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Honda Civic Radiator Fan Not Working (How To)

Your Honda Civic’s radiator fan is the part of your car that is charged with circulating cool air through your radiator. This prevents your radiator and engine from overheating. When you open your Honda Civic’s hood, you can locate the radiator fan between your radiator and your engine. Usually, you notice that your radiator fan is not working when you get to. a stoplight or any other time that your car is idling, and it overheats.

A common reason for a Honda Civic radiator fan not working is a faulty cooling fan relay. This relay acts as a switch, controlling power to the fan. Replacing the faulty relay can often solve the problem, restoring the fan’s operation and preventing the engine from overheating.

Hand touching car radiator cap

Another potential cause could be a malfunctioning engine coolant temperature sensor. This sensor monitors the engine’s temperature and signals the fan to turn on when necessary. If it’s not working correctly, it’s like having a broken thermostat in your home; you won’t get the cooling you need. Replacing the sensor ensures the fan operates at the right times, keeping the engine at an optimal temperature.

Additionally, the issue might stem from a blown fuse. The fan’s electrical circuit has a fuse designed to protect it from damage caused by a high current. If this fuse blows, the circuit is broken, and the fan won’t operate, similar to how a broken chain in a bicycle stops it from moving. Checking and replacing the blown fuse can reconnect the circuit, allowing the fan to function properly again.

Honda Civic Fan Not Turning On (Steps to Troubleshoot)

Car mechanic looking under hood

If you’re operating your Honda Civic and your radiator fan is not turning on, this can not only lead to damage but can also cause your car to overheat and stall. Like with most issues that you face with your Honda Civic, it comes down to troubleshooting to rule out areas until you can target the problem area.

If your Honda Civic fan is not turning on, you will first need to get a power probe. This is a tool that will hook onto your battery. Check the connector for your radiator fan. If you hit the negative side of the power probe and it beeps, that means there is no power. You then want to hit the positive side.

This will give your radiator fan power and the fan should come on. What this rules out is that there is an issue with your car’s motor. If you give it a positive charge and the radiator fan does not turn on, you will need to replace the motor. Over time, your Honda Civic radiator motor can face damage due to overuse.

If the issue is not with the motor, the next place to check is your relay. This is located in the fusebox and is the one closest to your dash. Check your relay for power, you should check both of the areas, with first the negative side with your power probe to determine if there is power. Then use the positive side to see if your radiator fan turns on. 

If your relay is not working, it is also connected to your engine coolant temperature sensor. Replay your relay and check again to see if you can get any power. If not, you need to locate your engine coolant temperature sensor. Your engine coolant temperature switch is damaged if you use your power switch and there is no power. 

If the fan turns on, there is no issue with your wiring or connectors. If it does not turn on, check all connecting wires to make sure that they are not damaged and properly secured. You can also use compressed air, holding it at least ten inches away, to blow out any dust or debris before trying to reattach them again. If your wires themselves are damaged, you will need to replace them.

If none of these steps solve your issue, the issue lies with your radiator fan itself. To replace your radiator fan you want to first disconnect your coolant sensor and make sure your upper and lower hoses. Next, you can lift the radiator fan up and out. You may have to shift it from side to side slightly to get it to move. 

Once it’s out, the part that you want to remove the black cap from the old one and put it on a new radiator fan. To reinstall your radiator fan, reinsert it and make sure to insert the pegs on the bottom into the holes at the bottom. At the top, you need to make sure to line up the holes with the hoses.

There are also two bolts at the top of your radiator fan. Make sure to screw these in tightly. With the movement of your radiator fan and your car, the last thing you want to happen is to have your new radiator fan lose while you are driving. 

After your new radiator fan is attached, plug your coolant sensor back in and reattach your hoses to both the top and your coolant hose to your coolant container. You’ll find clips for your coolant container, there will be some at the bottom as well as the top. There is also a bolt that secures your coolant.

Honda Civic Radiator Fan Always On (Steps to Troubleshoot)

Close up of car radiator

Your Honda Civic radiator fan should only be on when necessary. If your fan is always running even when your engine is off this is usually an indication of a simple problem. While addressing the issue may be simple, it is something that you should fix as soon as possible.

If your Honda Civic radiator fan is always running, the first place to check is the fan relay. You can find the relay located inside the fuse box. You can test this easily by tapping it. If your fan goes off, then it’s the fan relay.

To fix this issue, you simply have to replace your fan relay. After replacing it your radiator fan should stop running. If you do not replace your fan relay and let your radiator fan continue to run, you’ll find that your car’s battery will be drained. A relay is a cheap and quick fix. 

Honda Civic Radiator Fan Not Working

Hand touching car radiator cap

When your Honda Civic radiator fan is not working, it’s not only frustrating, but can damage your car. You’ll typically notice that your radiator fan is not working if your car overheats or stalls often when it is idling.

When it comes to your Honda Civic radiator not working, the first place to check is your fuses. Fuses can easily blow and lead to parts of your car’s mechanics not working. If the fuses are fine, the next place that you want to check is your actuator.

If no power comes from it, it can be a sign of deeper issues, such as your engine coolant switch or the actuator itself. You should also inspect the wiring to ensure it is connected properly and there are no signs of damage. 

Over time, dust and debris can build up in connectors, which can cause an interruption in the signal. Using compressed air, holding it at least ten inches away to prevent damage, your can clean out these connection ports. When you reattach them, ensure that they are secure, otherwise, your radiator fan will not work properly. You should also ensure that your coolant levels are not low.

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Copyright protected article by Know My Auto and was first published on Aug 17, 2022. .

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