Why does my car fan spin when the engine is off?
Fan spins after engine shut-down might indicate a weak clutch. Silicone fluid leaking from the fan clutch would cause this problem. When the engine is off, there are a few things you can do to check the fan clutch: Spin the fan. Electronic types might freewheel, but most fan clutches should spin with a little effort.
What happens if your fan clutch goes bad?
A properly-functioning fan clutch is critical to engine reliability, as it works to maintain a safe temperature range. A failing fan clutch could leave you stranded with expensive repair bills, so pay attention to these symptoms.
How can you tell if a fan is going bad?
If the fan doesn’t spin at all, the bearing may be seized. Wiggle the fan. Try moving the fan forward and backward. If it wobbles more than a quarter-inch or you feel it clicking, this may indicate a worn bearing. Inspect for leaks.
How can I tell if my car has a thermal fan?
Check fan speed. You should be able to audibly detect when the fan clutch engages, with an accompanying rush of air. At idle, as engine temperature increases, a thermal fan clutch will engage at a certain temperature. Torque-limiting fan clutches will disengage at a certain engine speed.
How long does a car fan run after you turn off the engine?
Your car fan will run for a few minutes after you turn off the car then turn off. This is normal in many vehicles, such as BMW or Mercedes-Benz. The radiator fan may run up to five minutes and sometimes longer. Unless there is an electrical issue, it may stay on all the time until it drains the battery.
What to look for when your engine fan stays on?
A bad fan clutch solenoid is usually the first thing to look for but could be several things. Loss of air to it, the engine temp sensor sending a bad signal to the engine ecm or the engine ecm interpreting the signal wrong, or the engine ecm receiving or thinks it’s receiving a signal from the a/c high pressure switch.
Is it normal for a car cooling fan to run?
Some cars allow the fan to run after the key has been removed, some cars don’t. I like the ones that allow the fan to run. If you look under the hood, you will see a warning label telling owners to expect this fan behavior. It’s quite common in today’s cars.
Why does the radiator fan run all the time?
The radiator fan may run up to five minutes and sometimes longer. Unless there is an electrical issue, it may stay on all the time until it drains the battery. When the engine is running, the coolant circulates from the engine and flows to the radiator, where heat is dissipated.