How long does it take for the fan to turn on when the car is idling in place?
2 Answers
The fan starts running after the car idles in place for 10 minutes. Here is some related information about car idling: 1. The function of car idling: Idling is a working condition of the car, referring to the engine running in neutral gear. The engine speed during idling is called the idle speed. The idle speed can be adjusted by changing the throttle opening size, etc. Idling means the engine "produces power without doing work." When the engine is running, if the accelerator pedal is completely released, the engine is in an idling state. 2. Reasons for unstable idling: Direct causes refer to mechanical parts being dirty, worn, or improperly installed, leading to changes in cylinder power, resulting in an imbalance of power among cylinders and causing unstable engine idling. Indirect causes refer to abnormalities in the engine's electronic control system, leading to poor combustion of the air-fuel mixture, making it difficult to balance the power among cylinders and causing unstable engine idling.
I've driven many cars and noticed that the idle fan activation time isn't fixed at all—it totally depends on ambient temperature. In summer when idling roadside, the fan might kick in within just 3-5 minutes because hot weather makes coolant temperature rise super fast; whereas in winter, it could take 10-15 minutes or even longer. Once my car idled for 15 minutes in a parking lot without fan activation—later inspection revealed a stuck thermostat switch. Vehicle type matters significantly too: small-displacement cars heat up faster, triggering earlier fan activation; larger engines or SUVs respond slower. Running AC will prompt earlier fan engagement to maintain cooling. The key takeaway? Don't wait excessively—if the fan remains inactive beyond 20 minutes, serious issues like low coolant, faulty thermostat, or aging fan motor are likely. Get it checked promptly to avoid engine overheating damage. Remembering this could save you repair costs.