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Can A Bad Thermostat Cause Radiator Fan Not To Work?

Writer Andrew Davis

The coolant will remain inside the engine block if the thermostat does not open when the engine reaches the working temperature. This means that the radiator fan won’t be able to operate.

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Can a bad thermostat cause fans not to come on?

Temperature sensors and the fan won’t work if the thermostat is stuck open (allowing coolant to flow), but this isn’t the same as if the engine/coolant is running too hot and the thermostat somehow affects sensor readings or fan operation.

What can cause a radiator fan not to work?

Unfortunately, blown fuses, bad relays, and broken wires are the most common causes of radiator fan failure. A faulty coolant temperature sensor, insufficient coolant, or damage to the fan are all potential causes.

What tells the cooling fan to come on?

The fan should turn on when the engine temperature rises. When the engine temperature drops below 200 degrees, the fan will be turned off as well. The temperature fan switch or radiator fan switch may be familiar to you. This is connected to a thermostat and functions in much the same way as your home’s heating and air conditioning system.

What are the symptoms of a faulty cooling fan switch?

A broken or shorter signal wire or an overheating engine are all common warning signs.