What are the symptoms of a bad or failing fan clutch?

As the fan clutch is a cooling system component, any issues with it can cause overheating and other issues. Usually a bad or failing fan clutch will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver of a potential issue.

What is an electric fan clutch?

The fan clutch is a cooling system component that controls the operation of the engine cooling fans. While many newer vehicles now use electric cooling fans to keep the engine cool, many older vehicles used a mechanical fan clutch to control the fans.

How does a torque limiting fan clutch work?

A torque-limiting fan clutch reacts to engine speed. A centrifugal valve opens to allow the flow of heavy silicone fluid, locking the fan blades to the pulley. At idle and low engine speeds, this fan clutch is fully engaged, gradually disengaging as engine speed increases.

How does a thermal fan clutch work on a radiator?

A thermal fan clutch reacts to temperature of the air rushing over it from the radiator. As the radiator heats up, the air passing through it also heats up. This heats up a small bi-metallic coil in the face of the fan clutch, releasing an internal valve. The valve releases heavy silicone fluid, which locks the fan blades to the fan pulley.

Are there any problems with the Chevy Trailblazer fan clutch?

After a few minutes of searching on the internet it is apparent that my problem is the fan clutch, TSB 060602003, NHTSA 10019510. It appears that thousands of owners are having the same problems and have been for years but there is still no recall.

Why is my Chevy Trailblazer making a loud fan noise?

Just as many other 2002 chevy Trailblazer owners have found, one day there was a loud fan noise when accelerating, reduced gas mileage, and a lack of ability to accelerate that lasts for about a mile. After a few minutes of searching on the internet it is apparent that my problem is the fan clutch, TSB 060602003, NHTSA 10019510.

Are there any problems with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer?

See all problems of the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer . The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that the fan clutch was failing and sounded like a plane taking off when pressure was applied to the accelerator pedal. She first noticed the failure in July of 2008.

How to troubleshoot a car engine temperature gauge?

Touch the positive lead from your meter to the reference supply wire. You should see 5 or 12 volts with the ignition key in the “On” position, depending on how your vehicle is designed. Proceed to the next step, if you receive a voltage reading. If you do not get a reading,…

When to use input gear or clutch aligning tool?

Clutch alignment is critical to installation. Otherwise, expect the transmission to not line up with the pilot bushing. It is always a good idea to use an input gear (of the proper diameter) or clutch aligning tool when installing the clutch on any engine.

What causes the camshaft sensor to produce a false signal?

Problems with the tensioner or support rail usually translate into a rattle and/or clicking sound coming from the timing chain. It’s possible that it can cause the camshaft sensor to produce a false signal since the crankshaft and camshaft won’t be synchronized. This seems to be a problem in some Mini Cooper models.

When does the TCC disengage in a manual transmission?

The TCC is very similar to the clutch in a manual transmission. When engaged, it makes a direct physical connection between the engine and transmission. Generally, the TCC will engage at about 50 mph and disengage at about 45 mph. The TCC solenoid is what actually causes the TCC to engage and disengage.

Why is the pulley on my AC compressor not working?

Check the front side of the clutch to examine its condition. Also, find out whether the clutch and the pulley are spinning. If only the pulley is rotating, the compressor clutch is having an issue, which could be stemming from several sources – a blown fuse, bad clutch oil, low-pressure lockout, or an open wire in the oil.

Can a manual transmission car clutch go wrong?

There are several different ways that the clutch on a manual transmission equipped car can go wrong, but it is a simple mechanical system, or hydraulic/mechanical, and not hard to understand. Once you understand what the parts are, and how they interact, finding and fixing the problem should be easy.

What causes a GM torque converter to lock up?

Most of the time it is a stuck Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) solenoid, but this is not the only cause of this problem. General Motors has issued a few Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) relating to this problem. There is also a specific diagnostic procedure to determine the exact cause of the TCC problem.

When to replace the fan clutch in your cooling system?

When replacing the damaged water pump, it is wise to replace the worn fan clutch at the same time otherwise the new water pump will soon fail. That is why the fan clutch should be replaced when a water pump is replaced. How to tell if the Fan Clutch in your Cooling System is failing or has failed.

How does a fan clutch work on a Chevy?

How to Test a Fan Clutch on a Chevrolet. A fan clutch is the assembly that your engine cooling fan rides on and that tells the fan when to turn on and off. A central core, which locks and unlocks based on the temperature, allows the fan to spin with the engine crankshaft or freewheel on its own.

What’s the best temperature to test a fan clutch?

