Where Is the Cooling Fan Switch Located?

Q: Where Is the Cooling Fan Switch Typically Located?

A: The cooling fan switch is usually mounted on the radiator assembly.

In some third-generation Ford F-body models, the cooling fan switch is on the engine block near the starter or on the passenger side head between the #6 and #8 spark plugs.

Normally, the cooling fan switch has two wires. The fan switches on to cool the radiator down, and you’ll normally hear this switching sound as you drive.

If the cooling fan switch fails, the most common symptoms your vehicle might exhibit include intermittent fan operation, an illuminated check engine light, and an overheating engine.

Keep in mind, however, that not all engines come with a fan switch. In some vehicles, there’s only an engine coolant temperature sensor that alerts the powertrain control module to operate the fan.

Tips on How to Access the Cooling Fan Switch

In most cases, the cooling fan switch has a wiring harness that should be fairly easy to spot and remove from its slot.

But before you remove the switch, it’s important to drain coolant from the radiator, which you can do by removing its drain plug.

Coolant temperature sensors do not usually fail for being open. One way to test the sensor is to compare its readings (ohms) to a specific chart. If the coolant temperature sensor is reading negative 40, that means the sensor is open or the wiring is damaged.

Taking Care of Your Cooling Fan Switch

Because your cooling fan switch plays a vital role in regulating the temperature of the radiator, it’s important to know how to take good care of it. This reduces the risk of the engine coolant temperature rising above safe levels and minimizes the odds of your engine overheating.

• Bring your vehicle to a mechanic for maintenance at least twice a year.
• Regularly inspect your cooling fan switch for signs of wear, damage, or contamination.
• Test your cooling fan switch to see if it activates the fan at the appropriate temperatures.
• Clean the cooling fan switch to prevent dirt from negatively affecting performance.
• Ensure coolant levels are optimal and that the coolant itself isn’t contaminated.