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There are two ways to check this problem. With engine off, grab fan and spin it. If it takes a minute or so to stop, or feels easy to spin, the clutch may be bad. The other way to check is to start engine, and using a long metal pipe (or lug wrench) insert into fan. If it stops spinning, then the clutch is bad. If using the second method, be certain that engine is idling...DO NOT ACCELERATE!!!
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Basically when the clutch is bad, the fan is just freewheeling. If you start the vehicle with the hood open and listen as the engine heats up, you should hear a click as the clutch is activated and a much louder sound from the fan because it is moving more air.
It is a difficult process to check the correct operation of a thermal fan clutch.
Mostly if it is suspected the clutch is not working as it should and the age and the mileage of the car is significant it is best to replace the unit.
The clutch would be suspected if strange noises are heard that can be traced to the fan or if some engine overheating is being experienced, mostly at low speed or extended periods of idling.
To check the fan meets specification, first you need to know the temperature the clutch is designed to fully engage and then by whatever means available the fan clutch must be raised to that temperature and force applied to ensure direct drive has been achieved.
There is a switch that monitors the coolant temperature and perhaps this is faulty and your fan is not being turned on. If your car has been serviced lately (rad replaced) the fan may not have plugged back in. Follow the wires from the fan motor, there is usually a connector inline as well as a connector at the sensor. All models are different but this is a free and easy first step. Keep your finger away from the fan blades, they can start unexpectantly.
The computer is supposed to ground the fan relay when the engine temp reaches 220 degrees. If the coolant level is low, or the sensor is faulty, the computer will not know the engine needs the fan. A mechanic would check the sensor with a scanner or meter. Its also possible the gauge on the dash is not accurate.
I just replaced my 2004 durango fan clutch and the new fan clutch will not disengage. The fan keeps runnning very loud i have replaced the new one already still doing the samething. Do i have a bad clutch or do i need to have the vehicle idle looked at
if the blades are all there then fan is fan. he is probably referring to the fan clutch. but water pumps fail it is a wear item so sooner or later most cars are going to have to have one replaced.
I would test the A/C compressor clutch coil first , easiest to do . If the electromagnet clutch coil is bad ,the compressor won't engage . Pull the A/C compressor clutch relay an jump pin's 30 & 87 , where the relay plug's into the fuse box . If pin 30 has B+ voltage ,pin 87 sends that B+ voltage to energize the clutch coil . These clutch coil's can go bad . You could also check the cooling fan this way , pull the cooling fan relay an take a piece of wire an jump pin's 30 & 87 .If fan is good it will run . Do you know how relay's work ? VEHICLE RELAYS Operation Diagnosis
The PCM controls both relay's by supplying a ground to energize the relay .
Is the check engine light on ?
Do you know what a wiring diagram is ? How to use one along with a DVOM - digital volt ohm meter to test automotive electrical circuits ? Not guessing ? This is how an automotive technician would solve this problem , hooking up a scan tool an checking for code's ,using bi-direction control of scan tool to manually try to turn on coolant fan ,A/C compressor .....
Free wiring diagrams here http://www.bbbind.com/free_tsb.html
Enter vehicle info. year , make , model an engine size. Under system click on engine ,then under subsystem click on cooling fans ,check the electrical circuit's .
I have a 2004 trailblazer and it keeps over heating at stop lights or while driving slow. I have replaced the thermostat and water pump, but this issue still shows up. It is fine while driving down the highway at 55-65 mph. I have also cleaned the radiator and blew through the fins to clean out the dirt and bugs. Not sure if clutch is operating correctly. How can one tell if it is and are these electric? I know there are approx 5 wires running to the front of the clutch, but not sure if this gets a voltage signal to engage the clutch fan. Any ideas?
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