Make sure your new fan clutch is the same type as the original. It’s possible to upgrade from a non-thermal clutch to a more efficient thermal model, but not the other way around. Keep your engine temperature below 210 °F (99 °C) while you’re running your tests to prevent it from overheating.

When do you know you have a bad fan clutch?

Reach in and spin the fan blade by hand. If it continues to spin freely for more than five turns with no signs of drag, you have a bad fan clutch. Start the engine and look down at the fan. The fan should be still or barely revolving until the engine warms up. When the fan begins to turn at engine speed, move to Step 4.

Can a bad fan clutch cause an engine to overheat?

The second problem a fan clutch can have is the opposite problem. The clutch fails to engage no matter how hot the engine becomes. This condition will cause the engine to overheat because the fan fails to pull the necessary air through the radiator that cools the engine by the use of the systems coolant.

When to replace the fan clutch on a Chevy?

If the fan begins to slow down, or comes to a halt altogether, your fan clutch is bad and should be replaced. If not, your fan clutch is working properly as long as you have seen the fan cycle on and off during this inspection. If your fan never stops turning, you should replace the fan clutch.

How does a fan clutch work on an engine?

by Allen Moore. A fan clutch is the assembly that your engine cooling fan rides on and that tells the fan when to turn on and off. A central core, which locks and unlocks based on the temperature, allows the fan to spin with the engine crankshaft or freewheel on its own.

How does a water pump fan clutch work?

The fan clutch is a thermostatic device, which means it operates based off temperature, and is usually mounted on the water pump, or another belt driven pulley. The fan clutch will spin loosely until the temperature reaches a certain level, at which point the fan clutch will fully engage…

Why does the clutch pedal go to the floor?

Clutch pedal goes to floor when pressed With the symptoms you have described, the most likely cause is a leak in the clutch hydraulic system. If there is a leak on the system it causes air to enter. The issue your having is going to depend on the details of what happened when it overheated.

What happens to the engine when the fan clutch fails?

As the fan clutch is one of the main cooling system components, it is very important to the proper operation of the engine. When it fails, the engine can be put at risk of serious damage due to overheating.

What should I do if my fan clutch is on the outs?

Pay attention to changes in air temperature. One of the most common symptoms of a fan clutch on the outs is an inability to properly cool the air circulating through the vehicle. Switch on the A/C and turn it down to the coldest setting.

When to know if your car fan clutch is binding?

Activity that’s louder than normal may indicate binding. A binding fan clutch will typically be accompanied with warm air flow from the A/C, since the fan isn’t turning the way it should be. Start your vehicle and listen for the fan to engage. Give the engine a little time to warm up. After 4-5 minutes, the fan clutch should come to life.

How to replace the fan clutch on a 4th Gen Ram?

How to replace the electronic fan clutch on 4th gen Ram with Cummins 6.7 liter engines. A/C was blowing warm on restart and idle. A/C Compressor head pressure goes through the roof and will leak out. If you have a 2010-2012 Ram and fan clutch has not been replaced then you will eventually experience this condition. P/N for the fix is 68155609AB.

What should I do if my fan clutch is leaking?

Give the water pump hose a quick jostle as well to see if the problem might lie there. Spot-check for oil leaks. Run your finger along the edges of the bearing seal on the backside of the fan clutch. If it comes away with a heavy coating of oil, the culprit is either a crack or a faulty seal.

Can a bad fan clutch cause an AC problem?

All it takes is for the compressor to engage for just a few seconds and that high side can climb up to 480 psi (if there is a problem) and the computer will shut the compressor off. I was doing ac on a 3rd gen one time and I didnt know it had a bad fan clutch.

When do I change the clutch on my fan?

Click to expand… mine does too. but i never had mine replaced. i ignore it. With a fan cluthc your fan will rotate constantly regardless. The clutch engages and locks the blade to it so that it spins faster than normal the hotter that it gets. The only time that your fan will not spin is when the motor is off.

How can I tell if my car has a fan clutch?

If your car has a fan clutch, common signs include the vehicle overheating, the cooling fans working very loudly, or engine performance decreasing. 1. Vehicle overheating

How does a thermal fan clutch work on a car?

When the fan clutch engages, it spins up greatly, increasing air flow through the radiator and over the engine. A thermal fan clutch reacts to temperature of the air rushing over it from the radiator. As the radiator heats up, the air passing through it also heats up.

When does a fan clutch go bad in a car?

