Radiator Cooling Fan Motor: Description and Operation

RADIATOR COOLING FAN MODULE

Radiator Fan:

Power Distribution Center (PDC):

The radiator cooling fan is a single speed electric motor driven fan. The fan module includes an electric motor, fanblade, and a support shroud that is attached to the radiator.

Radiator cooling fan control is accomplished two ways. The fan always runs when the air conditioning compressor clutch is engaged. In addition to this control, the fan is turned on by the temperature of the coolant which is sensed by the coolant temperature sensor which sends the message to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM turns on the fan through a fan relay by grounding the relay's coil. The fan relay is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to the label beneath the PDC cover for location of the fan relay.

Radiator Cooling Fan Operation Chart:

The PCM will actuate the fan relay whenever the A/C clutch is engaged regardless of coolant temperature and vehicle speed. If the A/C clutch is not engaged, the PCM will actuate the fan relay when the coolant temperature reaches approximately 207 °F (97 °C) and turns off the fan relay when the coolant temperature drops to approximately 201 °F (94 °C). The fan relay is also turned off when the vehicle speed is aboe approximately 62 mph (100 km/h).

If the cooling fan is inoperative or a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) related to fan control has been set, refer to Powertrain Management, Computers and Control Systems, Testing and Inspection for complete diagnostic procedures.