Radiator Fan Not Working? Causes and Warning Signs

If your car's temperature climbs while you're sitting in traffic but drops back down once you start moving, the radiator fan is one of the first things to check.

What the radiator fan does

At highway speed, air rushes through the radiator naturally. In traffic or at idle, there's no airflow, so an electric fan switches on to pull air through. Most cars also use this fan, or a second one, to cool the AC condenser.

Signs the fan isn't working

• Overheating in traffic or at idle

• Temperature normal while driving at speed

• AC getting warm when stopped

• You can't hear the fan running when the engine is hot

• Check engine light with a fan circuit code

Common causes

• Blown fuse

• Faulty fan relay

• Burned-out fan motor

• Bad coolant temperature sensor or fan switch

• Damaged wiring or connectors

• Problems with the fan control module on some cars

A simple check

With the engine fully warmed up and idling, switch on the AC. On most cars, at least one fan should start running. If nothing happens, there's a problem in the fan circuit.

Why it matters in Jamaica

With the heat and traffic, a car with a dead radiator fan can overheat quickly. Repeated overheating can damage the head gasket and cylinder head, which costs far more than fixing the fan.

The fix

A proper diagnosis tests the fuse, relay, wiring and motor in order, so only the faulty part is replaced.

Need help with this? RCJ Mobile Mechanics comes to you in Portmore, Spanish Town, Kingston, St. Andrew and across St. Catherine. Call or WhatsApp (658) 207-6565 or book a mechanic online.