What activates the radiator fan?
The engine temperature should trigger the fan to turn on. It will also turn the fan off once the engine has cooled to under 200 degrees. You may have heard of a part called the radiator fan switch or temperature fan switch. This is linked to a thermostat and works much like your home’s HVAC system.
How do the cooling fans in a car work?
The fans are controlled either with a thermostatic switch or by the engine computer, and they turn on when the temperature of the coolant goes above a set point. They turn back off when the temperature drops below that point. Rear-wheel drive cars with longitudinal engines usually have engine-driven cooling fans.
How does a car electric fan work?
The fan is switched on and off by means of a thermostatic sensor switch fitted to the cooling system . When the temperature of the coolant rises to a certain point, the sensor switches on the fan. The fan then operates until the temperature falls below the critical point, when the sensor switches off the fan.
Does thermostat control radiator fans?
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.
Should radiator fan turn on when AC is on?
When the AC compressor is activated, it is actually expected that the radiator fan runs. For instance, the radiator fan is needed when the temperature sensor of the cooling fluid in the lower tank reaches approximately 212F.
What happens when radiator fan doesn’t work?
What happens when a radiator fan stops working? It will cause a loud whirring noise and a stuck open thermostat (which will not allow the engine to reach the average operating temperature). A lousy radiator cooling fan could cause a blown circuit fuse, a malfunctioning relay, and engine overheating.
Why do my radiator fans only work with AC on?
The most likely culprits are a thermostatic switch, fan resistor, temperature switch, low-speed or high-speed relay, or a wiring issue. If the vehicle overheats, care should be taken when driving to prevent further damage by overheating.
Does AC turn on radiator fan?
The condenser fan (if it has a dedicated fan) or the radiator fan most always comes in (with AC on) when the compressor discharge pressure (or, alternatively, the liquid line one; look for where a sensor or a switch is located on the high pressure line) rises over an operative threshold.
How do I know if my radiator fan is bad?
These are the most common signs of a faulty radiator fan assembly in need of replacement:
- Engine Overheating. When the radiator fan isn’t functioning properly, it is not able to adequately cool down the car’s engine.
- Air Conditioner Function Diminished.
- Loud Noise Coming From Radiator Fan.
Should both my radiator fans turn on?
Both fans should come on when the A/C is on. If one or both fans fail to come on, the lack of additional cooling provided by the fan may cause poor A/C cooling performance, and it may cause the A/C compressor to overheat and fail. The engine may also run hot and overheat, too.
Do radiator fans run all the time?
It can be normal for the cooling fans to run constantly under certain conditions. If the car is hot enough, they may be barely keeping up with demand and stay on. Also, most cars will run the fans at a high speed if the A/C is turned on.
When should my 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.
How do you replace a radiator fan?
– Check the main fan blade mounting nut for tightness. – Electrical connectors must free from dirt and debris to ensure proper current flow. – Allow the engine to warm up to operating temperature until the cooling fan turns on. – Use caution while replacing the cooling fan, if radiator damage occurs it must be replaced.
What is the function of the radiator fan?
– No Whirring Noise from the Engine Bay. The radiator fan makes a noticeable sound when it operates. – Rising Temperature Gauge. When the radiator fan stops working, the coolant does not cool down. – Coolant Evaporates. – The Radiator Fan Relay. – The Radiator Fan Motor. – The Radiator Fan Resistor.
Should the radiator fan be running all the time?
Your radiator fan should only run when your truck is at an idle/slow driving around town, and starts to get over normal operating temp. Occasionally when working the truck hard at freewayspeeds the fan will engage but again that is only when the engine starts to get over normal operating temp.
How to choose an electric radiator fan?
– Good cooling with no parasitic horsepower loss – Consistent cooling—they maintain their airflow at all times – Versatility—they can be mounted in front of or behind the radiator – Multiple sizes and configurations—they can be found in diameters up to 20 inches and are available with single- and dual-fan setups