What does the cooling fan switch do?
When the coolant reaches a specified temperature, this switch turns on the vehicle’s coolant fan, which draws air through the radiator to regulate engine temperature.
What controls the cooling fan in a car?
On most modern cars, the cooling fan is controlled by the Engine Control Unit (ECU) which gets a signal from the coolant temperature sensor.
Can I drive car without cooling fan?
Yes, technically your engine does not need a cooling fan to operate. If the radiator does not have cool air blowing on it constantly, it will overheat eventually, so you’d need the perfect combination of weather and traffic to drive effectively without a radiator fan.
When should your cooling fan turn on?
Your radiator fan should kick in at about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. If you notice your vehicle is overheating or at the very least running hotter than it normally does, listen for the fan to see if you can hear it.
Can a bad fan switch cause overheating?
Engine overheating A common sign of a faulty switch, which can also be alarming, is that the switch will simply not turn the fans on at the predetermined temperature level resulting in engine heat climbing above what it should be in order to run effectively.
When should a radiator fan turn on?
Temperature will often determine the time that a radiator fan starts up. A temperature-sensitive switch functions to turn the fan on and off periodically. Radiator fans are designed to start when the temperature of the engine coolant reaches around 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
How does a coolant fan switch work on a car?
A coolant fan switch is a small and very simple switch comprised of typically two wires. This switch is configured to work based upon the temperature of the engine.
When does the thermo coolant fan switch shut off?
As engine temperature rises to a specific threshold, the switch is activated powering on the coolant fan. The coolant fan will continue to run until the engine temperature cools down to a specific predetermined level. Once the temperature reaches this cooling stage, the coolant fan will shut off.
What should I do if my cooling fan switch is not working?
Your cooling fan switch activates your fans to cool your radiator. Symptoms of a faulty cooling fan switch include an overheated engine and an active Check Engine light. If you’ve experienced these problems, check your cooling fan and switch. If the switch isn’t working, it should be replaced.
Can a bad fan switch cause engine damage?
When this happens, the result can be extremely damaging, resulting in thousands of dollars in engine damage. A common sign of a faulty switch, which can also be alarming, is that the switch will simply not turn the fans on at the predetermined temperature level resulting in engine heat climbing above what it should be in order to run effectively.