A radiator-mounted fan cools both the engine radiator and AC condenser, while a standalone AC condenser fan is dedicated only to the AC system. Many modern cars combine both functions into one electric fan assembly, but some vehicles have separate fans.

Look for these symptoms:

✅ AC blows warm at idle but gets cold while driving.

✅ Engine temperature climbs in stop-and-go traffic.

✅ Loud fan noises (grinding, rattling, or clicking).

✅ Fan doesn’t spin when AC is turned on.

✅ Overheating warning light comes on.

🔴 AC System Damage – Without airflow, the condenser stays too hot, causing AC performance to drop and eventually leading to compressor failure.

🔴 Engine Overheating – If the fan isn’t cooling the radiator, the engine temperature skyrockets, increasing the risk of head gasket failure or engine damage.

🔴 Increased Fuel Consumption – A failing fan makes your AC work harder, leading to higher fuel usage.

🔴 Expensive Repairs – A $100-$300 fan replacement is way cheaper than a $1,500+ engine or AC system overhaul.

✔️ Turn on your car’s AC at max cooling while parked.

✔️ Open the hood and look at the fan behind the radiator.

✔️ Check for these issues:

❌ Not spinning at all? It’s dead or has an electrical issue.

❌ Spinning weakly or inconsistently? The motor is failing.

❌ Loud clicking or grinding noise? It’s on its last legs.

❌ Works only when the car is moving? The fan relay, fuse, or motor may be bad.

🚨 Not recommended! 🚨

A non-working fan can cause your AC system to overheat and eventually lead to compressor failure or engine overheating. If you must drive, avoid heavy traffic and high temperatures, but fix it ASAP to prevent costly repairs.

When you're moving, airflow naturally cools the AC condenser and radiator. But at idle, the radiator-mounted fan must provide cooling—if it's not working, the AC struggles, leading to warm air.

💰 Parts Cost: $100-$400 (depending on vehicle)

💰 Labor Cost: $200-$500 (if done by a mechanic)

💰 DIY Savings: $200+ if you replace it yourself!

🔴 Blown fuse or bad relay – The most common, cheapest fix.

🔴 Faulty fan motor – If the fan doesn’t spin, the motor may be dead.

🔴 Wiring issues – Loose or damaged wiring can prevent operation.

🔴 Temperature sensor failure – The fan won’t turn on when needed.

🔴 Obstruction – Dirt, debris, or broken blades can jam the fan.

If only the motor is bad, some cars allow just replacing the motor. However, most modern vehicles use sealed fan assemblies, meaning you must replace the entire fan unit.

Most last 8-10 years, but lifespan depends on usage, climate, and maintenance. If you're frequently in hot climates or stop-and-go traffic, your fan works harder and wears out faster.

Yes, but be careful! Aftermarket fans can provide stronger airflow, but:

⚠️ They must match your vehicle’s voltage and mounting points.

⚠️ Poor-quality fans may wear out faster or cause electrical issues.

⚠️ Universal fans might require modifications.

For the best performance, OEM or high-quality aftermarket fans are the safest bet.

❄️ Possible reasons:

    Stuck relay or faulty temperature sensor (tells the fan to stay on).

    AC is always on (many fans stay on when AC is running).

    Overheating issue (the fan works overtime to compensate).

If the fan never shuts off, get it checked before it drains your battery or burns out.

✔️ Turn on the AC to max cooling while the car is idling.

✔️ Check if the fan behind the radiator is spinning.

✔️ If it’s not working:

🔹 Check the fuse and relay first.

🔹 Try spinning it manually (with the car OFF!)—if it’s stiff, the motor is likely bad.

🔹 Use a multimeter to check power at the fan motor.

🛠️ Yes! If you're comfortable with basic tools and car maintenance, it’s a moderate difficulty job. Most installs take 1-2 hours, but some cars require removing the bumper or radiator, making it harder.

✅ Yes! The radiator-mounted fan cools both the AC condenser and engine radiator, so even if you never use AC, a bad fan can cause overheating issues.

⚠️ Intermittent fan operation means failure is coming soon.

Possible causes:

🔹 Failing relay or temperature sensor

🔹 Loose wiring or bad ground connection

🔹 Weak fan motor that’s on its last legs

If the fan is inconsistent, fix it now before you’re stranded with a blown AC and an overheating engine.

Depends on your car:

✔️ Single-fan setups—Runs at different speeds depending on temperature/AC load.

✔️ Dual-fan setups—One fan might be for AC only, while the other is for engine cooling.

If one isn’t running when it should, it may be failing or controlled by a separate relay.