There are several factors involved when replacing your cooling fan: the year of the car, model, engine size and configuration of the cooling system. I have worked on various makes and models but Chrysler products are where I am strongest so we’ll stick with the Chrysler brand at this time. For the most part brands are comparable when it comes to cooling fans with minor differences when it comes to servicing the cooling fan.
There are basically two types of cooling fans used on cars: One being driven completely by the engine, the other driven by an electrical motor. The engine driven fan is operated by way of a fan attached to the water pump and driven through a belt system that is turned by the pulley attached to the front of the crankshaft or dampener pulley. The electric fan uses an electric powered motor that is attached to the fan shroud and uses a shaft to rotate the fan when called upon by the engine control systems to cool the radiator.
Generally newer model cars now incorporate the electric fan module system. To replace the electric cooling fan you may well need to disconnect the battery but in most cases you won’t have to execute this step. As long as you aren’t close to any powered up sources when removing the fan module, such as the alternator, the battery can stay connected. Unless you just want to be completely safe.
Find the connection that leads to the fan motor. This connection may be right at the electric motor or a few inches away. Once you have found it, disconnect the connector. Then you need to decide if anything will be in the way when you remove the fan module. You may have to remove a radiator hose, overflow bottle or a panel that holds the top of the radiator. Most Chrysler models allow the cooling fan module to be removed easily without removing anything else. If you need to remove a hose, you can either drain the cooling system or merely remove the hose with a pan equipped to catch the excess.
There ought to be at least two bolts or screws at the top of the cooling fan module that you will need to remove. On the underside of the fan module you may find two more screws or perhaps just clips holding it in place. If you find clips then you will most likely be able to just pull up on the fan module and remove it in that method.
Depending on your problem you may be able to replace the fan blades themselves or just the motor that runs the fan. In the majority of cases you will have to replace the cooling fan module as an assembly. You will get the complete shroud with motor and fan all attached into one component just as you have removed it. Some modules house two fan systems; in that instance you may be able to replace one without having to replace the other fan.
Once you have decided on the proper way to fix your fan system you can install in reverse order making certain you reconnect your electric fan and replacing any coolant you might have had to remove in the process. Then you will need to start the engine and check for proper function of the cooling system and the fan to make sure things are in order and that your engine won’t overheat.
The electric cooling fan system is somewhat easy to interchange as you don’t have to fight with belts and pulleys and it, in many cases, allows for more horsepower and better economy than the pulley driven fan.
