Fixing A Radiator Fan That Won’t Turn On When A/C Is On

Driver hand tuning air ventilation grille

The radiator fan circulates cold air through the radiator to protect the engine from overheating. If the radiator fan doesn’t turn on when the A/C is on, it will seriously harm the engine and has to be fixed right away. Learn how to troubleshoot the issue of a radiator fan that won’t turn on and the common causes.

When Should the Radiator Fan Turn On?

Every car’s engine is filled with coolant. Its goal is to maintain the engine’s temperature and protect it from overheating. The radiator fan will start working whenever the coolant temperature reaches a predetermined threshold. In most automobiles, the radiator fan will start functioning once the temperature reaches 85 °C.

What Prevents the Radiator Fan from Running When the A/C Is On?

A few conditions might cause a radiator fan to stop working even while the A/C is switched on. If the fan does not blow at all when the A/C is turned on and off, it is clearly faulty. Let’s delve into the primary causes of this radiator fan malfunction:

  • A burned fuse
  • Faulty temperature coolant sensor
  • Low coolant level
  • Blown relay
  • A defective fan controller module
  • Broken radiator fan
  • Poor electrical connections
  • Damaged A/C high-pressure sensor

How to Troubleshoot a Radiator Fan That Doesn’t Work When the A/C Is On?

To fix a radiator fan that won’t turn on, follow these simple steps:

Replace the Damaged Cooling Fan

When a cooling fan fails, the only logical solution is to replace it. However, if the blade is the issue, you can simply choose to replace the blade. Sometimes the electric motor can also cause the radiator fan to fail. If so, a complete replacement will be required to address the problems.

Examine the Fuse and the Relay

Track down the 50-amp fuse that protects the cooling fan. Next, look for and inspect the cooling fan relay. When a relay or fuse blows, replace it with a new fuse of the same amperage. Relays and fuses are two of the least expensive parts of an automobile. Replacing them may be all that is required to fix the fan issue.

Inspect the Temperature Sensor and the Coolant Level

Make sure the reservoir has enough coolant. For accurate temperature computation, the coolant and temperature sensor must function together. If the coolant is at the appropriate level, the temperature sensor can be broken. However, before concluding that a temperature sensor is defective, look for further indicators. It is vital to comprehend the temperature gauge reading—what is acceptable and what is not. When you’ve determined that the temperature sensor is faulty, replace it.

Check the Fan Controller Module and the Wiring

Assess the fan’s actual wiring as well as the wire harness that connects to the controller module. Repair any frayed, scorched, or disconnected wire to see whether that takes care of the problem. Finally, a dead fan controller module can stop the fan from operating both when it is on and when it is off. So, check the module and, if required, replace it.

You can locate and resolve the radiator fan issue by using the methods listed above. If you require high-quality components for the repair, contact us today!