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Why do electric cooling fans sometimes turn on even when the engine is off?
When the engine is running, the coolant circulates and flows to the radiator, where heat is dissipated. When the engine is turned off, the coolant doesn’t circulate, and the heat stays trapped, therefore prolonging the engine from cooling. Running cooling fans help cool down the engine even after you turn off the car.
What causes cooling fans to come on?
You may hear the fan running when you shut off the engine after driving. This is normal. But the fan should shut off after several minutes as the engine cools down. The fan also comes on when the A/C is turned on to provide additional airflow through the condenser for good cooling performance.
When does the cooling fan relay turn on?
When the engine temperature approaches unsafe levels, the vehicle’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.
Can a bad fan relay cause an engine to overheat?
But again, a bad cooling fan relay isn’t the only culprit for excessively high engine temperatures or A/C Condenser overheating. Many other issues can cause these problems. 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.
What happens when a radiator relay goes bad?
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’t run, leaving the radiator to its own devices.
How does the relay work on a car cooling system?
The cooling fan helps move air through the radiator even if the vehicle is not in motion. 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: