Fans not turning on after radiator replacement

SROGERS85

MEMBER
2008 PONTIAC TORRENT
3.6L
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
142,000 MILES

I just had to replace the radiator and A/C condenser due to the jack slipping and smashing them. I followed the repair manual in burping the air out of the radiator and pulled a vacuum on the A/C system, but did not put refrigerant back in it. Since then neither fan turns of once it reaches operating temperature, it is around 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit out now. The upper fan already had problems where it needed tapped sometimes to turn back on. I have checked the wiring harnesses and they are both plugged back in properly. Does the A/C system need to be charged for fans to work?

Wednesday, November 11th, 2020 AT 6:54 PM

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,114 POSTS

Hi,

One of the fans will turn on when the A/C is running. If it isn't charged, it will likely not turn on. However, they should turn on when the vehicle reaches a specific temperature. Have you checked to see if there is power to them? I'm asking simply maybe they were damaged when the jack hit the radiator. Also, if it is that cold where you are located, it's possible the engine isn't getting hot enough to actuate the fans.

I attached two pics below. Make sure the fuses are good and check to make sure the relays are okay.

When you check the fuses, make sure there is power both to them and from them. Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Here is a link to test relays as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions. Also, let me know what temperature the engine is reaching.

Take care,
Joe

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