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Why is my radiator fan not working on my IS250?

If your radiator fan is not working on your Lexus IS250, there could be a few potential causes. The most common reasons include a faulty fan motor, a problem with the fan's electrical system, or an issue with the cooling system itself. Let's explore these potential issues in more detail.


Faulty Fan Motor


The radiator fan on your IS250 is powered by an electric motor. If this motor fails, the fan will not be able to spin and cool the engine properly. You can test the fan motor by turning on the ignition and listening for the fan to activate. If the fan doesn't turn on, the motor may need to be replaced. Replacing a faulty fan motor is a common repair for the IS250.


Electrical System Issues


The radiator fan is controlled by the vehicle's electrical system, including the fan relay and fuses. If there is a problem with the wiring, a blown fuse, or a faulty relay, the fan may not receive the necessary power to operate. Checking the fan's electrical components is an important troubleshooting step.


Cooling System Problems


In some cases, the radiator fan may not be working due to an issue with the cooling system itself. If the coolant level is low, the engine may not be generating enough heat to trigger the fan to turn on. Additionally, a clogged radiator or a problem with the water pump can prevent the engine from reaching the proper operating temperature, which would also prevent the fan from activating.


Troubleshooting Steps


To diagnose the issue with your IS250's radiator fan, you can follow these steps:



  • Check the fan motor by turning on the ignition and listening for the fan to activate.

  • Inspect the electrical components, including the fan relay, fuses, and wiring, for any issues.

  • Check the coolant level and condition, and inspect the radiator for any blockages.

  • If the fan still doesn't work, you may need to have the cooling system and fan circuit tested by a professional mechanic.


Addressing the root cause of the radiator fan issue is important to ensure your IS250's engine stays cool and operates properly. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can identify and resolve the problem with your vehicle's radiator fan.

Why is my car radiator fan not turning?


Perhaps the radiator fan has no motor or the motor might have weakened and thus require replacement. Unfortunately, such motors may get defective or inefficient, especially in old cars, over time. It could be a case where a fuse has blown or a relay has developed a fault that will deny the fan power.



Why is my cooling fan suddenly not working?


If you suspect that the cooling fan has stopped working: - Check Fuses and Relays: Ensure that the fan's electrical components are functioning properly. - Inspect the Fan Motor: The fan motor itself may be faulty and need replacement. - Examine Wiring: Look for any damaged wiring that could affect the fan's operation.



What sensor triggers the radiator fan?


Coolant Temperature Sensor
Both systems use a temperature sensor to determine when to start the fan. If the temperature sensor is faulty, the control unit doesn't interact with the radiator correctly. Some cars have a separate engine coolant temperature sensor for the radiator fan and the engine control unit.



Why are my radiator fans not kicking on?


If it doesn't run, you likely have a low level of refrigerant in the system or a faulty switch or a sensor, or a bad fan motor, fuse, relay, or a wiring problem. If the fan runs, you probably have a defective engine coolant temperature sensor or temperature switch. This isn't anything to play around with.



How do I get my radiator fan to turn on?


Step-by-Step Guide to Troubleshooting a Non-Functioning Radiator Fan

  1. Check the fuse. If the fuse is burnt, replace it with the same size and type.
  2. Inspect the fan's condition.
  3. Test the fan motor.
  4. Check the coolant temperature sensor.
  5. Test the fan relay.
  6. Trace the wiring.



Why is the radiator fan not working on my Lexus IS250?


The most common reasons a Lexus IS250 radiator fan isn't working are the fan assembly, the fan clutch, or the coolant temperature sensor.



How do I know if my fan relay is blown?


If the cooling fan relay has failed, you may see warnings, such as the check engine light and the temperature warning light, pop up on the dash, but first, you may notice that the A/C stops cooling. More about that in the next paragraph. The check engine light illuminating may indicate a faulty cooling fan relay.



What can happen if radiator fan is not working?


While the vehicle is in motion and air is moving through the radiator, a broken car radiator fan will have little impact. When stationary or spending time in heavy traffic without a working fan, your engine may overheat, which could cause irreparable and expensive damage.



What tells the radiator fan to kick on?


coolant temperature sensor
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.


Kevin's Auto

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.