Radiator fan not spinning and smoking

Tiny
JUSTINSTAATS
  • MEMBER
  • 2015 DODGE CHARGER
  • 3.6L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 95,600 MILES
My radiator fan is not spinning when I have my car on and when I start the car there is a sweet smelling smoke coming from under the hood. Cannot locate the source of the smoke but sometimes I also smell a burning rubber smell.
Saturday, December 28th, 2019 AT 6:58 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,170 POSTS
Hi,
The sweet smell sounds like coolant. If you see steam, there is most likely a leak or the engine is overheating. If the engine isn't getting hot enough to turn the cooling fan on, that could be why it is not running. Let me know if the temperature gauge is indicating the engine is running hot.

Lets start easy. Lets look for a coolant leak. Never open the cooling system when the engine is hot. Always wait until it cools off.

First, make sure the engine coolant is full. Next, follow this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

If you are still unable to locate the leak, you will need to pressure test the system. You will need a pressure tester. I realize most people don't own one, but often times, a parts store will lend one to you. Here is a link that explains how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

Let me know what you find. Also, let me know if you can tell approximately where the steam is coming from, if the system was low, and if the engine is running hot.

I will watch for your reply.

Take care,
Joe
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Saturday, December 28th, 2019 AT 10:16 PM

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