Keep in mind:
- Some vehicles have one electric cooling fan while others have two. One cooling fan resistor controls the fan speed of both fans if so equipped.
- The cooling fan can start to run or continue to run after the engine is turned off. Take caution when looking under the hood even with the engine off.
Do cooling fans really work?
They are remarkably effective at cooling any room. With fans that work like ac, you’ll get a quick lift when it’s time to combat the cold winters or hot summers. The problem is, running these units throughout the year isn’t economical. Sooner or later, you’ll realize how much they burn through your power bills.
How to select a cooling fan?
- Install a fan with a 42-inch sweep in rooms up to 144 feet.
- Install a fan with a 44-inch sweep in rooms from 144 to 225 feet.
- Install a fan with a 52-inch sweep in rooms from 225 to 400 feet.
- Larger rooms may need more than one fan.
Should the cooling fan always run in an AC?
Typically, whenever the AC system is cycled on, the fan dedicated to the AC system will run. So if you are checking the cooling fan, you need to make sure you turn *off* the AC.
What do cooling fans do?
Do Cooling Fans Really Work? If you want to stay cool in your home without taking any steps to lower its temperature, the air-conditioning systems can do just that. However, cooling fans are the most cost-effective option. In addition to being powerful, the tower fan also provides humidity control to keep an entire apartment comfortable even in ...
What happens if a cooling fan resistor fails?
How to tell if a cooling fan resistor is bad?
How does a cooling fan work?
Why does my cooling fan overheat?
Why does my fan only work on one speed?
Why does my car keep cooling fans on?
Why do cooling fans stay on when the car is turned off?
See 4 more
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What is the resistor in a electric fan?
The cooling fan resistor is an electrical resistor that limits power to the fan in steps, so that the fan can operate at different speeds according to the cooling system's demands.
What controls the radiator fan to turn on?
On most modern cars, the cooling fan is controlled by the Engine Control Unit (ECU) which gets a signal from the coolant temperature sensor. If it's not working, the fan won't turn on when it needs to, which means the engine might overheat.
Where is the cooling fan resistor?
0:463:34WHAT RADIATOR FAN RESISTOR IS. WHAT IT DOES AND ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsually is on the engine somewhere.MoreUsually is on the engine somewhere.
How do I test a fan resistor?
0:221:23Blower motor resistor test - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTogether make sure we have continuity. So we're going to check between this terminal. And theMoreTogether make sure we have continuity. So we're going to check between this terminal. And the terminal across the connector. Go ahead and show the meter. And we're at 2.3.
What controls the cooling fan speed?
Pulse-width modulation (PWM) is added to control and vary the fan speed, resulting in operating efficiency, along with full torque across most of the speed range.
Does the capacitor control the fan?
A capacitor does not in any way control a fan's speed. The reason for the capacitor is to provide the starting winding of the motor with a phase displacement which supplies torque and allows the motor to start. It has nothing to do with the speed of the motor.
What are the signs of a failing blower motor resistor?
Signs of a Bad Blower Motor Resistor Loss of HVAC fan control (total or certain speeds) The fan only works on its highest speed setting. No air coming from vents. Intermittent or inconsistent fan speed.
Will a blower motor work without the resistor?
The blower resistor controls the power to the motor, so when the resistor goes out, the air will not come out of the vents.
How do I know if my fan controller is bad?
Common signs include cooling fans running for a long time or not at all, as well as weakened air flow. Without fixing, your car may overheat.
How do I know if a resistor is working?
1:241:54How to Test a Resistor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSet your meter to an appropriate range and connect the leads polarity does not matter compare yourMoreSet your meter to an appropriate range and connect the leads polarity does not matter compare your reading with the value determined above. It should be near the given value and within the tolerance.
What causes fan to be unbalanced?
Dirt, temperature, and loose fits can cause imbalance. Fans play a key role in most manufacturing processes by recirculating air, ventilating hazardous gases, and cooling machinery. Dirt, temperature, and loose fits can cause imbalance.
Can a bad blower motor resistor cause no AC?
Power to the blower motor is fed through the blower motor resistor, so if it fails or has any issues power can be cut off to the motor. A blower motor without power will not be able to produce any air pressure, and as a result the heating and air conditioning system will be left with no air coming from the vents.
Does the thermostat control the radiator fan?
