Is it normal for the car's fan not to turn on after starting the engine?

[LaElaina]

It is normal for the car's fan not to turn on after starting the engine, because the fan operates based on the coolant temperature. If the temperature is not high, the fan will not turn on even after starting the engine and turning on the AC. Below is additional information: Other situations: If the car's fan does not turn on after idling and still does not turn on when revving the engine, it is also normal. However, after driving when the coolant temperature rises, the fan should turn on when the car is stopped. If the fan still does not turn on at this point, it is abnormal and usually indicates a faulty thermostat. The impact of the car fan not turning on is: The coolant in the engine radiator becomes too hot, and without the fan to cool it down, the high temperature will cause steam to escape from the pressure relief valve. If the fan fails to turn on, the heat from the cooling system cannot dissipate, causing the engine temperature to continue rising. Severe engine overheating can lead to piston melting and cylinder scoring, among other failures.

[MacMadelyn]

As someone who frequently deals with cars, I believe the issue of the fan not spinning requires specific analysis. It might be normal for the fan not to spin immediately after starting the car, especially the cooling fan—it only activates when the engine temperature rises, typically above around 90 degrees. During long drives, I've observed the fan remaining still when starting a cold engine, then starting to rotate as the temperature increases. This design protects the engine and saves energy. However, if the fan doesn't spin for an extended period or exhibits abnormalities—like the temperature gauge hitting the red zone without the fan activating—then it's abnormal. Possible causes include a faulty fan motor, a stuck relay, or a malfunctioning temperature sensor. Having repaired many cars, I've seen fan issues often lead to engine overheating and damage, which can be costly to fix. So, while driving, keep an eye on the dashboard to ensure stable temperature readings. If something seems off, don't delay—take it to a professional shop to check the wiring and components, avoiding expensive major repairs. Regular maintenance, like cleaning dust from the fan, can also extend its lifespan, as cars thrive on meticulous care.

[LaAnthony]

I haven't been driving for long, and I get quite worried when the fan isn't working. From my experience, the fan not turning on when starting the car isn't necessarily a problem—some fans just don't operate at low temperatures, like when the AC is off or the weather is cold. However, if the fan still doesn't turn on after driving and the engine gets really hot, then it's definitely time to check it out. It could be a broken fan or a blown fuse, and ignoring it for too long can damage the car. I once overlooked a similar issue and ended up with smoke coming from the engine and repair costs in the thousands. My advice is to do a quick self-check: first, see if the coolant temperature is abnormal, then try turning on the AC to see if the fan starts. If that doesn't work, don't mess with the electrical system yourself—get a mechanic right away. Safety comes first when driving. The fan might seem like a small issue, but it affects the cooling system, so it's better to address it early for peace of mind.

[LeilaniRose]

I'm a car enthusiast who enjoys delving into technical details. Whether the fan not spinning after ignition is normal depends on temperature and the control system—the cooling fan is typically monitored by the ECU, and it not spinning when the engine is cold is a power-saving design. If it fails to operate when it should, it could be due to a faulty relay or aged wiring causing a short circuit. For example, if the sensor reports high temperature but the fan doesn't activate, the engine could overheat and sustain damage. During repairs, using a multimeter to check voltage can quickly diagnose the issue. Overall, don't worry too much—just pay attention to the fan's operation while driving, and if you notice unusual noises or high temperatures, get it checked.