{"id":7852,"date":"2021-06-14T01:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-14T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=7852"},"modified":"2025-08-29T01:07:42","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T08:07:42","slug":"bad-cooling-fan-relay-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/bad-cooling-fan-relay-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"Bad Cooling Fan Relay Symptoms"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<!-- Added by Post\/Page Specific Custom Code plugin, thank you for using! --><html><head><style>#article-search-widget {display: none;}<\/style>\n<\/head><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 9<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column7852_1ed33b-bd > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column7852_1ed33b-bd > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column7852_1ed33b-bd > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column7852_1ed33b-bd > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column7852_1ed33b-bd > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column7852_1ed33b-bd > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column7852_1ed33b-bd{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column7852_1ed33b-bd > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column7852_1ed33b-bd > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column7852_1ed33b-bd inner-column-1 qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-4fa483  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-14a92d\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7852_26bdc3-5f, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7852_26bdc3-5f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7852_26bdc3-5f\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7852_26bdc3-5f mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7852_26bdc3-5f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7852_26bdc3-5f\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7852_26bdc3-5f img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7852_26bdc3-5f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7852_26bdc3-5f\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading7852_26bdc3-5f summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7852_26bdc3-5f\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The cooling fan relay is an electromagnetic switch that controls the power supply to the engine&rsquo;s cooling fans. Without it, the cooling fan won&rsquo;t work.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Without the radiator fan, your engine can run hot and be at risk of overheating.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A faulty relay can be caused by a bad relay control module, ants in the relay, or an electrical short.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To check for a faulty relay, you can swap relays, measure the relay coil&rsquo;s resistance, or listen for noises from the relay. A broken relay will rattle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When a damaged or old relay draws excessive current, it can also cause a short circuit that can blow the fuse.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>If the radiator fan isn&rsquo;t working, a failed relay is one of the possible causes. The relay isn&rsquo;t the only possible cause, nor is it the most common cause. If your vehicle has two fans and one of the two fans isn&rsquo;t working, the problem could be the bad fan or a faulty relay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since engine heat can be so destructive when the vehicle is stationary, an inoperative fan should be dealt with as soon as you know it isn&rsquo;t working. An intermittently inoperative fan is even more problematic, because you may not know until it&rsquo;s too late that the fan has failed.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/car-cooling-fan-1-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"cooling fan of a vehicle\" class=\"wp-image-7856\" style=\"width:1024px;height:683px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/car-cooling-fan-1-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/car-cooling-fan-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/car-cooling-fan-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/car-cooling-fan-1-600x400.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/car-cooling-fan-1.jpeg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> The cooling fan helps move air through the radiator even if the vehicle is not in motion.  <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bad Cooling Fan Relay Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The relay is a critical part of the cooling system. When it malfunctions or breaks down, it affects the fan. Keep a lookout for the following bad cooling fan relay symptoms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The engine runs hot or overheats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Is the engine running hotter than usual at traffic signals and drive-thru lines or parked and running? Watch your gauge! Is it overheating faster and without warning? <strong>The issue may stem from a malfunctioning cooling fan relay, wiring, or the fan itself<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column7852_3d7d7f-34 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column7852_3d7d7f-34 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column7852_3d7d7f-34 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column7852_3d7d7f-34 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column7852_3d7d7f-34 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column7852_3d7d7f-34 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column7852_3d7d7f-34{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column7852_3d7d7f-34 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column7852_3d7d7f-34 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column7852_3d7d7f-34 kb-section-dir-vertical kb-section-sm-dir-vertical inner-column-1 pro-tip-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id7852_e0ba32-c4 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id7852_e0ba32-c4 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id7852_e0ba32-c4 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:20px;padding-right:32px;padding-bottom:20px;padding-left:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(10% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(90% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id7852_e0ba32-c4 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.00;}.kb-row-layout-id7852_e0ba32-c4 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:100px;}.kb-row-layout-id7852_e0ba32-c4 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:100%;}.kb-row-layout-id7852_e0ba32-c4 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}.kb-row-layout-id7852_e0ba32-c4 .kt-row-layout-top-sep{height:100px;}.kb-row-layout-id7852_e0ba32-c4 .