What Causes the Car's Cooling Fan to Stop Working?
2 Answers
Car's cooling fan not working may be caused by a clogged air filter, lack of coolant, or a blocked heater core. First, check if the air filter is clogged. A non-functioning cooling fan can lead to an increase in the engine's water temperature. Modern cars use electronically controlled cooling fans that operate only when the water temperature reaches a certain level. If the water temperature meets the requirement but the cooling fan still doesn't work, it may indicate a faulty relay or a malfunctioning thermostat switch, which can also affect the cooling fan's operation. Therefore, regular inspections are necessary. A damaged water temperature relay is usually due to poor wiring contact or a malfunction. If there's no response, the relay should be replaced directly. A faulty thermostat switch can cause the car's water temperature to rise and prevent the cooling fan from receiving power properly.
Last time I got my car repaired, the mechanic mentioned that the most common reason for the radiator fan not spinning is a blown fuse, especially when using the AC in summer. Open the black box on the left side of the engine bay, locate the fuse corresponding to the fan, and if the metal strip inside is broken, just replace it. Another possibility is a faulty relay—that small black box controlling the current—give it a tap, and if there's no response, it likely needs replacing. Further down the line, it could be a bad coolant temperature sensor; the car doesn't realize the engine is hot, so it doesn't activate the fan. If none of these are the issue, chances are you'll need to check the fan motor or the wiring to the ECU.
