How to troubleshoot radiator fan not operating

Are you sure the water pump has failed? Read this: sporadic heat spikes, no visual movement of water in radiator, no fan running, overheating light on and off

These are just a few, but they all boil down to no water movement, like a thermostat or water pump failure. Of course there is also the possibility of a bad thermostat switch (bottom of radiator), bad thermostat even a bad overheating switch (back of rear cylinder near water inlet.)

You can check the fan switch (bottom of radiator) by noting that it just give the fan a ground when it switches. So disconnect the line from the fan to the thermostat switch and ground it (the fan line), the fan should turn on. Thermostat can be placed in a pan with water and heated to ensure it opens. The other switches are checked by ohm meter since they close when it's overheated.

We replaced most of these parts also. Further investigation shows that we were not getting water flow. The thermostat has a hole in it for relieving the system of air. The air can cause the pump not to work and no water flow. So we found that the thermostat was put in upside down so the hole with the partial rivet was at the bottom. Drill a hole in the top of the thermostat, 1/8 inch, ensure you don't drill where the thermostat closes and seals or where it will be covered by the gasket or sealant.

Put the stuff back together, fill radiator, while filling remove the dark bolt on the intake manifold near the center and purge the air out of the system while filling the radiator.

Check for leaks after starting and as you drive it to warm it up feel the radiator for a slow warming, not fast high heat changes, this is a problem. Hopefully when it gets hot the fan will run on and off properly. This should a proper fix.

Hope this helps.

It's not about the sensor. Overheating of the engine and the formation of gas bubbles during operation of the engine in the expansion tank must be replaced with a gasket of the cylinder block

might be running lean causing the motor to overheat?

There is a temperature sensor on the radiator.If that doesn't work check wiring.

if You are clogged with dirt the radiator and the temperature sensor is OK . You have to open the radiator cap and start the engine in a heated condition if of antifreeze go small bubbles , then you need to replace the gasket under the cylinder head

To try to disconnect the plug of the temperature sensoron the engine block and turn the start. If the fans topped working, then the problem is in the temperature sensor

The fan will only run when it needs to. It's on a sensor. The only time mine comes on is if I'm hauling something

Sounds like your heat sensor is bad most are attached to the radiator in the Cooling fins..to make sure the fans are not the problem..after the engine is warm enough to turn on the fans locate the sensor and unplug it then using a jumper wire "paper clip or any small wire " as a bypass connect the two wires together "the plug end" the turn on the switch..the fans should run as long as the switch is in the on position..if it does your sensor needs replaced...note if you are out where there is no help and the fans are shutting off and the engine is running hot..just bypass the sensor until you can replace it..Just make sure it shuts off with your ignition switch off..or the battery will drain..good luck

This is a 500 4x4 and the fan is not coming on all the time causes it to run hot it's a 2012 done put new radiator and sensor on it used it yeasterday and had trouble with it could somebody please point me into right direction

Yup.It's getting hot.Check the fan relay is operable.Fans gotta run.Most likely a bad heat sensor tho.That's a water temperature sending unit that tells the relay when to turn the fan on.Ifya gonna own these toys,learn the basics on how to care for them.There is ALWAYS going to be something going wrong.Get a manual.