Why is the radiator fan not working on my 2017 Chevy Traverse?
The radiator fan in your 2017 Chevy Traverse 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 Chevy Traverse might not be working. Below are the most common causes:
- Blown Fuse: The radiator fan is powered by an electrical circuit, and a blown fuse can interrupt the power supply, preventing the fan from operating.
- Faulty Relay: The fan relay acts as a switch that controls the fan's operation. If the relay is defective, the fan may not turn on.
- Wiring Issues: Damaged or corroded wiring can disrupt the electrical connection to the fan, causing it to stop working.
- Malfunctioning Temperature Sensor: The engine temperature sensor communicates with the vehicle's computer to activate the fan when the engine gets too hot. A faulty sensor may fail to send the correct signal.
- Broken Fan Motor: Over time, the fan motor can wear out or fail, rendering the fan inoperable.
- Control Module Problems: The engine control module (ECM) or fan control module may have a software or hardware issue that prevents the fan from receiving the activation signal.
Understanding these potential causes can help you narrow down the issue and determine the best course of action for repair.
Steps to Diagnose the Problem
If your radiator fan isn’t working, follow these steps to diagnose the issue:
- Check the Fuse: Locate the fuse box and inspect the radiator fan fuse. Replace it if it’s blown.
- Test the Relay: Swap the 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 visible damage, corrosion, or loose connections in the wiring leading to the fan.
- Examine the Fan Motor: Use a multimeter to test the fan motor for continuity. If it’s not functioning, the motor may need to be replaced.
- Check the Temperature Sensor: Use a diagnostic tool to verify if the temperature sensor is sending the correct signals to the ECM.
- Scan for Error Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for error codes related to the fan or cooling system. This can provide valuable insights into the problem.
By systematically following these steps, you can identify the root cause of the issue and determine whether you can fix it yourself or need professional assistance.
When to Seek Professional Help
While some radiator fan issues can be resolved with basic tools and knowledge, others may require the expertise of a professional mechanic. If you’re unable to diagnose the problem or if the repair involves complex electrical or mechanical work, it’s best to bring your Chevy Traverse to a trusted auto repair shop. At Kevin’s Autos, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing cooling system issues, ensuring your vehicle stays in top condition.
Don’t let a faulty radiator fan lead to costly engine damage. Address the issue promptly to keep your Chevy Traverse running smoothly and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my cooling fan not kicking in?
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.
Will my coolant sensor make my radiator fan not turn on?
A signal from the coolant temperature sensor is what triggers the ECU to turn on the radiator fan, and if it's faulty, it can prevent the fan from working at all. Test the fan relay. Since the relay operates as a switch for the fan's power, a defective cooling fan relay won't energize the circuit.
What would make radiator fan not to come on?
If the sensor and the fuse are working correctly, but the fan doesn't turn on even when the car is overheating, it might be a wiring issue. Inspect the wiring going to the radiator's control unit or the relay. Check connector plug health and see if they are corroded at the relay and the control unit.
Can a blown fuse cause radiator fan not to work?
Blown fuse: This is the most likely reason for a non-functioning electric radiator fan.
Why is my radiator fan not working on my Chevy Traverse?
The most common reasons a Chevrolet Traverse radiator fan isn't working are the fan assembly, the fan clutch, or the coolant temperature sensor.
Where is the fuse for the radiator fan located?
On the inside of your fuse box (your car may have more than one) there should be a fuse location marked AUX FAN. This would be for electrical fans that cool the motor over a certain temperature.
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 to 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.
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 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.