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{width:100%;}.kb-row-layout-id7852_e0ba32-c4 .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id7852_e0ba32-c4 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id7852_e0ba32-c4 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id7852_e0ba32-c4 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id7852_e0ba32-c4 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:28px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:25px;padding-left:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}.kb-row-layout-id7852_e0ba32-c4 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}.kb-row-layout-id7852_e0ba32-c4 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id7852_e0ba32-c4 alignnone pro-tip-wrap wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-right-golden kt-mobile-layout-right-golden kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column7852_24821e-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column7852_24821e-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{min-height:45px;}.kadence-column7852_24821e-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column7852_24821e-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column7852_24821e-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{row-gap:0px;column-gap:0px;}.kadence-column7852_24821e-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}.kadence-column7852_24821e-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column7852_24821e-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column7852_24821e-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column7852_24821e-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}.kadence-column7852_24821e-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column7852_24821e-e4{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column7852_24821e-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}}@media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column7852_24821e-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column7852_24821e-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column7852_24821e-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column7852_24821e-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column7852_24821e-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:flex-start;}.kadence-column7852_24821e-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column7852_24821e-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column7852_24821e-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column7852_24821e-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column7852_24821e-e4 kb-section-dir-horizontal kb-section-md-dir-horizontal inner-column-1 pro-tip-item1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image7852_047d11-64.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image7852_047d11-64 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:45px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image7852_047d11-64.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image7852_047d11-64 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image7852_047d11-64 figure{max-width:45px;}.kb-image7852_047d11-64 .image-is-svg, .kb-image7852_047d11-64 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image7852_047d11-64 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image7852_047d11-64\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/f_auto,dpr_auto,q_auto,c_pad\/carparts\/blog\/widgets\/protip\/services-icon\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img\"><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column7852_df795e-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column7852_df795e-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column7852_df795e-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column7852_df795e-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column7852_df795e-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column7852_df795e-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column7852_df795e-ec{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column7852_df795e-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column7852_df795e-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column7852_df795e-ec inner-column-2 pro-tip-item2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"protip-desc\">\n\t<div class=\"help-tip\">\n\t\t<p><strong>Pro Tips<\/strong> are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n    <div class=\"help-caption\">\n        <p>\n            <strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong>\nIf the A\/C condenser fan isn&rsquo;t working the A\/C may stop cooling when the vehicle is in traffic and the &ldquo;pop off&rdquo; valve on the compressor may release the excessive high pressure due to elevated temperatures, making a loud noise and some mist from under the hood.\n        <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>But again, a bad cooling fan relay isn&rsquo;t the only culprit for excessively high engine temperatures or A\/C Condenser overheating. Many other issues can cause these problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Bad Cooling Fan Relay Symptoms\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/CbiTHWLXlzg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The cooling fans don&rsquo;t work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Rather than uncommonly high engine temps, the driver may notice that the cooling fans have stopped running. A faulty or broken relay cannot deliver power to the cooling fans. In turn, the unpowered fans won&rsquo;t run, leaving the radiator to its own devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Deprived of the helpful influx of air from the cooling fans, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/radiator\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"radiator\">radiator<\/a> cannot remove as much heat as it usually does. It sends still-hot coolant back to the engine, causing temperatures to rise as the coolant fails to do its job of cooling down the motor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The cooling fans keep running<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Conversely, the cooling fans may keep running even when the engine is offline. This odd behavior indicates a different issue in the relay that controls the fans. A stuck closed relay can cause this, but some vehicles may run the fans by design after the engine has been shut down. <strong>The key is whether this has just started happening or if it&rsquo;s a new pattern you&rsquo;ve noticed<\/strong>. Normalcy is the key, whether you&rsquo;re listening to the fans, watching your gauges, or anything else. Watch for changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>A stuck closed relay can cause (the cooling fans to keep running even when the engine is offline), but some vehicles may run the fans by design after the engine has been shut down. The key is whether this has just started happening or if it&rsquo;s a new pattern you&rsquo;ve noticed.