Table of Contents
- 1 How do radiator fans turn on?
- 2 Do radiator fans always run?
- 3 What controls the cooling fan?
- 4 How do I check if my radiator fan is working?
- 5 How do I know if my cooling fan is working?
- 6 What does a radiator fan do in an engine?
- 7 What is the function of the cooling fans in a car?
- 8 How does a thermo reactive radiator fan work?
How do radiator fans turn on?
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.
Do radiator fans always run?
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.
When should radiator fan come on?
Most fans should come on when the coolant reaches about 200 to 230 degrees. If the fan does not come on, something in the control circuit is defective.
What controls the cooling fan?
On most modern cars, the cooling fan is controlled by the Engine Control Unit (ECU) which gets a signal from the coolant temperature sensor. If it’s not working, the fan won’t turn on when it needs to, which means the engine might overheat.
How do I check if my radiator fan is working?
A simple way to check if the radiator fan is working is to start your engine and turn the air-conditioning system (A/C) to the maximum speed. If the fan is spinning, then it means that the fan motor, fuse, wiring, and relay are all working properly.
Why is my cooling fan not working?
The most common reasons a radiator fan is not working are luckily due to a blown fuse, bad relay, or a broken wire. It can also be caused by a faulty coolant temp sensor, low coolant level or the fan itself can be damaged.
How do I know if my cooling fan is working?
The radiator fan should be running at more RPMs than the motor. If it is not, the fan clutch is bad and needs to be replaced. Some radiator fans are solid mounted, with no fan clutch. If your radiator fan is solid mounted and the fan is not working, your belt is bad and needs to be replaced.
What does a radiator fan do in an engine?
A radiator fan exchanges heat in the engine. When an engine is running, it produces heat, and that heat dissipates so that the engine does not become too hot and overheat. The cooling fans are part of the cooling system and their design helps to keep a cooler temperature in the engine.
How does a radiator fan control relay work?
How Radiator Cooling Fans Work. Using a sensor the computer detects that the engine temperature is rising above normal limits, a signal is sent to close the fan control relay which is protected by a circuit fuse. When replacing these cooling fans match the failed unit with the new cooling fan.
What is the function of the cooling fans in a car?
The cooling fans are part of the cooling system and their design helps to keep a cooler temperature in the engine. The cooling fans, with between four and six blades, spin rapidly to provide cooler air to the engine. The fans do not work alone. They are part of a larger overall cooling system in the vehicle.
How does a thermo reactive radiator fan work?
The thermo-reactive clutches used in this type of radiator fan are built to disengage when not in use, and become connected using grease that expands when heated. This type of unit uses shaft bearings and seals to retain lubricant. The clutches are typically bolted to the water pump of the engine.