Radiator fan

1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
130,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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GLEQ
  • MEMBER
  • 15 POSTS
I had the hood up with the engine in idle and noticed that the big fan on the radiator was not spinning. I don't know if it is just waiting to go on until the car starts going in gear, or if it needs to be replaced. Is this fan always supposed to be running?
May 27, 2019 at 2:09 PM
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STEVE W.
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 15,394 POSTS
That fan is controlled by a couple items. The first is the coolant temperature. Once the coolant reaches a certain temperature (around 215-220 degrees) the fan will come on until the temperature drops. The second would be if you have the air conditioning on, that will usually run the fan to keep air moving over the condenser. The rest of the time it will be off. Sounds like your's is working as it should.
May 27, 2019 at 4:13 PM
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