<\/p>\n<cite>&ndash;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/richardmccuistian\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician\">Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>An electrical open circuit in the relay coil can allow relay contacts to remain in their open position and never close. A shorted control circuit or stuck relay contacts can continue to deliver power, keeping the fans running continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Obviously, if the fans run all the time, they will drain the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/battery\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"battery\">battery<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warning lights <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If the cooling fan relay has failed, you may see warnings, such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/check-engine-light-flashing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"check engine light\">check engine light<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"679\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/check-engine-light-2-1024x679.jpeg\" alt=\"check engine light illuminating\" class=\"wp-image-7857\" style=\"width:1024px;height:679px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/check-engine-light-2-1024x679.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/check-engine-light-2-300x199.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/check-engine-light-2-768x509.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/check-engine-light-2.jpeg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The check engine light illuminating may indicate a faulty cooling fan relay.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Poor air conditioning performance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A faulty cooling fan relay can also negatively affect <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/automotive-air-conditioning-systems\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"air conditioning (A\/C) performance\">air conditioning (A\/C) performance<\/a>. The reason being, on most vehicles, is that <strong>the cooling fan doubles as a condenser fan<\/strong>. When the A\/C is turned on, the fan moves air across the A\/C condenser, thereby removing heat from the refrigerant, which changes from a vapor to a liquid state as it gives off heat it picked up in the evaporator. That&rsquo;s why they call that component the &ldquo;condenser.&rdquo;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"rsi-card\">\n  <div class=\"rsi-thumb\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/d_noimage.jpg\/b_white\/e_sharpen,e_auto_brightness,e_auto_contrast\/f_auto\/q_auto:eco,dpr_auto\/w_873,h_873,c_pad\/images\/repn160915_1\">\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"rsi-info\">\n    <span class=\"rsi-title\">The Best Cooling Fan Assembly Brands: Solid Replacements That Keep Your Engine Cool<\/span>\n    <span class=\"rsi-desc\">See which cooling fan assembly brands are best for your vehicle. Learn about application, quality, and cost, and find budget-friendly replacement brands.<\/span>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/the-best-cooling-fan-assembly-brands-solid-replacements-that-keep-your-engine-cool-quickref\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Discover Your Options\">Discover Your Options<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Possible Causes of a Bad Cooling Fan Relay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cooling fan relays can stop working for any number of reasons. Common causes for relays failing to operate might be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Failure of the computer, temperature switch, or relay control module that turns the relay on or off.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Damage caused by changing between circuits with different speeds and electrical load<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ants in the relays (more common than you&rsquo;d expect).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Relay failure due to high current draw from a partially shorted fan motor or intermittently shorted fan circuit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"article-search-widget\">\n<div class=\"cp-search\">\n<div align=\"center\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/w_auto,dpr_auto\/carparts\/logos\/badge_wordmark\/full_color\/CP_LOGO_COLOUR_RGB\" alt=\"CarParts.com\" width=\"300\" height=\"56\">\n<\/div>\n<form id=\"cpsearchform\" name=\"cpsearchform\" action=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/search\" method=\"get\" target=\"_blank\" accept-charset=\"character_set\" aria-label=\"search CarParts.com\">\n    <input type=\"text\" class=\"keyword\" name=\"q\" placeholder=\"Search for parts on CarParts.com\" value=\"\" aria-label=\"Search CarParts.com\"><input type=\"submit\" class=\"btn-search\" value=\"Search\" aria-label=\"Search\">\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<!-- Error, Advert is not available at this time due to schedule\/geolocation restrictions! -->\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Tell if Cooling Fan Relay is Bad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several ways to tell if a bad cooling fan relay is to blame for an overheated engine. You can try the following methods:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Swapping Relays<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The easiest method is to <strong>start the engine and then turn on the air conditioning<\/strong>. If the fan doesn&rsquo;t engage, there may be something wrong with the cooling fan relay. Of course it may be the fan. One good rule of thumb is that the hardest working component in the most hostile environment is most likely to fail. That&rsquo;s usually the fan itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the cooling fan does not engage, you can check whether the relay is to blame by swapping it out for a different relay. This only works <strong>if the fan is driven by a single relay<\/strong> &ndash; as stated earlier, many fan systems have a module, or they may have 2 or 3 relays working together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many automotive relays are similar in design, so you can simply take a relay from a different, noncritical system and insert it in place of the cooling fan relay. <strong>WARNING<\/strong>: On newer cars, this can be dangerous though, so don&rsquo;t swap relays that have different part numbers (usually it&rsquo;ll be on the relay) <strong>even if the terminals look the same!