The thermostat found in the cooling system will control many of the electric fans. When a certain preset temperature has been reached by the car engine, the radiator fan will begin to cool the engine. The fan will turn off eventually if the temperature goes below the preset engine temperature.
How are cooling fans controlled?
The fans are controlled either with a thermostatic switch or by the engine computer, and they turn on when the temperature of the coolant goes above a set point. They turn back off when the temperature drops below that point. Rear-wheel drive cars with longitudinal engines usually have engine-driven cooling fans.
Will turning the fan on the thermostat do?
The fan setting can help eliminate hot and cold spots in the home by cycling air constantly throughout your living space. If you have a room that's particularly hot or cold, consider using the fan setting while you're in that area to help even temperatures out.
Does the radiator fan run with with AC?
Q: Should the radiator fan run when AC is on? Yes. Both the radiator and condenser cooling fan are expected to turn on the moment you switch on the air conditioning system. For instance, it is expected for the cooling fan to switch on when the engine carries loads or once it reaches the normal operating temperature.
How Long Does a Cooling Fan Resistor Last? - YourMechanic
The most popular service booked by readers of this article is Cooling Fan Resistor Replacement. YourMechanic’s technicians bring the dealership to you by performing this job at your home or office 7-days a week between 7AM-9PM.
5 Common Radiator Fan Problems | DoItYourself.com
1. Fuse. Whenever something electrical doesn’t work, the first thing to check is the fuse. If you don’t know where the fuses are in your vehicle, consult your owner’s manual to see which fuse controls the cooling system.
any way to test cooling fan resistor? | Focus Fanatics Forum
this in an ongoing problem for me. my fans will not work without the a/c on. the resistor and wiring was replaced a few months ago. no change. fans still only work when a/c is on. is there an accurate way to test this resistor? thanks.
What happens if a cooling fan resistor fails?
If the cooling fan resistor fails or has any issues, it can cause power to be cut off from the cooling fans, which can lead to overheating. Any sort of overheating issue should be tended to as soon as possible to avoid the possible engine damage. 2. Cooling fan speed issues.
How to tell if a cooling fan resistor is bad?
Usually a bad cooling fan resistor will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver of a potential problem that should be serviced. 1. Engine overheats. One of the first symptoms of a potential problem with the cooling fan resistor is engine overheating. If the cooling fan resistor fails or has any issues, ...
How does a cooling fan work?
Virtually all modern vehicles built today use electric cooling fans to help pull air through the radiator to keep the engine cool. Once the coolant temperature sensor detects that the engine temperature has exceeded acceptable levels, the cooling fans will be activated to keep the engine cool. Many vehicles come equipped with cooling fans that operate on more than one speed setting. This is made possible by routing their power through the cooling fan resistor. The cooling fan resistor is an electrical resistor that limits power to the fan in steps, so that the fan can operate at different speeds according to the cooling system’s demands. Since power to the cooling fan is sometimes routed through the cooling fan resistor, when it fails or has any problems, it can cause issues with the regular operation of the fans, which can lead to overheating. Usually a bad cooling fan resistor will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver of a potential problem that should be serviced.
Why does my cooling fan overheat?
Since power to the cooling fan is sometimes routed through the cooling fan resistor, when it fails or has any problems, it can cause issues with the regular operation of the fans, which can lead to overheating. Usually a bad cooling fan resistor will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver of a potential problem that should be serviced.
Why does my fan only work on one speed?
Another symptom of a possible problem with the cooling fan resistor is issues with the cooling fan speed. If the resistor breaks or has any issues it may cause the fans to only function on certain settings. The cooling fan resistor is meant to send power to the fans in steps, so that the fans may operate at different speeds. If any of the individual steps or switches fail, it will disable the cooling fans from operating on that speed setting. You may notice that the cooling fans only operate at one speed, when they used to operate on two or more.
Why does my car keep cooling fans on?
If the resistor shorts or fails, it can cause the cooling fans to stay on even when they are not supposed to. In certain cases, the cooling fans may even stay on when the vehicle is turned off, and will create a large parasitic drain that will eventually kill the battery.
Why do cooling fans stay on when the car is turned off?
In certain cases, the cooling fans may even stay on when the vehicle is turned off, and will create a large parasitic drain that will eventually kill the battery. The cooling fan resistor is an important component, as it is one of the components that routes power for the cooling fans.