A fan clutch is designed to cool the engine when it becomes too hot and on the verge of overheating. These clutches are featured on forward facing engine’s only and are used in place of an electric fan though they do the same job. Attached to the engine’s water pump a fan clutch can go bad in one of two ways.

How can you tell when a fan clutch is engaged?

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. Alternatively, an optical tachometer can be used to measure fan speed.

Why is my Mopar cooling fan clutch not working?

Updated part number worked as an OEM part should. Cold A/C at idle and the truck stays cooler while pulling heavy trailers. If you’re going through A/C compressors or your A/C isn’t very cold at idle this will definitely help fix your issue. Part store clutches fail very quickly and cause more damage in the long run.

How does a fan clutch work on a radiator?

What causes radial streaks in a fan clutch?

Radial streaks are another potential clue—this happens when oil escapes from the clutch and is then blown outward in all directions by the fan. Inside the fan clutch, there is a small reservoir filled with a viscous silicone-based oil. The oil flows to and from the main chamber as engine heat fluctuates, engaging and disengaging the clutch.

What does it mean when your radiator fan is not working?

This is what we call a blown fuse. A blown fuse is no big deal, and changing one does not cost a lot of money. If your car’s radiator fan is non-functional, check your car’s user manual and locate the fuse for the radiator fan controller or the fan.

What to do if your radiator fan is going bad?

A new radiator fan and thermal fan clutch, ready to keep your engine cool. Benjamin Jerew is an ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician with over a decade of experience in auto repair, maintenance, and diagnosis.

Why does my car fan make a roaring sound?

First the and most common way a fan clutch can fail is the clutch shoe inside the unit can get stuck and not disengage causing the fan to lock up on the input shaft which will permanently engage the cooling fan which will be accompanied by a noticeable roaring sound.

Why are the doors on my Dodge Durango rusting?

Rust has been developing on the bolts and hinges of interior doors for over a year on my 2015 Dodge Durango. The dealer attempted to change them out (one side) and they started to rust within 7 months of the change. I refused to have them change out the rest of the original bolts that of course are continuing to degrade.

How does the alarm work on a Dodge Durango?

Many models of the Dodge Durango are equipped with a factory-installed alarm system that monitors sensors mounted on the vehicle to detect unauthorized entry attempts. If the alarm has been activated, it must be reset in order to turn it off. The engine will not run once the alarm has been activated until it is reset.

How does the PCM control the fan clutch?

By opening and closing the fluid port valve, the PCM can control the cooling fan clutch speed. The cooling fan clutch speed is measured by a Hall-effect sensor and is monitored by the PCM during closed loop operation.

What’s the difference between old fan clutch and new fan clutch?

Now it runs constantly (full tilt) and robs the truck of a lot of power, not to mention its super loud and I’m sure the truck will have a hell of a time pulling my trailer this summer. What was the difference between the old fan clutch and the one that was installed, shouldnt they both operate similarly.

Why does my Dodge Ram make a loud fan noise?

IT sounds as if the cooling fan is trying to take off. The truck did not do this the first two weeks I had it. From what I can tell looking at engine the fan is directly connected to engine. It is not electric as a lot of newer vehicles are. Cannot tell for sure if there is a clutch on the fan itself or if it is directly mounted to engine shaft.

Why does my D Stock clutch make a lot of noise?

Getting back to you first post, It is vert common for the D stock fan clutch to cause a lot of fan noise at start up and you swear that the engine is rev’ing fast and you have now power. It is a combination of the clutch locking up a little and the design if the fan blades. A lot of D owner’s complained about the noise.

What’s the difference between standard and heavy duty fan clutches?

Standard-Duty Thermal Fan Clutch: This design turns the fan at 60-70 percent of the water pump shaft speed when engaged, and 20-30 percent when disengaged. It’s made for fans with a lighter pitch. Heavy-Duty Thermal Fan Clutch: This fan style turns the fan at 70-90 percent of the shaft speed when engaged for increased cooling.

How do you test a fluid coupling fan clutch?

Step 1 With the engine off, inspect the fan blades carefully. Look carefully around the fan clutch for signs of oil leakage. Grab the fan assembly with your hands and move it back and forth. Try to spin the fan with your hands. Turn on the engine and let it idle. Test the fluid-coupling fan clutch visually with the engine running.

What happens if your fan clutch is not working?

Your engine may have a hard time cooling down (overheating) or heating up since the fan clutch isn’t working. The longer you wait to have the problem diagnosed, and repaired, the more it affects the efficiency of your engine.

