Why does my car fan spin when the engine is off?

Why does my car fan spin when the engine is off?

Fan spins after engine shut-down might indicate a weak clutch. Silicone fluid leaking from the fan clutch would cause this problem. When the engine is off, there are a few things you can do to check the fan clutch: Spin the fan. Electronic types might freewheel, but most fan clutches should spin with a little effort.

When does the thermo coolant fan switch shut off?

As engine temperature rises to a specific threshold, the switch is activated powering on the coolant fan. The coolant fan will continue to run until the engine temperature cools down to a specific predetermined level. Once the temperature reaches this cooling stage, the coolant fan will shut off.

What are the symptoms of a bad coolant fan switch?

A common sign of a faulty switch, which can also be alarming, is that the switch will simply not turn the fans on at the predetermined temperature level resulting in engine heat climbing above what it should be in order to run effectively.

How does a coolant fan switch work on a car?

A coolant fan switch is a small and very simple switch comprised of typically two wires. This switch is configured to work based upon the temperature of the engine. As engine temperature rises to a specific threshold, the switch is activated powering on the coolant fan.

Is the car cooling fan still on when the engine is turned off?

Car Fan Still On When Engine is Turned Off. You park your car, turn off the ignition and start walking away. Then you notice the engine cooling fan is still running even though the car is turned off. It is ok for the engine cooling fan to keep running for a few minutes after turning off the car.

What does it mean when your radiator fan is not working?

This is what we call a blown fuse. A blown fuse is no big deal, and changing one does not cost a lot of money. If your car’s radiator fan is non-functional, check your car’s user manual and locate the fuse for the radiator fan controller or the fan.

Is it normal for a car fan to run all the time?

This is normal in many vehicles, such as BMW or Mercedes-Benz. The radiator fan may run up to five minutes and sometimes longer. Unless there is an electrical issue, it may stay on all the time until it drains the battery. When the engine is running, the coolant circulates from the engine and flows to the radiator, where heat is dissipated.

What happens to the coolant when the engine is turned off?

When the engine is running, the coolant circulates from the engine 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.