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a single fan relay and you can find another relay with the same part number, you&rsquo;ll know the cooling system relay is faulty if the fan works with the substitute relay. A caveat &ndash; cooling fans can work intermittently &ndash; <strong>relays usually either work or they don&rsquo;t<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"850\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/cooling-fan-relay-1024x850.jpg\" alt=\"cooling fan relay\" class=\"wp-image-40048\" style=\"width:1024px;height:850px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/cooling-fan-relay-1024x850.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/cooling-fan-relay-300x249.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/cooling-fan-relay-768x637.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/cooling-fan-relay-150x125.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/cooling-fan-relay.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">If the cooling fan doesn&rsquo;t engage, there may be something wrong with the cooling fan relay.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Measuring the Relay Coil&rsquo;s Resistance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also measure the relay coil&rsquo;s resistance. A normal relay&rsquo;s resistance will read between 40 to 80 ohms. Higher resistance levels warn that the coil has started to fail while lower readings mean the relay has broken down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Listening for Noises<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Still another DIY test involves shaking the cooling fan relay and listening for any noises. A broken armature will rattle around the relay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Thumping or Bumping the Relay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also thump or bump the relay to see if the fan kicks on. You can listen to the relay to see if it &ldquo;clicks&rdquo; when it is energized, but that doesn&rsquo;t mean the relay is good &ndash; it can &ldquo;click&rdquo; and still not deliver power to the fan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Does a Cooling Fan Relay Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The cooling fan relay is an electromagnetic switch that controls the power supply to the engine&rsquo;s cooling fans. It ensures that the energy-intensive devices only run when needed, usually when the vehicle is immobile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When the engine temperature approaches unsafe levels, the vehicle&rsquo;s computer or temperature switch turns on the cooling fan relay. The activated relay completes a circuit, allowing an electric current to flow through it and reach the cooling fans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To learn more about how fan relays (and relays, in general) work in the cooling system, read our in-depth explanation <a href=\"#How_Relays_Work_in_the_Cooling_System\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" aria-label=\"here\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/car-aircon-1024x681.jpeg\" alt=\"car airconditioning\" class=\"wp-image-7858\" style=\"width:1024px;height:681px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/car-aircon-1024x681.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/car-aircon-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/car-aircon-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/car-aircon-600x400.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/car-aircon.jpeg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A malfunctioning cooling fan relay can negatively affect your vehicle&rsquo;s air conditioning system.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Different Types of Cooling Fan Relays<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several types of cooling fan relays. Their main difference involves the winding armature that they use to complete an electrical circuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Normally open relay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common type of relay uses an open armature. When the relay coil gets energized, the armature closes. The completed circuit allows the current to flow to the fan motor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Normally closed relay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The opposite of the normally open relay, this type uses a closed armature. Energizing the relay coil opens the armature and completes the circuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dual relay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This relay type uses two circuits, one of which employs an open armature while the other one has a closed armature. Thanks to its use of both armatures, a dual relay can conduct an electric current in both open and closed positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/mechanic-checking-car-cooling-system-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"mechanic checking car cooling system\" class=\"wp-image-40050\" style=\"width:1024px;height:683px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/mechanic-checking-car-cooling-system-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/mechanic-checking-car-cooling-system-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/mechanic-checking-car-cooling-system-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/mechanic-checking-car-cooling-system-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/mechanic-checking-car-cooling-system-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/mechanic-checking-car-cooling-system.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Vehicles either have a module controlling fan speeds or those with 2 fans often use 2 or 3 relays working together so that the fans can run in series in parallel, or again, just one of the two fans might be energized sometimes, depending on prevailing conditions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Relays Work in the Cooling System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Okay, most people know that <strong>a relay is an electromagnetic switch<\/strong>. A standard relay has a primary circuit that magnetizes a coil with a steel core &ndash; this turns the relay on, with the magnetism pulling the secondary contacts together to close a circuit. These secondary terminals that carry the load of whatever the relay is switching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Relays are used for all kinds of jobs on a vehicle, from accessories to engine control components &ndash; the radiator cooling fan is one of the more crucial underhood components operated by a relay, or <strong>sometimes by two relays<\/strong>. Fan relays typically carry from 30 to 50 amps, because fans consume a lot of current.