How to remove a fan clutch without special tools?

Without special tools. – YouTube If playback doesn’t begin shortly, try restarting your device. Videos you watch may be added to the TV’s watch history and influence TV recommendations. To avoid this, cancel and sign in to YouTube on your computer. An error occurred while retrieving sharing information.

What causes oil to come out of a fan clutch?

Run your finger along the edges of the bearing seal on the backside of the fan clutch. If it comes away with a heavy coating of oil, the culprit is either a crack or a faulty seal. Radial streaks are another potential clue—this happens when oil escapes from the clutch and is then blown outward in all directions by the fan.

What should I do if my fan clutch is not working?

If the clutch or fan have excessive play, remove the fan and clutch and check if the water pump shaft — where the fan-clutch assembly mounts — displays excessive play. If the water pump shaft checks OK, replace the fan clutch. Try to spin the fan with your hands.

When to replace a water pump fan clutch?

When does the clutch engage does the fan spin?

With a fan cluthc your fan will rotate constantly regardless. The clutch engages and locks the blade to it so that it spins faster than normal the hotter that it gets. The only time that your fan will not spin is when the motor is off. It is a common misconception that the fan will only spin when the clutch engages.

When to use a heavy duty thermal fan clutch?

Heavy-Duty Thermal Fan Clutch: This fan style turns the fan at 70-90 percent of the shaft speed when engaged for increased cooling. When disengaged, it turns the fan at 25-35 percent. It’s used with deeper-pitch fans (2 1/2″ of pitch), and works well with higher operating rpm.

What should I do if my cat cooling fan is not working?

That should be the red one near or at the compressor. Try to unplug it and see if the fan stays released. The coolant temp sensor that is read by the ecm to control the fan also sends the data to your coolant temp gauge. If the gauge is reading normal the sensor and wiring should be fine. (The insulation needs to be fixed for sure!)

How to remove a clutch nut on a 2005 Ford F-150?

After battling the clutch nut on a 2005 Ford F-150 5.4L with both a band wrench and a special removal kit that didn’t fit my vehicle, it occurred to me there may be a better way. If you’ve struggled like I have, you may find this method pretty helpful. All you need is a length of chain about 8-10 inches long. Loading…

What are the different types of fan clutches?

Types of Fan Clutches. The main types are non-thermal, thermal, and electronic — all of which use a silicone fluid to engage and disengage your fan. Non-thermal clutches operate solely based on the shaft speed of the water pump. At low and idling speeds, the clutch allows the fan blade to turn at almost a 1:1 ratio.

What does a fan clutch do on a water pump?

A fan clutch is a temperature-controlled coupling between the water pump shaft and the fan which allows the fan to be operational at low speeds and disconnected at higher speeds.

Where are the bolts on a F150 water pump?

The front four connect the covering to the frame. Step 5 – There are 2 bolts, 1 each located on the fan shroud. Looking from the passenger side towards the front of the truck you can see the one circled. The driver side bolt is located in the same area but below the Air Intake filter compartment. Loosen these 2 bolts, but do not total extract.

When to replace ignition cylinder actuator rod F150?

Ignition Cylinder Actuator Rod Replacement (1997-2003 F150s) This is an article that generally applies to 1997-2003 F-150 trucks. It may also apply to other years and models of Ford vehicles. I…

When do you Know It is time to change your clutch?

One of the most obvious signs it is time to change your clutch, happens when you are changing between gears. If the clutch slips, you will notice a lack of smoothness when shifting from one gear to another.

Is the clutch pedal absent in an automatic car?

It is only the clutch pedal which is absent in most automatic cars. The clutch system still exists in the engine of the car, it just works differently. Automatic cars generally have two type of clutch. One is an automatic torque converter (ATC).

When do you know it’s time to replace the fan clutch?

According to Hayden, here are some signs your fan clutch might need replaced: Fan spins excessively when engine is stopped (three or more times when hot engine is shut off). Poor A/C performance at idle or low vehicle speeds. Fan speed does not increase when engine is hot.

Why did I need to replace the clutch on my truck?

All I know is that, before the fan clutch was replaced, the truck never overheated with the plow off, with the plow on it would get hot at highway speeds and I would have to come to a stop in order for the fan to really kick in!

What causes a car fan clutch to go bad?

Insufficient heat in winter is another common problem but caused by the opposite fan clutch failure. If the fan clutch seizes, it remains engaged all the time, cooling off the engine too much. Excess fan noise at high speed is caused by the same problem, a seized fan clutch.

