Molly Ayala
Whether both electric radiator fans should be on at the same time depends on the car model. Some cars have two radiator fans that work together, with three different speed settings depending on the temperature and whether the air conditioning is on. However, some cars have one fan that is temperature-controlled and another that is controlled by the air conditioning being turned on or off. If one of the fans is not working, this could cause the car to overheat.
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What You'll Learn
One fan is temperature-controlled, the other is AC-controlled
In a car with two radiator fans, one fan is temperature-controlled, and the other is AC-controlled. The temperature-controlled fan is the primary fan and is ECM-controlled to turn on at around 220°F. The AC-controlled fan is the secondary fan and is turned on by a fan switch on the passenger side of the car. It turns on at a higher temperature of 238°F.
The primary fan is usually located on the passenger side of the car, while the secondary fan is on the driver's side. However, this may vary depending on the car model and year. In some cases, the primary fan is controlled by the ECM, while the secondary fan is controlled by a thermostatic switch.
The temperature-controlled fan is designed to turn on when the engine reaches a certain temperature. This helps to prevent overheating and maintain optimal engine performance. The AC-controlled fan, on the other hand, is designed to turn on when the air conditioning system is activated, regardless of the engine temperature. This fan helps to cool the air conditioning system and improve its efficiency.
In some cases, both fans may run simultaneously, such as when the A/C is turned on or when the engine temperature exceeds the threshold for the secondary fan. This allows for increased cooling capacity and helps to prevent overheating in high-temperature conditions.
It is important to note that the specific temperature thresholds and fan configurations may vary depending on the car model and year. Therefore, it is always recommended to refer to the vehicle's manual or consult a qualified technician for accurate information regarding the radiator fans' operation.
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Fans may work staggered or together
Whether both electric radiator fans should be on depends on the make and model of the car. Some cars are designed to have both radiator fans working together, while others are designed to have them working staggered.
For example, Mazda RX7 cars have two radiator fans that are supposed to run together. There are three different speeds depending on conditions: temperature, A/C being on, and the blower setting.
On the other hand, some cars have one fan that is temperature-controlled, while the other is controlled by the air conditioning being turned on or off. For instance, in the 1988 IROC, the primary (passenger) fan is ECM-controlled and turns on at 220°F, while the secondary fan is controlled by the fan switch in the passenger side head and turns on at 238°F. Under normal operating conditions, the fans don't run at the same time.
In some cases, both fans may be designed to run together when the A/C is turned on, even if the car has only been running for a short time. For example, in the 1989 IROC, both fans will run when the A/C is on.
If you are unsure about whether your car's radiator fans are working correctly, it is recommended to consult a mechanic or a car forum specific to your make and model.
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Fans can be ECM-controlled
ECM (electronically commutated motor) motors are a recent advancement in HVAC technology, first introduced by GE in 1985. They are an energy-efficient alternative to basic PSC motors. ECM motors can vary their speed between zero and 100%. Speed adjustments can be permanently programmed into the motor or applied by the controller when it senses adjustments are necessary. For instance, when a constant airflow or variable speed motor’s microprocessor senses increased torque due to higher static pressure, it increases the motor’s speed to create more airflow.
ECM fans use about 400 watts in cooling mode and about 80 in continuous fan mode. Because of their variable speed, they can run at low speeds for much of the time, while PSC motors are typically on high speed all the time. This means that annual operating costs for ECMs can be 25% to 75% lower. The ability of ECMs to ramp up and ramp down slowly also adds to their quiet operation and enhances their dehumidifying ability.
ECM motors are 65 to 75% efficient, depending on the output. PSC motors are about 45% efficient. The higher efficiency of ECM motors yields lower energy costs. They also sustain less wear and tear due to gradual acceleration and deceleration and are less likely to overheat.
ECM fans and motors represent a significant improvement in fan technology and provide energy-efficient, enhanced performance. However, factors such as factory programming and higher startup costs must be considered.
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Fans may be controlled by a thermostatic switch
The functionality of electric radiator fans depends on the make and model of the car. Some cars are designed to have two radiator fans running together, while others are designed to have one fan running at a time.
In some car models, the two radiator fans are controlled by different mechanisms. One fan is temperature-controlled, turning on when the engine reaches a certain temperature, while the other is controlled by the air conditioning system, turning on when the AC is switched on. This allows the cooling system to respond to different driving conditions and demands.
In other car models, both radiator fans are designed to work together to provide adequate cooling. These fans may have different speed settings, such as high, medium, and low, which can be adjusted based on the temperature or the accessories being used.
In certain cases, the operation of the radiator fans may be staggered. One fan may be ECM-controlled and turn on at a specific temperature, while the other fan may be controlled by a thermostatic switch and turn on at a higher temperature or under different conditions, such as when the AC is switched on. This staggered operation ensures that the cooling system responds appropriately to varying temperature conditions and helps maintain optimal engine performance.
It is important to understand the specific cooling system configuration of your car to determine whether both electric radiator fans should be on simultaneously or if they operate independently based on different triggers. Consulting the vehicle's manual or seeking advice from a qualified mechanic can provide more specific information about the cooling system's design and functionality.
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Fans should run for 10 minutes to cool the engine
The cooling fan helps to dissipate residual heat, ensuring the engine cools down properly. The fan should run until the temperature gets to an optimal level, usually for about 10 minutes. If the fan doesn't run, it could be that the engine temperature hasn't reached the threshold, or there could be a faulty relay.
In some cases, the cooling fan may continue to run even after the engine has been turned off. This could be due to a low coolant level, causing the engine to run hotter and the fan to operate more frequently. Electrical issues, such as a malfunctioning relay or a short circuit, can also cause the fan to remain on.
In most cases, the cooling fan should run until the engine temperature reaches an optimal level. This can vary depending on the car model and year, but generally, the fan should run for about 10 minutes to ensure the engine cools down properly. For example, in a 2006 S60 2.5T with 211K miles, the cooling fan runs at full speed when the engine is running.
In another instance, a user reported that their radiator cooling fan continued to run for around five minutes after driving for six miles, even though the temperature was only 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This could be due to a number of factors, including the outside temperature, the engine temperature, or other factors affecting the cooling system.
It is important to note that the duration of the cooling fan's operation may vary depending on various factors, and it may not always be exactly 10 minutes. However, if the fan runs for an extended period, it may be an indication of an issue with the cooling system or a faulty relay.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the car model and year. For example, in Mazda RX7 models from 1993-2002, both fans are supposed to run together. However, in some other car models, one fan is temperature-controlled, while the other is controlled by the AC being turned on or off.
You can test this by turning on the AC or heater, which should trigger the fans to turn on. If this doesn't happen, there may be an issue with the relays.
Try replacing your thermostat and using a higher percentage of water in your coolant during the summer. You could also consider upgrading to an aftermarket radiator.
