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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.
When should your radiator fan turn on?
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.
How do you diagnose cooling fan problems?
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. If the fan does not come on, something in the control circuit is defective.
Can you drive a car if the radiator fan is not working?
As such, you should never drive your vehicle if the cooling fan isn’t working even though you can. If the radiator does not have cool air blowing on it constantly, it will overheat eventually, so you’d need the perfect combination of weather and traffic to drive effectively without a radiator fan.
What happens if car radiator fan is not working?
What happens if the cooling fan stops working? If your cooling fan stops working, your engine could overheat. This could cause damage to your engine parts. It’s a serious issue and needs to be looked at by a garage.
Should radiator fan run 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.
Does the thermostat control the radiator fan?
The thermostat is an important tool that your car uses to be properly cooled. If this thermostat doesn’t open when the engine reaches the working temperature, the coolant will stay inside the engine block and the engine will start to overheat. This will result in the radiator fan not working.
Why is my car overheating but has coolant?
However, if your car is overheating, but the coolant is full, it is probably not a leak. Instead, it may be that it’s having trouble circulating correctly. This can stem from several things, including a faulty water pump, a radiator blockage, a stuck thermostat, or a plugged heater core.
Should both radiator fans be 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.
How far can you drive without a radiator fan?
No more than a mile or two. A bit more if it is cold outside, a bit less if it is 100F outside. Less with stop and go traffic, perhaps a bit more if you are at moderately high speeds, 40 to 45 mph, with no stops. Have the car towed.
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.
How long do radiator fans last?
Your car fan will run for a few minutes after you turn off the car then turn it off. This is normal in many vehicles, such as BMW or Mercedes-Benz. The radiator fan may run up to five minutes and sometimes longer. Unless there is an electrical issue, it may stay on all the time until it drains the battery.
What are 10 common causes of overheating?
Common reasons for overheating engines Too little or no coolant. Driving without proper levels of coolant/antifreeze may cause a coolant system failure. Cooling system leaks. A broken water pump. Radiator issues. Oil too low. Thermostat failure. Issues with the belts and hoses. Heater core is plugged up.
Where is the sensor for the cooling fan?
Step 1: Locate the Sensor The CTS is normally towards the front of the engine, near the radiator or thermostat housing. Because it’s a small component and is often located lower down inside the engine bay, you may need to use a light or torch to find it.
How many radiator fans does a car have?
A lot of drivers’ vehicles will actually have two radiator fans. One, both or neither may be running at any given time depending on the conditions. When you are cruising at highway speeds, the air rushing over the radiator and around the engine will help control the heat.
How long can a car run hot before damage?
You have around 30 to 60 seconds before you start to do serious damage, such as seized up valves or even pistons, if it reaches maximum hot.
How do I know if my engine is damaged from overheating?
Warning Signs that Your Engine is Overheating Hot Hood. When the engine is running, you can expect the hood to emit heat and feel warm to the touch. Temperature Gauge or Light. Ticking Noise. Coolant Leaking on the Ground. Smells “Hot” Steam Coming from the Hood. Thumping Noises. Reduced Engine Power.
