What Causes a Chevrolet Fan to Keep Running?
2 Answers
The fan running continuously at high speed indicates that the engine is operating at high RPMs and has been in an overheated state for an extended period. The vehicle's system conducts detailed monitoring of the engine temperature. Below is relevant information about automotive cooling fans: 1. Axial Fan: An axial fan's blades propel air in the same direction as the axis. The impeller of an axial fan somewhat resembles a propeller, with most of the airflow moving parallel to the axis during operation—in other words, along the axial direction. The axial fan consumes the least power when the inlet airflow is free air at 0 static pressure, but power consumption increases as the back pressure of the airflow rises during operation. 2. Centrifugal Fan: During operation, a centrifugal fan's blades push air in a direction perpendicular to the axis (i.e., radial direction). The intake is along the axial direction, while the exhaust is perpendicular to the axis. In most cases, an axial fan can achieve the desired cooling effect. However, if the airflow needs to rotate 90 degrees for exhaust or higher air pressure is required, a centrifugal fan must be selected. Strictly speaking, blowers also fall under the category of centrifugal fans.
I've encountered the issue of the Chevrolet fan not stopping several times, and it seems quite common. The main culprit is usually a faulty thermostat switch, where the sensor fails to correctly detect the engine temperature, causing the fan to keep running to cool it down. Additionally, a fan relay stuck in the "on" position can lead to similar symptoms, or there might be a problem with the cooling system itself, such as a stuck thermostat failing to properly open the circulation. A continuously running fan can drain the battery, leaving you unable to start the car in the morning. It may also indicate a potential overheating risk, which could damage engine components. When checking, I usually turn off the engine and observe if the fan stops; if it's still running, I carefully inspect the relevant fuse box for any signs of burning. Regular maintenance of coolant and sensors is recommended, as preventive replacement of parts can save you from major repairs. If you encounter this issue, don't panic—take it to a professional repair shop to read the fault codes with diagnostic tools. Usually, it can be fixed with a small expense.