Why is the radiator fan not working on my 2010 Subaru Legacy?
The radiator fan in your 2010 Subaru Legacy plays a crucial role in keeping your engine cool by drawing air through the radiator to dissipate heat. If the fan stops working, it can lead to overheating, which may cause severe engine damage. In this article, we’ll explore the common reasons why your radiator fan might not be functioning and what you can do to address the issue.
Common Causes of a Non-Functioning Radiator Fan
There are several potential reasons why the radiator fan in your Subaru Legacy might not be working. Identifying the root cause is essential to fixing the problem effectively. Here are the most common culprits:
- Blown Fuse: A blown fuse is one of the simplest and most common reasons for a radiator fan failure. The fuse protects the fan's electrical circuit, and if it blows, the fan will stop working.
- Faulty Relay: The radiator fan relay acts as a switch that controls the fan's operation. If the relay is defective, it may prevent the fan from turning on.
- Wiring Issues: Damaged or corroded wiring can disrupt the electrical connection to the fan, causing it to stop functioning.
- Bad Temperature Sensor: The temperature sensor monitors the engine's temperature and signals the fan to turn on when needed. A malfunctioning sensor may fail to activate the fan.
- Fan Motor Failure: Over time, the radiator fan motor can wear out or fail, rendering the fan inoperable.
- Control Module Problems: In modern vehicles like the 2010 Subaru Legacy, the radiator fan is often controlled by the engine control module (ECM). A fault in the ECM or its programming can prevent the fan from working.
Steps to Diagnose the Problem
Before replacing any parts, it’s important to diagnose the issue properly. Here’s how you can troubleshoot the problem:
- Check the Fuse: Locate the radiator fan fuse in the fuse box (refer to your owner’s manual for its location) and inspect it. Replace it if it’s blown.
- Test the Relay: Swap the radiator fan relay with another relay of the same type in the fuse box to see if the fan starts working.
- Inspect the Wiring: Look for any visible damage, corrosion, or loose connections in the wiring leading to the fan.
- Test the Temperature Sensor: Use a diagnostic tool to check if the temperature sensor is sending the correct signals to the fan.
- Directly Test the Fan Motor: Apply power directly to the fan motor using jumper wires to see if it spins. If it doesn’t, the motor may need to be replaced.
- Scan for ECM Fault Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any error codes related to the radiator fan or temperature control system.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve gone through the troubleshooting steps and still can’t identify or fix the issue, it’s time to consult a professional mechanic. At Kevin’s Autos, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing cooling system issues, including radiator fan problems. Our experienced technicians can quickly pinpoint the cause and get your Subaru Legacy back on the road in no time.
Preventing Future Radiator Fan Issues
To avoid radiator fan problems in the future, consider these maintenance tips:
- Regularly inspect and replace fuses and relays as needed.
- Keep the wiring and connectors clean and free of corrosion.
- Ensure the cooling system is properly maintained, including regular coolant flushes.
- Address any overheating issues promptly to prevent further damage.
By staying proactive with maintenance and addressing issues early, you can ensure your radiator fan and cooling system remain in top condition.
Conclusion
A non-functioning radiator fan in your 2010 Subaru Legacy can lead to serious engine problems if left unaddressed. By understanding the common causes and following the diagnostic steps outlined above, you can identify and resolve the issue. If you need expert assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Kevin’s Autos for reliable and affordable auto repair services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my radiator fan to turn on?
Step-by-Step Guide to Troubleshooting a Non-Functioning Radiator Fan
- Check the fuse. If the fuse is burnt, replace it with the same size and type.
- Inspect the fan's condition.
- Test the fan motor.
- Check the coolant temperature sensor.
- Test the fan relay.
- Trace the wiring.
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 tells the radiator fan to kick on?
The engine temperature should trigger the fan to turn on. It will also turn the fan off once the engine has cooled to under 200 degrees. You may have heard of a part called the radiator fan switch or temperature fan switch. This is linked to a thermostat and works much like your home's HVAC system.
How do I get a radiator fan to turn on?
Step-by-Step Guide to Troubleshooting a Non-Functioning Radiator Fan
- Check the fuse. If the fuse is burnt, replace it with the same size and type.
- Inspect the fan's condition.
- Test the fan motor.
- Check the coolant temperature sensor.
- Test the fan relay.
- Trace the wiring.
How can you tell if a fan fuse is blown?
To test the fuse, set your multimeter to the continuity test setting. Then, touch the probes to either side of the fuse. If the fuse is OK, the multimeter should beep or indicate that you've completed the circuit. If you get no such indication, that means the fuse is bad and must be replaced.
Why is my radiator fan not working in my Subaru Legacy?
The most common reasons a Subaru Legacy radiator fan isn't working are the fan assembly, the fan clutch, or the coolant temperature sensor.
Where is the fuse for radiator fan?
The vehicle manufacturer have the right to fixed the vehicle radiator fan fuse in any location they thought that fixed the vehicle they manufactured. But the most radiator fan fuse was located in the engine compartment fuse box while the radiator fan fuse can also be located under the vehicle instrument panel fuse box.
Why is my radiator fan not kicking on?
Most electric cooling fans won't run unless the air conditioning is on, or until the engine reaches a certain degree above normal operating temperture. Otherwise most failure to run is due to a blown fuse, or relay. Less common problems are a bad temp sensor, or the fan motor has simply gone out.
What sensor triggers the radiator fan?
Coolant Temperature Sensor
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.
What sensor turns on 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.
