At what temperature does the Corolla's cooling fan activate?
2 Answers
Corolla's cooling fan starts operating when the coolant temperature reaches 98°C. The radiator fan is automatically controlled and cannot be manually operated. It remains off at low temperatures and operates at two different speed levels for medium and high temperatures. Radiator fan overview: The activation or deactivation of the radiator fan (cooling fan) is controlled by a thermal switch located on the radiator. When the coolant inside the radiator reaches a specific temperature, the thermal switch triggers the fan to start. At higher coolant temperatures, the thermal switch increases the fan's rotation speed. Factors determining fan operation: The operation of the vehicle's cooling fan depends solely on coolant temperature, not time. Only after the engine has been running for some time and the temperature rises does the coolant temperature in the radiator increase. When the coolant reaches 95°C, the fan activates and operates at approximately 1,600 RPM. At 105°C, the fan speed increases to about 2,400 RPM to enhance cooling efficiency.
My Corolla has been running for almost ten years, and the fan usually kicks in around 90 degrees, generally not exceeding 95 degrees. Once during a long summer drive stuck in traffic, when the temperature gauge shot up to over 90 degrees, the fan immediately started whirring, blowing away the heat, which put my mind at ease. Overheating is very dangerous—it can lead to burning oil at best or engine failure at worst. The fan can be a lifesaver in such situations. After parking, it's a good habit to check the engine hood by feeling if the radiator is hot or turning on the AC to force the fan to run. If the fan doesn’t respond, the fuse might be blown or the sensor could be faulty. During regular maintenance, it's advisable to have the mechanic test the system and replace the coolant to prevent aging and fan control issues. In short, a properly functioning fan is key to keeping the car from major breakdowns—don’t wait until the temperature gauge hits the red zone to regret it.
