Defunct temperature sensor
The temperature sensor is the mechanism that decides when the radiator fan must kick into action. It does so by reading the temperature of the cooling system. In case this sensor is out of order, the fan won’t be able to start working. You are likely to find this sensor in the thermostat cover. You can try disconnecting the wires from and reconnecting them to the sensor, odds are that it’ll work. If not, you will have to have it replaced.
Sometimes, you can try to clean the sensor, it is an easy job. There are thousands of tutorial videos that can instruct you on how to clean the sensor. Normally, after cleaning the sensor, it starts to work again. If not, it’s time for you to replace a new sensor. You can take your car to a professional mechanic, they will help you to do it.
>> Read more: How to Clean EGR Valve: Pro Tips to Follow
How Much Does A Radiator Fan Cost?
The price for a radiator fan is around $200 – $400. Sometimes, it costs more but it will not cost very much. The repair man may charge you $100 – $200 and it depends on your car models and makes.
The radiator is right at the front of the car. Therefore you do not need to open any component to remove the radiator fan. Just simply remove the radiator though which needs precision skill and knowledge.
Final Thought
There are some reasons what causes the radiator fan to stop working and together with them are the solutions. You can check by yourself first before sending your car to a trustworthy garage for testing. You may have to replace the radiator and it will cost some money, prepare for it. You may follow our blog to learn more about your car problem and tips to maintain your car.
