Why is my Dodge Magnum fan not working?

The most common culprits are a blown fuse or relay, a bad fan motor, or a faulty sensor that tells the fan when to run.

On the Dodge Magnum (produced from 2005 to 2008), the cooling fan system is controlled by the engine computer and temperature-related switches. When the engine reaches operating temperature or the air conditioning is engaged, the fans should spin to keep the engine and condenser cool. If they don’t, cooling performance suffers and there can be an increased risk of overheating. The guide below outlines likely causes and practical steps to diagnose the issue.

Common causes of a non-working cooling fan

The following items are frequent failure points to inspect when the radiator/fan won’t operate. Start with the simplest checks before moving to more involved tests.

• Blown fuse for the cooling fan circuit in the under-hood fuse box.

Faulty or stuck cooling fan relay in the power distribution center.

• Burned or open fan motor windings, preventing the fan from turning.


• Faulty coolant temperature sensor or engine temperature switch that fails to trigger the fan.


• Wiring damage, frayed insulation, or poor connections in the fan circuit.


• Bad ground connection on the fan motor or related wiring.


• Issues with the cooling fan resistor or dual-fan control module (for models with two fans).


• PCM/control module faults or programming issues affecting fan activation.

These are the most common causes, but occasional problems can involve corroded connectors, water intrusion, or aftermarket modifications that alter the original wiring scheme.

Dual-fan setup considerations on the Magnum

Some Dodge Magnum configurations use a two-fan setup: one for radiator cooling and another for the A/C condenser. If the engine fan fails but the condenser fan works (or vice versa), cooling performance can be uneven. Understanding which fan is affected helps narrow down whether the issue lies with a relay, a sensor, or the fan motor itself.

Diagnosing and fixing the issue

Before you begin a hands-on inspection, note safety precautions: allow the engine to cool, disconnect the battery if you’ll be handling electrical connectors, and use proper tools. The steps below are designed to identify the root cause without unnecessary disassembly.

Use this diagnostic checklist to identify the root cause. Start with the simplest checks that don’t require special tools.

• Check fuses and relays: Locate the under-hood fuse box and verify the cooling fan fuse and the fan relay are intact. Replace any blown fuse and test the relay by swapping with a known-good one or using a multimeter to confirm coil resistance and switching.


• Test fan operation with ignition and A/C: With the engine off, you can’t test power. Start the engine and turn the A/C on (to solicit condenser fan action). If the engine is hot and the engine fans don’t run, proceed to power testing.


• Verify power at the fan connector: When the engine is at or near operating temperature, back-probe or use a test light/multimeter to confirm 12V at the fan connector when the fan should be on. If there’s no voltage, inspect the wiring back to the relay and the grounded circuit.


• Check the fan ground: Ensure the fan chassis ground is clean, tight, and free of corrosion. A poor ground can prevent the motor from completing the circuit even if power is present.


• Bench-test the fan motor: If you can safely remove the fan, connect it directly to a 12V power source with appropriate polarity to confirm it spins. A seized or weak motor should be replaced.


• Inspect the coolant temperature sensor and switch: Use a multimeter to test resistance values at operating temperature, or substitute with a known-good sensor to see if fan activation changes. A faulty sensor may fail to trigger the fan properly.


• Examine wiring and connectors: Look for damaged insulation, crushed wires, or corroded terminals at the fan, relay, and ECU connectors. Repair or replace as needed and re-check operation.


• Consider dual-fan control components: If your Magnum has two fans, test each circuit separately to determine if one side is defective (condenser vs radiator). Worn relays or a faulty condenser fan control module can affect overall cooling.

If all electrical checks pass but the engine still overheats or the fans do not engage as expected, the issue may lie with the engine cooling system’s sensing/command logic or the PCM. In that case, professional diagnostics with a scan tool that can read live fan command data are recommended.

What to do next

After identifying the failing component, replace or repair as necessary and re-test the system. Clear any stored fault codes with a scan tool if applicable, and monitor temperatures to ensure the fans engage properly during normal driving and idle conditions.

When to seek professional help

If you’re uncomfortable with automotive electrical work, or you can’t locate a clear fault after the checks above, a qualified mechanic or a Dodge dealership can perform in-depth diagnostics. Modern vehicles often require a professional scan to interpret why the PCM isn’t commanding the fans correctly, and improper repairs can create new electrical issues.

