What is this sound? Van won't start?

2001 DODGE VAN
160 MILES • AUTOMATIC
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DICKSONRED2
  • MEMBER
  • 19 POSTS
Okay the other day I looked down at the temperature gauge and it was overheated so I turned it off. Let it cool off then turn it back on. Got home and there was a humming noise that was going on. I thought it was just the fan cooling the engine off when I got to the house. Well apparently whatever this humming noise is continued all night long completely killed my battery and now I've charged up the battery. Tried two different batteries and it will not start. I thought maybe it was a fan stuck on but I don't see the fan moving at all. It starts as soon as I hook up the battery, Even without the key in the ignition. It seems to be coming from below the battery. Maybe Fan's not moving. I uploaded a video so you can see what I'm talking about. If you have any any idea what I should check I'd appreciate it.
Sep 4, 2026 at 3:49 PM

What to check next

Diagnostic guidance. Suggested checks and possible repairs are separate from the owner's reported results.

First identify the humming component and the actual cooling-fan arrangement. A stiff blade alone does not establish an electric fan-motor failure; a mechanically driven fan or clutch needs different evaluation. Keep hands away from fans and belts, and do not leave a suspected stalled electrical component energized unattended. Have a technician isolate the key-off electrical load using the vehicle's wiring information, then determine whether the no-start means no cranking or cranking without firing. Battery condition and the starting circuit need checking after the discharge. Separately inspect the cooling system before running or driving an engine that overheated. Replace a fan, relay or other component only after identifying the fault, then verify both cooling and normal key-off current draw. Separating these checks can show whether there is one shared problem or more than one.

Guidance references and applicability

Fluke: Automotive multimeter tests https://www.fluke.com/en-us/learn/blog/digital-multimeters/common-automotive-testing-with-a-multimeter General background for battery, starting-circuit and parasitic-drain diagnosis. HELLA: Cooling-system check https://www.hella.com/techworld/ae/technical/car-cooling-system/cooling-system-check/ General cooling checks. Neither reference identifies this van's fan arrangement or the humming component.

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AI-ASSISTED GUIDANCE · REVIEWED BY 2CARPROS
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,549 POSTS
Yep, the video can help but I don't see it, can you re-upload it please? Is there a chance the cooling fan is trying to run be cant, like the fan blade is stuck on something? Also want kind of van is this?
Sep 5, 2026 at 9:12 AM
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DICKSONRED2
  • MEMBER
  • 19 POSTS
Sorry it's a 2001 Dodge ram van 2500 and the fan blade feels stiff so I think motors locked up
Sep 6, 2026 at 1:04 PM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,549 POSTS
Yep, you have found the problem, they should turn easily/freely. I would replace the fan motor assembly.
Sep 7, 2026 at 9:24 AM
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Discussion summary

What is this sound? Van won't start?

The owner described overheating followed by a persistent key-off humming noise, overnight battery discharge and a no-start despite charging and trying another battery. They later identified the vehicle as a 2001 Dodge Ram Van 2500 and said a fan blade felt stiff. A contributor recommended a fan motor, but the referenced video was unavailable and the component was not verified.

Reported outcome: No fan replacement, electrical-load diagnosis or restored starting was reported.

The engine, fan arrangement and no-start type were not established. The mentioned video was not available for review. A locked electric fan motor is not a confirmed diagnosis.

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AI-ASSISTED SUMMARY · REVIEWED BY 2CARPROS
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