How does a thermostatic cooling fan work?
A fan clutch is a thermostatic engine cooling fan that can freewheel at low temperatures when cooling is not needed, allowing the engine to warm up faster, relieving unnecessary load on the engine. As temperatures increase, the clutch engages so that the fan is driven by engine power and moves air to cool the engine.
Does the thermostat control the radiator fan?
How Does the Thermostat Affect the Fan? The thermostat in the cooling system controls many of the electric fans. When the temperature in the engine reaches a certain preset temperature, the fan will begin cooling the engine. When the temperature dips below that preset temperature, the fan will turn off.
What controls the cooling fan?
On most modern cars, the cooling fan is controlled by the Engine Control Unit (ECU) which gets a signal from the coolant temperature sensor. If it’s not working, the fan won’t turn on when it needs to, which means the engine might overheat.
Why is a fan used in a cooling system?
The fan system provides an efficient air flow and optimizes the heat exchange to the radiator.
Do both cooling fans run at the same time?
They work separately, unless the car is hot, then they both come on. Does the A/C fan even work? Turn on the A/C to see if it does come on.
What are the two types of cooling fans?
There are 2 types of mechanical fans, clutch fans and flex fans.
- Clutch Fans have fixed blades. They require a coupler to engage and disengage the fan.
- Flex Fans do not need a clutch.
- Electric Fans are driven by a dedicated electrical motor, not the engine.
Can a car run with one fan?
As such, you should never drive your vehicle if the cooling fan isn’t working even though you can. If the radiator does not have cool air blowing on it constantly, it will overheat eventually, so you’d need the perfect combination of weather and traffic to drive effectively without a radiator fan.
Should fan be on auto or on?
Keeping your fan on AUTO is the most energy-efficient option. The fan only runs when the system is on and not continuously. There is better dehumidification in your home during the summer months. When your fan is set to AUTO, moisture from cold cooling coils can drip and be drained outside.