Summary

In most Dodge Magnum cases, a non-working cooling fan comes down to power delivery (fuse/relay), the fan motor, or the sensor/PCM signals that trigger the fan. Start with fuses and relays, move to the fan motor and grounds, and then test the temperature sensor and control wiring. If two fans are present, determine which one is at fault to guide the replacement path. When in doubt, seek professional diagnosis to avoid overheating and potential engine damage.

Why did my fan suddenly stop working?

A fan may stop working suddenly due to a power supply issue like a tripped circuit breaker or a bad outlet, or it could be a mechanical or electrical problem within the fan itself, such as a burnt-out capacitor, worn-out motor, or loose wiring. Obstructions like dust or debris can also prevent the fan from moving smoothly. 
Power supply problems

• Tripped circuit breaker: The fan's circuit may have been overloaded. Check your home's electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers. 
• Wall switch or plug: Ensure the wall switch is in the "on" position or that the fan's plug is securely in the outlet. Try plugging another device into the same outlet to test if it's working. 
• Blown fuse: Some fans have an internal fuse that can blow due to a power surge. You may need a multimeter to test if the fuse is blown. 

Mechanical and electrical issues

• Dust and obstructions: Over time, dust can accumulate on the blades and in the motor, causing resistance. Clean the fan blades and housing, and check for any loose screws or other blockages. 
• Faulty capacitor: A burnt or failing capacitor can prevent the motor from starting up properly. 
• Worn-out motor: The motor can wear out over time and eventually stop working completely. You may notice signs like slow or intermittent operation before it fails. 
• Loose wiring: Wires inside the fan or in the ceiling box can become loose, interrupting the electrical connection. This can cause the fan to stop working suddenly, or to work intermittently. 

Other issues

• Remote control problems: If you have a remote-controlled fan, the batteries may be dead or the remote may have lost its pairing with the fan. Try replacing the batteries or re-syncing the remote. 
• Stuck pull chain: The pull chain can become stuck or broken. Gently try to move it to see if it feels stuck or if the fan responds. 

You can watch this video to learn how to troubleshoot a fan that doesn't turn on: 56sRealHouseDIYYouTube · Jul 11, 2025
This video demonstrates how to identify if a capacitor is faulty, a common reason for a fan to stop working: 55sDuctTape MechanicYouTube · Aug 29, 2021
You can watch this video to learn how to test a fuse: 54sElectro UniversityYouTube · Nov 22, 2022

Why is my engine fan not kicking in?

An engine fan may not be working due to a blown fuse or faulty relay, which are common electrical issues. Other possible causes include problems with the fan motor itself, damaged wiring, a malfunctioning coolant temperature sensor, or low coolant levels. To troubleshoot, you can start by checking the fuse and relay, then test the fan motor by providing direct power and inspect the wiring for any damage.
 
This video explains what to do if your car's radiator fan is not working: 59sMechanic BaseYouTube · Oct 9, 2023
Electrical system issues

• Fuse: The most common cause is a blown fuse. Check your car's fuse box and replace the fuse with one of the same amperage if it's blown. 
• Relay: The fan's relay can fail, acting as a switch that doesn't complete the circuit. You can test it with a multimeter or swap it with a known good relay of the same type. 
• Wiring: Inspect the wires connecting to the fan, relay, and control module for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections. 

This video shows how to check your car's cooling fan relay: 0:53CB7 MediaYouTube · Jul 9, 2022
Component failure

• Fan Motor: The motor can burn out over time. To test it, disconnect it from the car's wiring and connect it directly to the battery with jumper wires. If it doesn't spin, the motor needs to be replaced.
• Coolant Temperature Sensor: This sensor tells the car's computer when to turn on the fan. If it's faulty, it may not send the signal to activate the fan even when the engine is hot.
• Fan Blades: Visually inspect the fan blades for any physical damage, like cracks or broken pieces. 

This video demonstrates how to test your car's cooling fan: 1mCB7 MediaYouTube · Jul 15, 2022
Other potential problems

• Low Coolant: A low coolant level can cause the engine to overheat, and this can also cause the temperature sensor to malfunction. 
• Thermostat: A bad thermostat can prevent the engine from reaching the temperature that would trigger the fan to turn on. 

This video explains how to check your engine fan: 57sRobert DIYYouTube · Aug 24, 2022

What would cause my radiator fan not to come on?

It turns on when the engine gets too warm, especially when the car isn't moving. Some of the most common causes of a faulty radiator fan include a blown fuse, a faulty temperature sensor or a defective fan relay. If the fan stops working, your engine could overheat and be damaged.

Why is the cooling fan not working on my 2006 Dodge Magnum?

The most common reasons a 2006 Dodge Magnum 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.