The engine contains a combustion chamber where explosions take place to provide power and heat the car. These explosions cause the engine to heat up extremely quickly and can sometimes lead to overheating. This is a reason why the radiator fan turns on when the car starts.
What causes a radiator fan to start up?
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. A radiator fan uses its fast spinning blades to draw in outside air.
What does the radiator fan do on a car?
In a nutshell: The radiator fan comes on so the A/C works at its highest efficiency. The A/C condenser (the part which sits in front of the coolant radiator) is a heat exchanger. If air isn't flowing over it, it won't exchange the heat it needs get rid of so the A/C core inside the vehicle can become cold and make you comfortable.
Why won't my a/C fan stay on in my car?
If air isn't flowing over it, it won't exchange the heat it needs get rid of so the A/C core inside the vehicle can become cold and make you comfortable. If the fan didn't come on, you'd still be warm inside.
How do I know if my radiator fan motor is bad?
The most common symptom of a faulty cooling radiator fan motor is that the cooling fan does not come on when you start the car. If the cooling fan motor burns out, the cooling fans will then, in turn, be disabled.
When should cooling fan come on?
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. Most fans should come on when the coolant reaches about 200 to 230 degrees.
Why does my cooling fan keep running?
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.
What are the symptoms of a faulty cooling fan switch?
Common signs include engine overheating, the Check Engine Light coming on, and a broken or shorter signal wire.
Is it normal for radiator fan to turn on?
Your radiator fan should kick in at about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. 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.
How do I know if my radiator fan relay is bad?
Keep a lookout for the following 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.More items...•
How do you diagnose a running fan constantly?
1:168:23How to Diagnose A Constantly Running Fan - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe car will never get up to operating temperature because it's always cooling. Now if you have aMoreThe car will never get up to operating temperature because it's always cooling. Now if you have a manual fan a fan that's ran right off of your belt. You likely have a fan clutch.
What sensor turns on the radiator fan?
coolant temperature sensorOn most modern cars, the cooling fan is controlled by the Engine Control Unit (ECU) which gets a signal from the coolant temperature sensor.
How do you test a radiator fan switch?
1:445:08Coolant Fan Switch Testing WITHOUT Removing From The VehicleYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd once it hits around 200 degrees fahrenheit it sends a signal to the car's computer to say hey i'MoreAnd once it hits around 200 degrees fahrenheit it sends a signal to the car's computer to say hey i'm warming up turn on the fans.
Should radiator fan run all time?
Even with the cooling fans running all of the time, the engine thermostat should force the engine to warm up at a normal speed. The thermostat will regulate the coolant to the radiator/fans if it is working properly. It can be normal for the cooling fans to run constantly under certain conditions.
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.
Does the coolant temp sensor control the fan?
As the control system receives the temperature from the CTS, it may trigger the cooling fan to either shut off or turn on. Additionally, it may signal the need for a richer fuel mixture or open the exhaust gas recirculation.
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 temperature does a car fan need to be to turn on?
It is what sends the signal for the fan. Most cars will switch the cooling fan when the coolant temperature reaches 85 degrees Celsius (185 degrees Fahrenheit). Click to see full answer.
Can you drive a car without a radiator fan?
Yes, you can drive your car without a radiator fan, but you never should. Your vehicle's cooling system is crucial to its performance, and every time your engine overheats, you cause damage.
Why is my radiator fan coming on and staying on?
If the radiator fan is coming on and staying on it's because either the thermostat is stuck open or there is no coolant in the system. In the former case - failed thermostat - you may or may not be damaging the engine. In the latter case - low coolant - you are definitely damaging the engine.
Does a fluid fan clutch work if the electricity goes out?
Fluid fan clutch, have an energy crisis so the first thing our congress picks on is the pilot light, making any natural gas device extra expensive with a lot more problems and don't even work if your electricity goes out. Was the same with the fans decreasing fuel economy.
Do Bean counters have radiator thermostats?
Really a huge problem in V-6 and 8 engines, least two fans were required. Bean counters did not like a radiator thermostat to control the fans. Just use the engine temperature sensor, more problems, before the fans came on, cooling system was ready to blow its cork.
Why is a radiator fan unnecessary?
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). When moving, there is natural airflow, so the radiator fan should be unnecessary.
What is the difference between a radiator fan and an A/C condenser?
In a nutshell: The radiator fan comes on so the A/C works at its highest efficiency. The A/C condenser (the part which sits in front of the coolant radiator) is a heat exchanger. If air isn't flowing over it, it won't exchange the heat it needs get rid of so the A/C core inside the vehicle can become cold and make you comfortable.
Does an A/C fan need to run?
Well the short answer is yes . The A/C requires the fan to run as part of the heat exchange process. The A/C runs on a separate circuit and is triggered by A/C system. The engine cooling system is normally triggered by the temp control sensor/sending unit or ECM/PCM depending on system, but virtually works under the same premise.
Does an A/C fan have a high or low?
Many single electric fan systems normally have a high and low. A/C on triggers a high fan or hard running engine can do the same. Normally operation with A/C off fan will cycle in low as required by the engine temp spec requirements. Others have 2 fans and one is strictly for A/C. Share.
Why is a radiator fan important?
A radiator fan has an important role of keeping a vehicle's engine cool. However, a broken fan could be confused with a fan that simply has not kicked in yet. This is one reason why information on when a radiator fan is suppose to start can be beneficial to vehicle owners.
What is the function of a radiator fan?
Function. A radiator fan uses its fast spinning blades to draw in outside air. This in turn cools the antifreeze and water that's within the radiator, which keeps the vehicle's engine cool as well. Some vehicles are equipped with an extra fan for more efficient cooling.
What is a common misconception about radiator fan motors?
Misconceptions. A common misconception is that a radiator fan motor is always the problem when the fan fails to start. This often causes individuals to buy a new fan motor, when the true culprit could instead be due to a non-working fan motor module. Born and raised in Mississippi, Marcus Baker began writing in 1998.
What temperature does a radiator fan start at?
Radiator fans are designed to start when the temperature of the engine coolant reaches around 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
