Why Does the Car Fan Keep Running When the Air Conditioner is On?
2 Answers
When the car fan keeps running while the air conditioner is on, it could be due to issues with the coolant temperature sensor or the thermostat. It may also be caused by high engine temperature or insufficient antifreeze. Car fans are generally used to cool the radiator. Economy models usually have one large fan, while luxury models typically feature two smaller fans. In luxury cars, the fans cool the radiator, with the air conditioning condenser located in front of the radiator. Additional details about car electric fans are as follows: Working Principle: The car electric fan is controlled by a thermostat. When the coolant temperature rises to the upper limit, the thermostat activates the power supply, causing the fan to start working. Once the temperature drops to the lower limit, the thermostat cuts off the power, and the fan stops. Operational Requirements: Since the electric fan motor draws high current during operation, it demands higher specifications for the wiring used.
My car has also experienced this issue. When the AC is on, the fan keeps running mainly for cooling purposes, as the operation of the AC system raises the temperature in the engine bay, requiring the fan to work to cool the condenser and radiator. However, if the fan continues to run after turning off the AC, it might indicate a malfunction. Common causes include a stuck fan relay, a faulty temperature sensor misreading high temperatures, or issues with the fan control module. I once encountered a stuck relay that caused the fan to run continuously, eventually draining the battery. It's advisable to turn off the car and restart it for a test. If the problem persists, promptly check the relay box and sensors. During regular maintenance, have the technician test the fan control circuit to prevent minor issues from escalating.
