Easy step by step repair guide on how to replace a radiator cooling fan motor, though appearances may vary the process is similar for most vehicles.
Difficulty Scale: 4 of 10
Begin with the engine cold, vehicle on level ground in park, with the emergency
brake set.
Step 1 - Locate and disconnect the electrical connector for the cooling
fan.
Step 2 - Next, remove the lower mounting bolts
that attach the fan to the radiator. (Note: Some vehicles have alignment dowels
which need not be removed.)
Step 3 - Remove any weather stripping that will
help access the cooling fan. (Note: This is not needed on most vehicles.)
Step 4 - Then, loosen mounting bolts or clips to
remove any plastic shielding that will inhibit the replacement of the cooling fan.
Step 5 - Once all mounting bolts have been
removed, lift the plastic covering from the vehicle. Step 6 - After the plastic covers have been
removed, loosen and remove the core support mounting bolts. (Note: This is not
needed in some vehicles.) Step 7 - Next, lift the core support from the
vehicle. (Note: A hood cable release could be mounted to this support.) Step 8 - Then, loosen the upper radiator hose
clamp using a hose clamp tool or channel locks. Step 9 - Once the clamp has been loosened,
grasp the hose and twist using a hose pick or screwdriver to assist. Have a
fluid catch basin ready as coolant will leak out. (Note: Depressurize or drain
the radiator if needed.
Radiator replacement.) Step 10 - After the upper radiator hose has
been removed, undo the mounting clips or bolts that hold the air intake in
position. (Note: This step needed only if the air intake is blocking the removal
of the cooling fan.) Step 11 - Next, loosen and remove the upper
mounting bolts from the cooling fan radiator mount. Step 12 - Once all mounting bolts and clips
have been removed, gently lift the cooling fan from the engine bay. Use caution
when performing this action as to not damage the radiator cooling fins. Step 13 - After the failed cooling fan has been
removed, compare the old fan to the replacement cooling fan. Inspect mounting
tabs and electrical connector to ensure proper installation. (Note: Some cooling
fan designs feature the replacement motor separate.) Step 14 - Gently lower the new cooling fan down
into the engine bay and onto the radiator. Again, use caution when performing
this as not to damage the radiator cooling fins.) Reassembly all mounting bolts
etc., refill cooling system and
check the coolant reservoir, add fluid as needed. Once these steps have been completed, simply reverse the order to reassemble.
Start the engine and turn the air conditioner "ON", or wait until the engine
reaches operating temperature to check for fan operation and recheck coolant
level. Tools and Supplies Needed Helpful Information A cooling fan helps move air through the
radiator when the vehicle is stopped or moving slowly. An electric fan motor connected to a plastic fan blade located directly
behind the radiator which is controlled by a coolant temperature sensor. This
engine temperature information is utilized by the computer which signals the
control relay to send power to the cooling fan. When the air conditioner is used, the cooling fan automatically activates to
remove heat from the condenser regardless of engine temperature. To inspect a cooling fan start with ignition key
"OFF". By hand, spin the fan blade, it should "freewheel", if the fan motor does
not spin or is hard to turn, it has failed and replacement is required. If the
fan motor fails to activate electrically check the cooling fan
fuse and
relay and replace as needed. Best Practices