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Everybody knows most vehicle engines are liquid cooled. Circulating coolant absorbs combustion heat from the block and the cylinder head by conduction, then carries the heat away by convection to the radiator, where the heat is released from small tubes into specially designed fins positioned so that air will pass through and carry the heat away. The radiator is technically referred to as a &ldquo;heat exchanger&rdquo; because that&rsquo;s what it does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The vehicle air conditioner has a condenser &ndash; another heat exchanger usually mounted in front of the radiator &ndash; that also requires airflow &ndash; sometimes there will be two fans for this reason, and those fans may run at a lower speed at the same time, at full speed simultaneously, or one fan may run while the other fan doesn&rsquo;t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vehicles either have a module controlling fan speeds or those with 2 fans often use <strong>2 or 3 relays<\/strong> working together so that the fans can run in series (low speed, splitting the voltage and running slower) in parallel (both fans receiving full system voltage at the same time), or again, just one of the two fans might be energized sometimes, depending on prevailing conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Driving down the highway, air naturally passes through the radiator, but when the vehicle is sitting in traffic or parked and running, the fan (belt driven or electric or one of each on some vehicles) draws air through the radiator to reduce the temperature of the coolant, which then returns to the block and the head to absorb additional heat. This is the short version of how a cooling system works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a more complete discussion of the cooling system, read our article <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/a-short-course-on-cooling-systems\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"here\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can a Bad Relay Cause a Short Circuit?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, a faulty relay can cause a short circuit in the cooling relay. When this happens, the relay draws excessive current, which can cause the cooling fan&rsquo;s fuse to blow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly, when a relay wears over time, it tends to stick closed and draw excessive current that can lead to overheating and a blown fuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where To Get a New Cooling Fan Relay That Fits Your Car<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you think ignoring a faulty cooling fan relay isn&rsquo;t a bad idea, think again. A malfunctioning cooling fan relay can wreak all sorts of havoc on your vehicle, such as an overheating engine. This can lead to some pretty costly repairs down the line, so it&rsquo;s best to replace your cooling fan relay as soon as possible. Thankfully, getting a replacement <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/cooling-fan-relay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"cooling fan relay\">cooling fan relay<\/a> is fast and easy with CarParts.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Enjoy a hassle-free shopping experience by using our vehicle selector and search filters to narrow down your choices. This way, you can choose the replacement cooling fan relay that best fits your vehicle. Thanks to our strategically located warehouses in the US, CarParts.com also guarantees efficient order processing and fast shipping. You can even expect to receive your new cooling fan relay in as fast as two business days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&rsquo;t wait for your engine to overheat before you replace your faulty cooling fan relay. Check out our wide selection of high-quality cooling fan relays today at CarParts.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Products Mentioned in this Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"reusable-productlink\">\n\n<!-- start of editable content -->\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/radiator\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"radiator\" rel=\"noopener\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_200,w_200,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/p2795_1\">\n<strong>Radiator<\/strong>\n<\/a>\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/cooling-fan-assembly\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"cooling fan assembly\" rel=\"noopener\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_200,w_200,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/reph190921_1\">\n<strong>Cooling Fan Assembly<\/strong>\n<\/a>\n\n<!-- end of editable content -->\n\n<\/div>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 9<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>If the radiator fan isn&rsquo;t working, a failed relay is one of the possible causes. The relay isn&rsquo;t the only&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/bad-cooling-fan-relay-symptoms\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1651,"featured_media":7853,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3753,52],"tags":[2117],"ppma_author":[2607,2985],"class_list":{"0":"post-7852","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cooling-system","8":"category-diy","9":"tag-cooling-fan-relay","10":"entry"},"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"468","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":"467"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Bad Cooling Fan Relay Symptoms - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Is your cooling fan relay malfunctioning? Find out the common signs of a faulty cooling fan relay, possible causes, and other FAQs here.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/bad-cooling-fan-relay-symptoms\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Bad Cooling Fan Relay Symptoms - In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Is your cooling fan relay malfunctioning? 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