The way an internal combustion engine works is by converting the chemical energy in fuel into mechanical work. Explosions and pressure raise the piston which is connected to the crankshaft. The crankshaft turns a camshaft which opens and closes valves at just the right moments to let air in during the intake stroke, fuel into the cylinder when it’s compressed, then exhaust out of the cylinder after combustion. Learn how much does it cost to replace a radiator fan.
However, this process generates tremendous heat as well as pressure. Engines are designed with cooling systems that circulate water or oil to prevent these high temperatures from damaging engine components. These cooling systems include many different parts, but one part is particularly important because it keeps your car running smoothly even during hot days: radiator fans.
This is why there are radiators on the front of cars to expel this heat. The radiator fan sucks air from in front of the car and uses it to cool down the engine. Radiator fans spin at anywhere between 2,000-16,000 rpm with an average being 6,500 rpm. They have a diameter of around 21 inches and can weigh 9 pounds.
If your radiator fan fails, your engine could overheat, potentially causing severe damage. Here’s what you need to know about replacing a radiator fan on your car, particularly it’s cost. On average, the cost is around $500 for the part itself, not including labor. We’ll break this further down the article.
What Is A Radiator Fan?
A radiator fan is part of your car’s cooling system. It draws air into the front of the car and expels hot air out of the back. When you’re driving, this keeps your ride at a safe temperature instead of overheating.
The fan itself is normally connected to the radiator and sits in front of it. It’s made from blades attached to a hub, which produces less power loss and more torque than a conventional fan. The radiator fan is usually turned on when the car’s engine is running and cools it down by drawing in air from the front.
This part is important to your car’s overall function and if it goes out, you’ll need to replace it as soon as possible.
Why Do Radiator Fans Fail?
There can be a multitude of reasons why a radiator fan might fail. One of the most common is simply age. Over time, parts wear down and eventually need to be replaced.
Another reason for failure can be due to a clogged radiator. When the radiator becomes blocked, it can’t properly do its job of dissipating heat from the engine. This will cause the engine to overheat and the radiator fan will work harder to compensate, leading to eventual failure.
A faulty relay or wiring can also cause a radiator fan to stop working. Sensors monitor the temperature of the engine, and if it gets too high they send a signal to activate the fan. If these sensors become faulty, they won’t recognize when your car needs cooling, leading to overheating.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Radiator Fan?
Replacing a radiator fan costs $500 on average for parts alone (not including labor). The most expensive part is around $300 while an entire assembly with a motor cost $200-300. Depending on where you live, the labor fee could be an additional $100-200.
That means that the total cost to replace a radiator fan will be around $600-700. However, this may vary depending on the make and model of your car. Some cars have two fans while others have one, which changes the overall price. This number can also change based on whether or not you need to replace other components of the cooling system at the same time.
Can I Replace a Radiator Fan Myself?
When it comes to radiator fans, it’s always a good idea to have a professional do the job. This is because there are many small parts and it can be difficult to get everything back in place properly. Not only that, but if something goes wrong you could damage your car even further.
However, there are ways to save money on this project if you’re determined to replace the radiator fan yourself. For example, buying your own parts can be much cheaper than getting them installed by a professional. You’ll just need to be extra careful when putting everything back together so nothing is damaged in the process.
There are multiple guides online that can help you replace a radiator fan on your own. This is often the cheapest option, but if you don’t feel confident enough to do it, don’t take the risk. It’s much better to have a professional check everything out and make sure you didn’t miss anything
Can you Drive with a Bad Radiator Fan?
If your radiator fan malfunctions, your engine may overheat, which can cause damage to several important components including pistons, cylinders, spark plugs, and catalytic converters. A faulty radiator fan can also reduce fuel economy so it’s best to get it checked ASAP.
When your radiator fan breaks, you should take it into the shop as soon as possible because overheating brings serious problems that can lead to engine damage or failure. If you ignore this problem and let it go on for too long, you might need an entirely new radiator.
Related Codes
- P2181 Code – Cooling System Performance
- U11E9 Code – Lost Communication With Active Grill Shutter
- P1217 Code – Engine Temperature Condition
- P00B7 Code – Engine Coolant Flow Low/Performance
- P1258 Code – Engine Coolant Overtemperature Protection Mode Active
Conclusion
So when it comes to the cost of replacing a radiator fan, it really depends on the make and model of your car. On average, you can expect to spend around $600-700 on parts and labor. However, this number can vary depending on what needs to be done. If you’re determined to do it yourself, you can save some money by buying your own parts, but be sure to take extra care when putting everything back together.
If your radiator fan malfunctions, it’s best to take it into the shop as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your engine. Thanks for reading!
