Why is the car cooling fan not working?
3 Answers
The reasons why the car cooling fan is not working: the water temperature does not meet the requirements, or the relay is faulty. Water temperature does not meet the requirements: Most car radiator fans nowadays operate with electronic temperature control, so the fan will only start rotating normally when the water temperature inside the car reaches the required level. If the temperature is too low, the radiator fan will not turn. Relay failure: If the water temperature meets the requirements but the car radiator fan still does not work, it could be due to a problem with the fan's relay. If the relay is faulty, the car's radiator fan will also fail to operate.
I've seen this issue of car cooling fans not spinning many times, and experienced long-distance drivers know a thing or two about it. Simply put, the cause could be a blown fuse—open the car's fuse box, locate the fan-related fuse, check for any signs of melting, and try replacing it. If the fan motor's bearings are seized or the coils are burnt, the blades won't turn; if you feel resistance when manually spinning the fan blades, the motor might be faulty. The relay is also crucial—it controls the current flow, and oxidized contacts or a faulty coil can prevent the fan from receiving power; try swapping in a known-good relay to test. Another possibility is a faulty temperature switch, which senses coolant temperature and signals the fan to start; if the fan doesn't engage when the engine is hot, this switch needs checking. Wiring issues like harness wear or loose connectors can also interrupt the current. A non-spinning fan leads to rapid coolant temperature spikes, risking engine overheating and severe damage—it's best to stop and inspect or visit a repair shop immediately rather than pushing on. Older cars with aging electronics are more prone to such failures, so during routine maintenance, always ask the technician to inspect the cooling fan system.
I've been driving for over ten years. Last summer, while driving on the highway, the fan suddenly stopped working, and the temperature gauge shot up to the red line, scaring me into pulling over immediately. Upon inspection, it turned out the fuse had blown. After replacing it, the fan started working again. The mechanic mentioned that relays often fail, causing current interruption, and poor wire contact or loose plugs are also common issues. If the temperature control switch malfunctions, the fan won't operate when it should. A non-functioning fan means the radiator can't cool the engine, leading to overheating that can damage the engine block and even pose a smoke hazard. It's crucial to address such issues promptly—safety comes first. If this happens on the road, don't push your luck; turn on your hazard lights and call for assistance. Always check when the temperature gauge shows abnormal readings to avoid being stranded like I almost was. During maintenance, have the mechanic test the fan's operation for peace of mind. Aging electronic components are often the culprit, so both new and old cars need preventive measures.
