Engine running hot

Tiny
WALKER 53
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100 MILES
My car is running hot, only one of radiator fans working. Will that make it hot?
Thursday, June 14th, 2018 AT 10:18 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,465 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

If the vehicle runs hot while traveling at higher speeds, the fan is not the problem. If it runs hot while in traffic, yes, the fan is most likely the issue. Make sure the coolant level is full first. Low coolant can cause the same symptoms. If it is full and the car still overheats at highway speeds, suspect a bad thermostat.

Here are the directions for replacing a thermostat on your vehicle. The pictures attached correlate with these directions.

THERMOSTAT AND THERMOSTAT HOUSING
WARNING: Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Serious burns could occur from high pressure coolant escaping from the radiator.
REMOVAL
CAUTION: Perform when the engine is cold.
Drain engine coolant.
Remove radiator lower hose from the engine coolant inlet side.
Remove engine coolant inlet and thermostat.
INSTALLATION
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.
Install the engine coolant temperature sensor. Use Genuine RTV Silicone Sealant or equivalent.
Install the thermostat with the whole circumference of the flange part fitting securely inside the rubber ring.
Install the thermostat with the jiggle valve facing upwards. The position deviation may be within the range of ±10°.
If necessary, to install the heater pipe, first apply a mild detergent to the O-ring and then quickly insert the pipe into the housing.
What you will need to do is determine if the fan motor is bad (the one that doesn't work) or there is another issue. The easiest way to check it is simply make jumper wires between the battery and the fan motor. Once you connect the motor directly to power, it should work. If it fails to turn on, it's bad.
________________________________________________
If you want to test the thermostat once it's removed before replacing it, here are general directions for checking one.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-an-engine-thermostat-works
_________________________________________________

Here is a link which describes, in general, how a fan is replaced:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-electric-fan-motor

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, June 14th, 2018 AT 8:21 PM

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