Signs of a Failed Cooling Fan in Your Volvo
The cooling system of your engine works tirelessly to keep your engine comparatively cool and fully functioning no matter how far you drive. If your engine is overheating, the most likely culprit is a malfunctioning radiator fan, which is also called a cooling fan. This is a critical part of your vehicle’s cooling system. Your Volvo’s radiator needs to be properly cooled in order to function as designed to keep the rest of your engine running at optimal temperatures. Let’s take a closer look in the article below.
Possible Causes of Cooling Fan Malfunction
If your radiator isn’t cooled due to a faulty or broken cooling fan, it can mean catastrophic disaster for the rest of your engine. This can be avoided if you know some of the most common signs and symptoms:
Dirty Air Filter
Your cooling fan will collect dust, dirt, and other debris over time, which will block the fan’s airflow and cause the engine to overheat.
Clutch Assembly Failure
Your cooling system clutch assembly is what keeps the radiator fan attached to the engine, which in turn ensures it has enough power to propel. If the clutch assembly is worn or broken, the fan can stop working as well.
Wear and Tear
As with any car part, eventually your cooling fan can wear out. When this occurs, it’s simply time to replace the worn parts.
Sensor Failure
The temperature sensor dictates to the Volvo’s cooling system if the engine is hot enough to require a cool-down. The sensor takes the temperature and initiates the fan if the engine registers as too hot – therefore, a bad or failed sensor equals a cooling fan that doesn’t turn on.
Low on Radiator Fluid (Coolant)
Radiator fluid is critical to the functioning and longevity of your engine. If it is running low, it may not cause the fan itself to stop working but it can cause your cooling system to not function as effectively. Keeping your fluid topped off and free of contaminants is essential to preventing engine overheating.
Electrical Issues
Electrical problems can also contribute to cooling fan malfunction, such as issues caused by bad wiring, which corrodes over time. This will impede communication within your vehicle’s internal systems. Faulty fuses can lead to windows and doors locks malfunctioning as well as a break down of your Volvo’s cooling fan.
Signs of a Malfunctioning Cooling Fan
If you have symptoms of cooling fan malfunction, it will negatively affect your car’s systems in different ways. If you see any of these symptoms, you should bring you car to a trusted mechanic as soon as possible:
Overheated Engine
If your engine is running hotter than usual, your vehicle’s cooling fan could be damaged and needs repair to keep your engine’s systems from overheating.
Battery Drainage
If your vehicle appears to be running on low battery, or your battery completely dies frequently, this may be due to overworked cooling fans or fans that run when your car is off.
Noises
If you suspect your heating fan may have some of the above symptoms, and then you begin to hear noises as well, this could be due to a loose bearing within the fan’s motor, which will then produce a loud rattling or clanking noise.
Preventative Measures
Preventative measures for keeping your air filter flowing free include changing your air filter frequently to keep your cooling system free of dust and dangerous clogs, servicing your Volvo at a certified mechanic frequently as dictated by your vehicle’s maintenance schedule, and maintaining your lubrication levels. From oil to transmission fluid, if your engine is running low on any lubricant, add more and/or have your vehicle inspected for potential leaks and friction problems.
Munich West Will Help
If your Volvo’s radiator fan is exhibiting 
symptoms of distress, then it’s time to bring your car in to the maintenance experts at Munich West for a diagnosis and proper fix. Munich West of Decatur and Atlanta, Georgia has been helping European import owners of all makes and models with their mechanical troubles since 1976. We offer shuttle service, tow service, and a full over-the-counter parts department, so you can be sure your life doesn’t stop just because your radiator fan does.
