How to fix car radiator fan troubleshooting

Posted by bangkit on June 11th, 2022

Car Radiator Fan Problem Common Electric Car Radiator Fan Problems and Solutions

If your car's engine is overheating and you think the problem is with the electric motor, try these troubleshooting tips.

Note: It's a good idea to have a repair book for your specific car and plan ahead before attempting the car repair yourself. For example, you can describe how the air conditioner and a car's switches, sensors, and other components can affect the operation of a radiator fan.

If the tea overheats, don't lose your cold and eat Natrad. We specialize in air conditioning systems for all types of vehicles, trucks, 4x4s, performance vehicles and heavy machinery. We operate Australia’s largest network of workshops specialising in cooling system repairs, and we supply a huge range of radiator fans, radiators and other cooling system parts.

Troubleshooting an electric radiator fan
Warning: Electric radiator fans may come on unexpectedly even if your car’s engine is not running, so keep your hands and tools away from the fan blades at all times.

1. Fan check

As a first step, ensure that the cause of your overheating problem is definitely the fan. Open your car’s bonnet, start the engine, set the air conditioner to its highest setting and allow the car to idle until the engine reaches operating temperature. (Keep an eye on the thermometer to make sure the overheated engine isn't overheated.)

If the fan comes on, the other part of the cooling system is faulty. Check the coolant level (after the engine has cooled down) and if it's true, the problem could be a malfunctioning heater, thermostat, or water pump. Take your car to the nearest Natrad branch and a specialist will find you.

2. Check the fuse

If you've decided that your electric fan isn't working, a good place to start is to check the fuses. Use your owner's manual or repair manual to determine where your car's fuses are and which fuses control the air conditioning.

If the fuse breaks, replacing it will solve the problem. Engine failure after replacement indicates a problem with the generator fan.

3. Electric and electric fans

If the fuse is good, check the fans on the power cord and the power supply. There should be two wires providing positive and negative feed to the fan. Unplug the lead from the fan and check the terminal and lead for signs of damage, corrosion or bad connections.

Using a voltmeter, ensure there is DC current present. If there is no power being supplied to the fan even when the engine is at operating temperature, then the problem may lie with your fan relay or temperature sensor.

If there is voltage being supplied to the fan but it’s not turning, this suggests your fan is faulty and needs to be replaced. If you don’t have a voltmeter, you can confirm this by running DC power directly to the fan.