What are the symptoms of a bad car fan relay?
2 Answers
Introduction to symptoms of a faulty electric fan relay: 1. Starter does not rotate; 2. Starter lacks power; 3. Starter spins freely. Relays essentially function as switches, used to control circuits. Inside electrical devices, they consist of normally closed and normally open contacts along with two coil terminals. These are usually marked on the housing. When the coil is energized, normally closed contacts become open and normally open contacts become closed. The most common and widely used application is in car turn signals. Alternatively, they control the power supply to circuits, such as alarm systems. The effects of a damaged car electric fan are as follows: 1. Engine radiator temperature rises: leading to increased engine temperature, affecting engine operation; 2. Engine radiator bursts: resulting in coolant leaks, obstructing the water circulation, causing the engine temperature to rise and affecting vehicle operation; 3. Engine coolant splashes out: in severe cases, leading to engine seizure and damage.
I used to help friends fix their cars frequently, and issues with the fan relay were quite common. While driving, you might suddenly notice the engine temperature soaring, with the dashboard warning light turning red, especially when climbing hills or stuck in traffic. The air conditioning vents blow warm air instead of cool, making it uncomfortable. Upon opening the hood, the fan that should be spinning is completely still, and the engine compartment feels scorching hot. There might even be a faint burnt smell near the relay or strange clicking sounds without any operation. This is a serious issue—delaying repairs could lead to engine overheating and damage, increasing repair costs. I recommend checking the relay and wiring during routine maintenance to prevent problems. If symptoms appear, don’t hesitate—take the car to a professional workshop for inspection and replacement. Remember, rapid engine heating is the first major warning sign—don’t push your luck by continuing to drive.
