Is it normal for the Volvo XC90's fan to keep running for an hour after turning off the engine?
4 Answers
It is abnormal for the Volvo XC90's fan to keep running for an hour after turning off the engine. In this case, there should be a fault somewhere: 1. There is a problem with the coolant temperature sensor, which continuously records high coolant temperature signals and transmits them to the fan control computer, causing the fan to keep running; 2. The fan relay has malfunctioned, failing to disconnect in time after turning off the engine, resulting in the battery continuously supplying power to the fan. The Volvo XC90 is equipped with a five-cylinder light turbocharged 2.5T engine and a six-cylinder twin-turbocharged T6 engine. The 2.5T all-wheel-drive model has a maximum power output of 208 horsepower, while the twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder gasoline engine has a maximum power output of 272 horsepower. In terms of safety, the Volvo XC90 features a front MacPherson strut with an anti-roll bar and an independent multi-link rear suspension with an anti-roll bar, adopting an electronic AWD all-wheel-drive system.
It's actually quite common for the fan to keep running after the engine is turned off, especially for SUVs like the Volvo XC90. The turbocharged engine needs to cool down gradually after getting hot, so the fan automatically running for a few minutes up to 20 minutes is a normal protective mechanism. However, if it's still running after an hour, something might be wrong. I've driven this type of car before and encountered a situation where the fan ran for too long. It turned out to be a stuck thermostat, causing the fan to run continuously and drain the battery unnecessarily. Additionally, external factors like hot weather or long-distance driving can slightly extend the fan's operation time, but an hour definitely exceeds the normal range. It's recommended to visit a 4S shop immediately to check the circuit. Ignoring this issue could lead to faster fan wear and even affect the vehicle's ability to restart, which relates to daily driving safety and durability.
Speaking of the issue where the fan continues to run after the engine is turned off, I think it's quite interesting to discuss from a mechanical perspective. The car engine is off, but residual heat hasn't dissipated yet. Turbocharged components are particularly sensitive to heat, so it's completely normal for the fan to keep running for a while to assist with cooling. The Volvo XC90's design allows it to run for 5-30 minutes before stopping. However, if it drags on for over an hour, there could be multiple possibilities: the fan relay might be stuck, the control module might have a bug, or there could be poor coolant circulation preventing the temperature from dropping. I've discussed such cases in car enthusiast circles, where people often share tips about using simple OBD tools to check for error codes. If a fan switch issue is detected, it's best to fix it promptly to avoid minor problems turning into major ones. Although this setup is smart, prolonged operation isn't good for the battery or motor, so don't overlook routine maintenance.
It's normal for the Volvo XC90's fan to run for a while after turning off the engine, usually stopping within 10 minutes. If it's still running after an hour, there might be an issue. From a safety perspective, prolonged fan operation not only drains the battery but also risks overheating, potentially causing a short circuit or fire. While occasional extended operation in high summer temperatures might be understandable, such prolonged operation regardless of weather conditions is abnormal. It's recommended to immediately visit a professional workshop for inspection, such as checking the temperature controller or fan control unit, without delay.
