Why Is the Engine Fan Not Turning?
3 Answers
There may be several reasons why the car radiator fan is not turning: 1. Whether the water temperature has reached the required level: Most modern car radiator fans operate using electronic temperature control, so the fan will only start turning normally when the internal water temperature reaches the required level. If the temperature is too low, the radiator fan will not turn. Therefore, if the car radiator fan is not turning, the first thing to check is whether the water temperature has reached the required level. 2. Relay malfunction: If the water temperature is appropriate but the car radiator fan still does not work, the issue might be with the fan's relay. If the relay is faulty, the car's radiator fan will not function.
A non-working car fan can be quite complicated. Once my car's temperature warning light came on and it turned out the fan was stuck. The most common issues are electrical: blown fuses, faulty relays, or loose connectors. First, check the fuse box for the fan's specific fuse - if it's intact, listen for clicking sounds from the relay in the engine bay. If the electrical circuit is fine, the motor is likely dead - either worn-out carbon brushes or seized bearings can prevent the blades from turning. If you must drive urgently, you can go short distances with the hood open, but never attempt highway speeds! Overheating can cause engine seizure in minutes, so it's best to call a tow truck immediately. Remember to rinse the radiator grille thoroughly during car washes, and clean it frequently during seasons with heavy cottonwood fluff.
Don't panic if the fan isn't spinning – in my 20 years as a mechanic, I've seen this often. Beyond checking fuses, focus on the coolant temperature sensor and thermostat; if these fail, they can trick the computer into misreading temperatures. Use an OBD scanner to check the data stream: if it shows over 90°C and the fan still isn't running, it's likely a control signal issue. Corrosion from water in connectors is also common, especially in older cars with aging wiring harnesses that are prone to short circuits. Mechanical failures are rarer unless the fan blades have been deformed by hitting something. Remember to avoid touching moving parts during inspection – just turn the ignition on to test. For vehicles with modified lighting circuits, check if signal wires are being interfered with.
