What Causes the Radiator Fan to Keep Running?

[VonBrynlee]

The reasons why the radiator fan keeps running are: 1. The thermostat is damaged or the sensor is not installed; 2. The position indicated by the temperature gauge, whether the temperature is too high; 3. The coolant level, whether the temperature is too high; 4. Whether the air conditioning is on—if the AC is on, the electric fan will keep running. Solutions for high water temperature: 1. Seal the thermostat; 2. Inspect and repair the fan circuit; 3. Replace the radiator thermal switch; 4. Refill the coolant; 5. Clean the dirt in the water pump. Effects of high water temperature: 1. Accelerated wear, which is detrimental to lubrication; 2. Piston ring scuffing and other faults, causing engine damage; 3. Overheating can lead to radiator rupture; 4. It may cause deformation and damage to the cylinder head and cylinder block.

[JeremiahLee]

I previously encountered an issue where the radiator fan kept running continuously. At that time, my car was parked on the roadside, and I could hear the noise. After some investigation, I found that common causes include a faulty temperature sensor—for instance, if it fails to detect high temperatures, it might mistakenly think the engine is overheating and command the fan to run at full speed. Another possibility is insufficient coolant; if the level is low, the fan has to work extra hard to cool the engine down. A malfunctioning fan relay is also a frequent culprit—if that little component gets stuck, it can keep the fan running nonstop. Additionally, a faulty thermostat can throw the entire cooling system out of control, causing the fan to run indefinitely. Electrical shorts are another suspect, such as aged or worn wiring leading to incorrect signals. Back then, I first checked the coolant level and found it was adequate, then tried replacing the relay, which solved the problem. A continuously running fan not only drains the battery but can also accelerate fan wear, so it's crucial to fix it promptly. I recommend getting it checked by a professional to avoid letting cooling issues escalate and affect engine longevity.

[DiNorah]

The constant spinning of the radiator fan is really annoying, especially during traffic jams when it roars loudly. From my driving experience, this phenomenon is mostly caused by issues in the cooling system: a faulty temperature sensor misjudges high temperatures and keeps commanding the fan; leaking or impure coolant makes the fan work overtime; a stuck fan relay or switch prevents it from turning off; improper grounding of wiring causes a short circuit; or a malfunctioning thermostat disrupts the temperature control cycle. In newer vehicles, faults in the electronic control module are more common, such as incorrect signals from the computer board. When the fan keeps spinning non-stop, it's not just a noise issue—it may also indicate cooling failure, posing a serious risk of engine overheating and seizure. I once delayed repairs, and the engine overheated, costing me more to replace parts. I recommend checking the temperature near the radiator by hand when parked; if it's too hot, get it checked immediately before things escalate. Regular maintenance checks on the coolant and fan system can prevent these issues.

[VanHenry]

The radiator fan continuously running can stem from several sources: a malfunction in the electronic control system. Modern vehicles rely on sensors and ECU commands; if one fails (e.g., the coolant temperature sensor gives false readings), the fan is forced to keep working. Aging relays or switches can cause continuous power supply if the contacts stick. Insufficient coolant reduces cooling efficiency, forcing the fan to work overtime. A thermostat stuck in the open position can also disrupt normal temperature control. Additionally, damaged wiring causing short circuits is another culprit. I once tried diagnosing it myself by pulling the fan fuse to observe the reaction—if it stopped, I checked the relay. Continuous operation accelerates wear on the fan motor, drains the battery, and may even damage the system. Ensure the coolant is pure, and visit a shop for a quick diagnostic scan to pinpoint the issue.