Why does my cooling fan stop working?
If the engine is overheating or the cooling fan does not operated at all possible speeds , there may be an issue with the resistor. If the resistor is broken, the cooling fan may never turn off.
How to hold a fan resistor in place?
The resistor for the cooling fan motor can be held in place by any combination of clips, screws, or bolts. Remove the hardware that is holding the resistor into place and unplug the electrical connector. Note: Some manufacturers will use a crimp style electrical connector to attach the wiring to the cooling fan resistor.
Why do we need a cooling fan resistor?
A lot of manufacturers use cooling fan resistors in order to offer multiple fan speeds on a single fan assembly or to control dual fans. By employing the resistor, different amounts of voltage can be supplied to a motor, thus changing the speed of the fan.
How to get your car back in top shape?
Observe the engine temperature and verify that the cooling fan is operating at the correct speeds and at the correct temperatures. Replacing the cooling fan resistor can help get your vehicle back in top shape, ensuring that the cooling system in your vehicle is functioning properly.
What color is the battery cable?
The positive battery cables and terminals are color-coded with red and the negative are black.
How to know if wires are the same?
Verify that it is the same general dimension and the same number of wires, that the wires are color-coded the same , that the connecter is the same type, and so on.
Can a cooling fan be connected to the ignition?
Warning: The cooling fan is capable of operating with the ignition key in the off/park position. Also, the cooling fan relay typically has battery voltage supplied to it. For both of these reasons, it is highly recommended that the vehicle battery be disconnected for your safety.
From the manufacturer
Dorman is a leading auto parts manufacturer founded in the United States and headquartered in Colmar, Pennsylvania.
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What happens if a cooling fan resistor fails?
If the cooling fan resistor fails or has any issues, it can cause power to be cut off from the cooling fans, which can lead to overheating. Any sort of overheating issue should be tended to as soon as possible to avoid the possible engine damage. 2. Cooling fan speed issues.
How to tell if a cooling fan resistor is bad?
Usually a bad cooling fan resistor will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver of a potential problem that should be serviced. 1. Engine overheats. One of the first symptoms of a potential problem with the cooling fan resistor is engine overheating. If the cooling fan resistor fails or has any issues, ...
How does a cooling fan work?
Virtually all modern vehicles built today use electric cooling fans to help pull air through the radiator to keep the engine cool. Once the coolant temperature sensor detects that the engine temperature has exceeded acceptable levels, the cooling fans will be activated to keep the engine cool. Many vehicles come equipped with cooling fans that operate on more than one speed setting. This is made possible by routing their power through the cooling fan resistor. The cooling fan resistor is an electrical resistor that limits power to the fan in steps, so that the fan can operate at different speeds according to the cooling system’s demands. Since power to the cooling fan is sometimes routed through the cooling fan resistor, when it fails or has any problems, it can cause issues with the regular operation of the fans, which can lead to overheating. Usually a bad cooling fan resistor will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver of a potential problem that should be serviced.
Why does my cooling fan overheat?
Since power to the cooling fan is sometimes routed through the cooling fan resistor, when it fails or has any problems, it can cause issues with the regular operation of the fans, which can lead to overheating. Usually a bad cooling fan resistor will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver of a potential problem that should be serviced.
Why does my fan only work on one speed?
Another symptom of a possible problem with the cooling fan resistor is issues with the cooling fan speed. If the resistor breaks or has any issues it may cause the fans to only function on certain settings. The cooling fan resistor is meant to send power to the fans in steps, so that the fans may operate at different speeds. If any of the individual steps or switches fail, it will disable the cooling fans from operating on that speed setting. You may notice that the cooling fans only operate at one speed, when they used to operate on two or more.
Why does my car keep cooling fans on?
If the resistor shorts or fails, it can cause the cooling fans to stay on even when they are not supposed to. In certain cases, the cooling fans may even stay on when the vehicle is turned off, and will create a large parasitic drain that will eventually kill the battery.
Why do cooling fans stay on when the car is turned off?
In certain cases, the cooling fans may even stay on when the vehicle is turned off, and will create a large parasitic drain that will eventually kill the battery. The cooling fan resistor is an important component, as it is one of the components that routes power for the cooling fans.
