Why is the radiator fan not working on my Chevy Sonic?

Possible Causes of Radiator Fan Not Working on Chevy Sonic
There can be several reasons why the radiator fan is not working on your Chevy Sonic. Here are some possible causes to consider:
1. Blown fuse: A blown fuse can prevent the radiator fan from working properly.
2. Faulty relay: A faulty relay can also cause the radiator fan to stop working.
3. Broken wire: A broken wire in the fan circuit can disrupt the flow of electricity and prevent the fan from functioning.
4. Faulty coolant temperature sensor: A faulty coolant temperature sensor may not send the correct signals to the fan, causing it to malfunction.
5. Low coolant level: A low coolant level can affect the proper functioning of the radiator fan.
6. Worn fan clutch: Over time, the fan clutch can wear out, leading to improper fan operation.
7. Defective fan motor: If the fan motor itself is defective, it may need to be replaced.
Troubleshooting Steps
To diagnose and fix the issue, you can try the following steps:
1. Check the coolant level: Ensure that the coolant level is sufficient and there are no leaks.
2. Inspect the fuse: Check the fuse related to the radiator fan and replace it if necessary.
3. Test the relay: Test the relay responsible for controlling the radiator fan and replace it if needed.
4. Inspect the wiring: Examine the wiring for any signs of damage or loose connections. Repair or replace any faulty wires.
5. Check the coolant temperature sensor: Test the coolant temperature sensor to ensure it is functioning correctly. Replace it if necessary.
6. Inspect the fan clutch: If everything else seems fine, inspect the fan clutch for signs of wear. If worn, consider replacing it.
7. Consider professional help: If you are unable to diagnose or fix the issue yourself, it may be best to consult a qualified mechanic or technician for further assistance.
Please note that these are general troubleshooting steps, and it is always recommended to consult the vehicle’s manual or seek professional help for a more accurate diagnosis and repair.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

How much does it cost to replace a radiator fan in a Chevy Sonic?

between $495 and $515
The average cost for a Chevrolet Sonic Radiator Fan Assembly Replacement is between $495 and $515. Labor costs are estimated between $78 and $99 while parts are typically priced around $416. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location.

Should radiator fan turn on when AC is on?

First, run the AC and see if the radiator fan runs: it’s supposed to run with the AC by default. If it doesn’t run, you likely have a low level of refrigerant in the system or a faulty switch or a sensor, or a bad fan motor, fuse, relay, or a wiring problem.

How do I know if my radiator fan fuse is blown?

You might see a temperature light pop up on your dashboard. In this case stop driving immediately. And turn off your car. The fifth symptom is a blown cooling fan fuse.

What causes a radiator fan to not turn on?

The most common reasons for a radiator fan not working can be a blown-out fuse, a bad relay, or a broken wire. The faulty coolant temp sensor might also be a reason behind it. Whatever the case, a dysfunctional radiator fan can be fatal.

What sensor turns on the radiator fan?

Yes, the coolant temperature sensor is an important component in controlling the radiator fan in many modern vehicles. The coolant temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the engine coolant and sends this information to the engine control module (ECM), which uses it to determine when to turn on the radiator fan.

Is it bad to drive with a broken radiator fan?

Driving for any prolonged period without an operating radiator fan is very likely to overheat your engine and result in an extremely expensive engine repair bill. This means that having your car towed to your mechanic is the smart move, once you are aware that you have this type of problem.

What stops a radiator fan from working?

It could be a problem with the fan motor, temperature sensor, fan control relay, or wiring. The Check Engine Light might come on. With modern cars, a DTC will be triggered that illuminates the light on the dash when it exceeds normal operating temperatures. It might be accompanied by a message on the cluster too.

What triggers the radiator fan to turn on?

engine temperature
The engine temperature should trigger the fan to turn on. It will also turn the fan off once the engine has cooled to under 200 degrees. You may have heard of a part called the radiator fan switch or temperature fan switch. This is linked to a thermostat and works much like your home’s HVAC system.

Can you drive with a broken radiator fan?

Can you still drive if the radiator fan is not working? If you’re moving, air will flow over the radiator and cool it down. However, when you come to a stop, or get stuck in stop and go traffic, you’re going to overheat. If you have to drive the car without the fans, make sure to turn your heater on to full blast.

What tells the radiator fan to turn on?

On most modern cars, the cooling fan is controlled by the Engine Control Unit (ECU) which gets a signal from the coolant temperature sensor.