Why is the radiator fan not working on my 2010 Subaru Legacy?
If the radiator fan on your 2010 Subaru Legacy is not working, there could be several potential causes. The most common reasons include a faulty fan motor, a problem with the fan's electrical system, or issues with the coolant temperature sensor. Let's explore these potential issues in more detail.
Faulty Fan Motor
The radiator fan on your Subaru Legacy is responsible for drawing air through the radiator to help cool the engine. If the fan motor has failed, the fan will not be able to spin and circulate the necessary airflow. This can lead to the engine overheating, especially during idling or low-speed driving. To diagnose a faulty fan motor, you can use a multimeter to check for power and continuity at the fan connector. If the motor is not receiving power or is not spinning freely, it may need to be replaced.
Electrical System Issues
The radiator fan is controlled by the vehicle's electrical system, including the fan relay, fuses, and wiring. If there is a problem with any of these components, it can prevent the fan from turning on. Check the fan relay and fuses first, and inspect the wiring for any damage or loose connections. If the electrical components appear to be functioning correctly, the issue may be with the fan's control module or the engine control unit (ECU).
Coolant Temperature Sensor Problems
The radiator fan is typically activated based on the coolant temperature reading from the engine's temperature sensor. If this sensor is malfunctioning, it may not be triggering the fan to turn on when the engine reaches a certain temperature. You can test the coolant temperature sensor with a multimeter to ensure it is providing the correct readings to the ECU.
Troubleshooting Steps
- Check the fan motor for power and continuity using a multimeter.
- Inspect the fan relay, fuses, and wiring for any issues.
- Test the coolant temperature sensor to ensure it is providing accurate readings.
- If the above components check out, the problem may be with the fan's control module or the ECU, which may require professional diagnosis and repair.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can identify the root cause of the radiator fan issue on your 2010 Subaru Legacy and take the appropriate steps to resolve the problem.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
