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It's a pity the grill isn't removable. To remove the fan shroud you have to losen the rad. You can also remove the entire front bumper assembly. A PITA......but you will have great access!
I'm pretty sure the fan comes on whenever the AC is running, that's normal for most cars because they AC simply will not work without airflow when idling.
When our fan module was failing that was the first thing I noticed... AC blowing warm at red lights.
The forums provide mixed information on this. Some say the fan always comes on when the AC (compressor) is running, but I've also read that the fan will start spinning on low speed only if the pressure in the AC system rises above a certain pressure.
It's still cold enough outside that I'm not sure if high temps and pressure are reached to trigger the fan.
The oooling fan module can be removed without removing the cooling fan assembly or radiator. Disconnect it and undo the screws.
The fan speed is controlled at 4 levels:
- Run-on occurs in 3 stages (i.e. depressing the fan speed)
- The engine cooling fan is activated a certain time after the engine has been switched off to protect various engine components from overheating
- The time the fan is activated and the speed of the fan is dependent on the coolant temperature and the driver's driving style (engine load) when the engine is switched off
- The hotter the engine and the hotter the load, the higher the fan speed and the longer run-on time. The maximum time of run-on is 360 seconds
The EFCM can, by modulating the PWM control signal, inform the ECM about the fan's status and any faults.
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is located in the thermal control module and secured in the housing with a clip. The ECT sensor provides
an engine coolant temperature signal to the Engine Control Module (ECM). The signal is used by the ECM to control the operation of the 2 cooling fans.
The temperature of the cooling system is constantly monitored by the ECM via the ECT sensor signal. The ECM uses the ECT signal to control operation of the cooling fans, and to adjust engine fueling. The ECM also operates the fans in response to inputs from the automatic transmission oil temperature sensor, Air Conditioning (A/C) system control switch, and the A/C pressure sensor.
The forums provide mixed information on this. Some say the fan always comes on when the AC (compressor) is running, but I've also read that the fan will start spinning on low speed only if the pressure in the AC system rises above a certain pressure.
It's still cold enough outside that I'm not sure if high temps and pressure are reached to trigger the fan.
In that case you can probably still verify it by turning the AC down to max blast cold, and opening all the doors. Trying to cool the entire planet should make it work hard enough to turn the fan on. Assuming the outside air temp is more than about 60*F.
Getting that fan plug disconnected from the bottom side of the fan module is difficult. The intake manifold doesn't allow much room to reach in. I'm working on some creative solutions...
It's not difficult, you just need the right tool, the same tool I used to use to change the headlight bulb on my Mercedes ML550, where the owner's manual said to take it to the dealer.
It's a pity the grill isn't removable. To remove the fan shroud you have to losen the rad. You can also remove the entire front bumper assembly. A PITA......but you will have great access!
I thought the front bumper is normally removed to replace the radiator. For the fan replacement, does the intake manifold need to be removed to make working room?
