Your vehicle has many systems that allow it to run smoothly and efficiently without wearing out parts or having issues. The cooling system in your car is one of the most important collections of components, and if it isn’t running correctly, you could end up facing some serious problems. In the cooling system, the radiator and radiator fan are the parts that generate the cool air and distribute it throughout the engine and the rest of the vehicle.
If your radiator fan stops working, many complex issues can arise. By knowing what the radiator fan replacement cost is, you can be ready if something happens to the one in your car. With prompt replacement, you shouldn’t have any of the expensive mechanical issues a bad fan can cause.
What Is a Radiator Fan?
The fan on your radiator is responsible for pulling the cooling air from the radiator and pushing it into the engine compartment. As the air runs through the radiator and cools down, it will stay in the same place without a fan to move it where it needs to go. The fan sits between the radiator itself and the engine and will help cool down the engine, especially on hot days when cool air isn’t getting into the engine compartment naturally.
The fan is electrically powered in modern vehicles and turns on and off as needed. This ensures that cool air is always getting to the engine, even if the vehicle isn’t moving, which is incredibly useful in traffic on hot days. In some cases, the radiator fan also acts as the cooling source for the interior air conditioner. If this fan stops working, the cool air that is generated in the radiator won’t get distributed to where it needs to go.
What Is the Cost of a Radiator Fan Replacement?
The cost of a radiator fan replacement will depend on factors like the make and model of the car and the root cause of the issue. You can expect to pay an average of $164 and $207 for labor and $690 for parts. This brings the average radiator fan replacement cost to a total of between $854 and $897.
If parts for your vehicle are cheaper or you can find used parts for your fan replacement, you can take some of the cost off the replacement of the part. Before doing this, you must remember how important this component is. Taking the time to get high-quality labor and new parts will be well worth it in the long run.
What Causes a Radiator Fan to Fail?
There are several different reasons that your radiator fan might fail. Some of the most common include:
- Blown relay
- Bad temperature switch
- Blown fuse
- Old coolant
- Frayed wiring harness
- Bad AC high-pressure sensor
The root cause of your radiator fan failure will dictate the final cost of the replacement and repair. Knowing the cost, you can expect will help you be ready if you have issues with your fan.
Signs That You Need a New Radiator Fan
When your radiator fan starts to fail, there are a few common issues your car will experience. If you note these problems with your vehicle, it could be a sign that you need a new fan. The sooner you get the radiator fan replaced and the root cause repaired, the less likely it will be that your car ends up needing serious engine repair.
Overheating
The most common sign of needing a new radiator fan is regular overheating. You may notice that your vehicle gets too hot when sitting in traffic or at stoplights, which can create steam or smoke from the engine compartment and may trigger warning lights on the dashboard. Overheating happens because the fan is no longer pushing the cool air from the radiator into the engine compartment to help regulate its temperature.
Ineffective Air Conditioning
In some vehicles, the radiator fan is responsible for pushing the cool air used by the air conditioning into the cabin. If your air conditioning isn’t blowing cool air and you are sure that your refrigerant levels are where they need to be and that the other components are working, the problem could be your radiator fan. Without a working radiator fan, your air conditioner will blow hot air into the cabin.
Loud Noises
If your radiator fan isn’t working correctly, you may notice loud noises coming from the engine compartment. These noises may be the fan motor trying to engage or the fan itself knocking against other components if it has come loose. A professional should look at any loud, unusual noise coming from your vehicle as soon as possible before the issue worsens or turns into a bigger, more expensive repair.
Get Help With Radiator Fan Replacement Costs With an Extended Warranty
While the cost of a radiator fan replacement can be pretty high, getting it fixed as soon as possible is essential. Without temperature regulation, your engine could be seriously damaged, even after driving just a few miles. An extended warranty can help you pay for your radiator fan replacement and ensure that your car doesn’t sustain any more damage than it has to. Finding the right extended warranty can be difficult, but exploring all your options can help you get the coverage you need so your car can be protected and you can feel confident every time you get behind the wheel. Explore our extended warranty provider reviews and buying guide to determine which extended warranty will work best for you and your vehicle
