Home FAQ

Why is my Chevy Cruze fan not working?

The most common causes are a blown fuse or faulty relay, a failing radiator fan motor, or a faulty coolant temperature sensor. Start by checking fuses and relays, then test the fan directly and inspect wiring.

The Chevy Cruze relies on electric cooling fans to regulate engine temperature and to support the air conditioning system. When the fan fails or runs intermittently, the engine can overheat in traffic or during hot weather, and A/C performance can suffer. This guide outlines typical causes, diagnostic steps, and practical fixes to help you understand why the fan isn’t working and what you can do about it.

How the cooling fan system works in the Cruze

In most Cruze configurations, one or two electric fans sit behind the radiator and condenser. The primary radiator fan cools the engine, while a second fan or the same unit handles the A/C condenser. The fans are controlled by the engine computer (PCM) and/or body control module (BCM) via relays and temperature sensors. When the engine reaches a certain temperature or you engage A/C, the system should power the fans; if not, overheating can occur and cooling performance drops.

Dual fan configurations and control

Some Cruze models use a dual-fan setup with separate control paths for engine cooling and A/C demand. The PCM/BCM decides which fan speed to run based on temperature readings and A/C status, so a fault in sensors, wiring, or the control module can prevent one or both fans from turning on.

Common causes

Problems that commonly stop the Cruze cooling fan from operating fall into electrical faults, sensor failures, and motor or wiring issues. The list below highlights typical culprits.

Blown fuse or faulty radiator fan relay in the under-hood fuse/relay box.

Failed radiator cooling fan motor or degraded wiring to the fan.

Faulty coolant temperature sensor or a thermostat stuck closed, delaying or preventing fan activation.

Damaged or corroded wiring and loose connections between the fan, fuse box, and engine computer (PCM/BCM).

A faulty or intermittent BCM/PCM control signal that fails to trigger the fan when needed.

A/C system issues that affect condenser fan operation or cause erratic fan behavior.

Low coolant level or air pockets in the cooling system, which can cause inaccurate readings or overheating.

Understanding these causes helps narrow down the problem quickly. If multiple issues are suspected, a professional diagnostic is often the safest route to avoid causing further damage.

Troubleshooting steps you can perform

These steps are designed to help you diagnose the non-working fan safely and efficiently. If you’re not comfortable with automotive electrical work, consult a qualified mechanic.

Check fuses and relays: inspect the under-hood fuse/relay box for a blown fuse and test or swap the radiator fan relay with a similar one to see if the fan responds.

Test fan operation at proper temperatures: start the engine and let it reach operating temperature; turn on the A/C to see if the fan engages. If the fan remains still, proceed to electrical checks.

Inspect electrical connections: examine the fan harness and connectors for corrosion, loose pins, or damaged wires; repair or replace as needed.

Test the fan motor directly: with power off, unplug the fan connector and apply 12V directly to the fan leads to confirm whether the motor spins; a non-responsive motor indicates replacement is needed.

Check coolant level and sensors: ensure coolant is at the correct level and inspect the coolant temperature sensor for damage or corrosion; faulty readings can prevent fan activation.

Scan for codes: use an OBD-II scanner to look for sensor or PCM/BCM-related codes that point to temperature sensing or fan control faults (e.g., P011x series).

Assess the A/C system: if the A/C isn’t cooling properly or the condenser fan doesn’t respond with A/C on, the issue may lie with the A/C system or related pressure/ safety switches.

Following these checks can usually identify whether the problem is a simple fuse/relay issue, a faulty fan motor, a sensor fault, or a wiring problem. Replacing a failed component is often straightforward when you confirm the exact cause.

When to seek professional help

If the fan still does not operate after basic electrical checks, or if you suspect a BCM/PCM fault, complex wiring, or an imperceptible overheating risk, consult a certified technician or dealership. They can perform comprehensive diagnostics, including pressure tests and dealer-level scans, to accurately determine the root cause and ensure a safe repair.

Prevention and maintenance tips

Preventative care reduces the chance of future cooling fan failures. Regularly inspect the cooling system for debris or blockages, keep coolant at the proper level and replace it as recommended, and inspect fuses, relays, wiring, and connectors under the hood for signs of wear or corrosion. A well-maintained cooling system helps ensure the fans operate when needed and protects the engine from overheating.

Summary

Most Chevy Cruze fan failures come from electrical faults (fuses/relays), a bad fan motor, sensor issues (coolant temperature sensor or thermostat), or wiring problems. A structured approach—start with fuses and relays, test the fan motor, inspect wiring, and check sensors—usually isolates the cause. If the issue involves the BCM/PCM or A/C system, professional diagnostics are advisable. Regular maintenance of the cooling system is the best defense against future fan problems and overheating.

What is the most common problem with the Chevy Cruze?

Common Chevy Cruze problems include coolant leaks from plastic components like the water pump and thermostat housing, and engine issues such as misfires, oil consumption, and turbocharger problems. Owners also report problems with transmission shifting and electrical system failures.
This video explains the common problems with the Chevy Cruze, including the turbocharger, ignition coils, and cooling system: 44sDanielJaegerFilmsYouTube · Jul 25, 2021
Engine and cooling system

Coolant leaks: The cooling system is a major weak point, often due to plastic parts in the thermostat housing, water outlet hose, and water pump that can crack and leak.
Faulty water pump: The water pump is a frequent failure point, often leading to coolant leaks and overheating.
Engine misfires: This can be caused by faulty coil packs or spark plugs.
Oil consumption and smoke: Problems with the PCV valve and air check valve can lead to excessive oil consumption and blue exhaust smoke.
Turbocharger issues: Turbochargers can fail, especially if oil changes are missed, with problems like cracked wastegates or a failing actuator arm.

You can watch this video to learn more about the common problems with the Chevy Cruze's engine, including the thermostat and PCV system: 50scar PROblemsYouTube · Jun 17, 2022
Transmission and electrical

Transmission problems: Owners report harsh shifting, rough shifting, and failure to engage gears.
Electrical failures: The electrical system is a frequent source of issues, including faulty power seats and the computer panel shutting off unexpectedly.
Brake failure: Some model years have reported issues with the brake system.

This video discusses common transmission issues in the Chevy Cruze: 1mLemon Law AssistYouTube · Aug 5, 2023
Other common problems

Suspension and steering noises: Clunking noises from the front suspension are common.
Sticking windows: Side windows may stick in the closed position.
Leaky taillights: Some models are prone to water leaking in through the taillight assemblies.

What to do if a car cooling fan is not working?

If your car cooling fan is not working, you should check the fuse, relay, and fan motor, and consider seeking professional assistance if needed.

Why is my radiator fan not working on my 2018 Chevy Cruze?

The most common reasons a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze radiator fan isn't working are the fan assembly, the fan clutch, or the coolant temperature sensor. Fan Motor or Clutch: A faulty fan motor or a malfunctioning fan clutch can result in inadequate cooling, causing the engine to overheat.

Why is my cooling fan not kicking in?

If the radiator cooling fan doesn't turn on, first check the fan fuse and relay for continuity. Inspect the coolant temperature sensor, as a faulty sensor may not signal the fan to activate. Also, test the fan motor directly by applying 12V power to ensure it runs. Clean any debris blocking the fan blades.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.