What causes a fan clutch to leak at the bearing seal?

When a leak occurs, it’s at the bearing seal, at the center rear of the clutch. Run your finger around the joint and if you get a big dollop of black goo, that’s silicone fluid that has leaked from the housing. Replace the fan clutch. A light smear of silicone fluid could be normal seepage–no seal is perfect.

Can a fan clutch be replaced in a car?

The fan clutch replacement process will also work for almost any other car out there that has a fan clutch and not an electric fan. What the fan clutch does is regulate the speed of the fan so that the engine can warm up fast, yet stay cool when its at operating temps (like how a thermostat regulates temp).

What should I do if my fan clutch fails?

When it fails, the engine can be put at risk of serious damage due to overheating. If your vehicle is displaying any of the symptoms above, or you suspect that your fan clutch may be having an issue, have the vehicle inspected by a professional technician, such as one from YourMechanic, to determine if the car will need a fan clutch replacement.

Can a broken radiator fan clutch be replaced?

1A Auto shows you how to repair, install, fix, change or replace a broken radiator fan clutch. If your car overheats or runs hot and the radiator cooling fan will not turn on, then this may be your solution. This video shows the process for the 97, 98, 99, 00, 01, 02, 03 Ford F150

Can a bad fan clutch cause engine overheating?

A bad fan clutch may not engage properly or at all, and as a result, will disable the fans or prevent them from working at maximum efficiency. This may result in the engine overheating, which will lead to more serious issues if left unattended.

Why is my cooling fan not working on my Trailblazer?

Everytime my 2006 Trailblazer would be driven in the rain the check engine light would come on. The last time it would not go off so I took it in and they told me it was the cooling fan motor. While finding someone to work on it I discovered this is very common on this vehicle and it was 700. 00 to repair.

Are there any problems with the Ford F 350?

Among all F-350s, engine failure is the most common trouble. It occurred in many 2008 models, but the issue continued to progress up to 2011. In most cases, the truck’s engine gave out with no warning, forcing drivers to pay as much as $10,000 out of pocket to replace it.

Why is my a / C CLUTCH not working on my Ford PowerStroke?

Also another assumption that either your thermostat has been removed or has failed open.

Why does my clutch slip when I Shift?

If you always leave your foot on the clutch even after shifting, it wears the clutch disc fast. Another reason that causes a slipping clutch is when gear oil leaks onto the clutch. You may also be facing clutch issues if there is damage to the clutch pressure plate.

Why do I feel like my transmission is slipping?

If you owned your car for a while, you have probably learned how your engine behaves and when your transmission should shift to the next gear. If you feel that the engine RPMs rise when you try to accelerate, but the car is not going faster – you have a slipping transmission.

What does the release bearing on a clutch do?

The Clutch Release Bearing This applies force to the release levers or fingers. In doing so, the release bearing disengages the clutch. The release bearing is designed to operate with minimum friction between the rotating and stationary points of contact.

How does the clutch work on a 1995 F-150?

The 1995 F-150’s base transmission was a five-speed manual. This transmission used an internal, hydraulic slave cylinder to engage and disengage the clutch. If air gets into the hydraulic system, you must bleed it out, or the clutch will not function correctly.

What kind of transmission did a 1995 F-150 have?

The 1995 model year was no different, as it had three different engine sizes and three transmission options available. The 1995 F-150’s base transmission was a five-speed manual. This transmission used an internal, hydraulic slave cylinder to engage and disengage the clutch.

What to do if your Ford F150 transmission is slipping?

If your Ford F150’s transmission has been slipping, it is a very serious problem. It’ll get worse in a relatively short period of time, leaving the vehicle inoperable. You’ll want to find out what is wrong, and have it repaired quickly, before any further lasting damage can occur.

Is there a bad clutch on the radiator?

No A/C…Bad fan clutch??? Ok, so I have an 06, 6.0 and the a/c wont blow cold so I took it to a shop. The guy calls back and says the fan clutch for the radiator is bad. He can run a hose on the radiator and the air is cold but the truck doesn’t over heat.

How to test a variable speed fan clutch on a 2006 6.0?

Got a 2006 F-450 with Powerstroke. Got codes P0480 fan 1 Got a 2006 F-450 with Powerstroke. Got codes P0480 fan 1 control circuit and P0528 fan speed sensor circuit no signal. Where shoud I start looking? read more Ron ASE Certified Technician Vocational, Technical or Trade Scho 27,281 satisfied customers

What are the symptoms of a bad or failing fan clutch?