How To Tell If A Fan Clutch Is Bad: Quick Tips

Because of modern vehicles, problems with a fan clutch or a fan belt is not that common anymore. But for those who are more traditional with their vehicle choices, knowing how to tell if fan clutch is bad will be a useful piece of information.

Quick Tips: Troubleshooting A Fan Clutch

The fan clutch is an essential part of a vehicle. It keeps your engine within a safe temperature range, ensuring it stays reliable and efficient. It is crucial to know how to tell if fan clutch is bad, so you don't end up spending money on parts that might be affected by its failure to function.

Fan Clutch Types

• Electronic fan clutch - uses sensors, so it knows when to use the fan clutch like an idle engine or if the vehicle reaches a specific engine temperature.
• Thermal fan clutch - uses the air from the radiator. A hot radiator causes hot passing air, which allows the thermal fan clutch to release silicone fluid to fix the fan blades to the pulley.
• Torque-limiting fan clutch - this type of clutch reacts to the speed of the engine.

Signs Of A Bad Fan Clutch

The first step to troubleshooting any car problem is to be very cautious about your car.

Four signs that teach you how to tell if fan clutch is bad:

• Overheating engine
  • When your engine overheats in idle mode or full stop
    
  • Unlike a moving vehicle that brings in air through the radiator, which cools the engine, a full stop prevents the engine from releasing heat.
• Heat is not enough
  • This usually happens during the winter
  • The engine cools too much because the fan clutch stays constantly engaged
• Fan noise
  • Noise is normal unless it becomes too excessive
  • When the fan is constantly engaged, it causes damage to the radiator
• Fan spins
  • Leaking silicone fluid can cause this problem
  • Indicates a weak clutch

Checking The Fan Clutch

• If your fan spins more than three times, this may be a sign of a bad fan clutch.
  
• If your fan refuses to spin, it may be a problem with its bearings.
  
• Check for silicone oil leaks. A leaking clutch is weak and is about to fail.
  
• A wobbly and clicking fan clutch means there is a worn bearing.
  
• Use an 'optical tachometer' to measure the fan speed of your car. An increased engine temperature also increases its fan speed.
  
• Listen to the fan speed while your car is idle.
  
• Have it checked professionally using a scan tool to identify fan engagement through its sensors and fan clutches.

Tip: Consider changing your fan clutch with electronic cooling fans to save on fuel.

Note: You must replace your fan clutch when it encounters problems, so it doesn't affect your engine.

Conclusion

Significant problems can arise from a single issue, and this is the case for most vehicles. A failing fan clutch affects the car's engine, so it's important to know how to tell if fan clutch is bad so that you can address any problems from its source.