What are the reasons for the vehicle's cooling fan not spinning?
3 Answers
The reasons for the vehicle's cooling fan not spinning are: 1. The water temperature has not reached the required level; 2. The relay is faulty; 3. The temperature control switch has issues. The vehicle's radiator is mainly used for engine cooling and coolant heat dissipation, ensuring the engine does not overheat and malfunction. It consists of fan blades, a vehicle fan belt, and an electric motor. The maintenance methods for the vehicle's radiator are: 1. Avoid contact with acidic, alkaline, or corrosive substances; 2. Use soft water to reduce scale formation; 3. Choose non-corrosive antifreeze; 4. During radiator installation, avoid damaging the cooling fins or denting the radiator to ensure cooling efficiency and sealing.
Last time I encountered a fan not spinning, it was on the highway when the dashboard coolant temperature warning light came on, almost wrecking the engine. After stopping to check, I found a blown fuse—right in the common 10A position in the engine bay fuse box. Replacing it fixed the issue. It could also be a faulty relay or temperature sensor: when the sensor is unresponsive, the fan won’t turn; if the relay fails, you might hear a clicking sound but no action. If the motor is bad, you’ll hear a hissing noise without rotation—replacing it outright is the easiest fix. Worn-out wires or poor connections causing short circuits are especially common in older cars; I once confirmed this by testing voltage with a multimeter. Regular maintenance should include cleaning dust off the fan blades, as poor cooling can lead to overheating, especially when running the AC in summer. If you spot an issue, don’t delay—pull over immediately to check and avoid costly repairs later.
I've only been driving for a little over a year. Last month, the fan just wouldn't turn on, and the AC wasn't cooling either—it was driving me crazy. A buddy helped me out and said to check the fuse first—it's in the fuse box under the steering wheel, labeled F15 specifically for the fan. If it's blown, just replace it and that should fix the issue. Or, if the temperature control switch is faulty, the fan might just stop working. If it's a relay problem, you might hear a sound when starting but the fan won't spin, and fixing it would only cost a few hundred bucks. I recommend new drivers regularly check these components, otherwise, the engine might overheat in traffic and stall, and towing fees can be really expensive. If debris gets stuck in the fan blades, it won't spin either—after parking, feel if the blades are loose and clear out any leaves or debris to prevent this. Don't delay too long; address it quickly to ensure safe driving.
